Arco (2025) Review
Curious about time travel? If you liked Back to the Future, you’ll want to check out Arco. This French animated film, directed by Ugo Bienvenu and Gilles Cazaux, explores a world where robots care for children while parents are busy working. Parents can connect, but the face-to-face time is lacking. This creates a gap in the essential human connection during the important childhood years.
The story centers on Iris (voiced by Romy Fay), a young girl who unexpectedly meets Arco (Juliano Krue Valdi), a 10-year-old boy from the future. Arco travels through a rainbow to 2075, where he and Iris form a bond. However, their friendship is threatened when things take a wild turn.
In one memorable scene, Iris’s parents (voiced by Mark Ruffalo and Natalie Portman) try to contact Arco’s parents—but since they haven’t had Arco yet, the call fails. This unique premise is further spiced up by three quirky conspiracy theorists: Dougie (Will Ferrell), Stewie (Andy Samberg), and Frankie (Flea). Their wild antics add humor and unexpected twists to the story.
The film features Mikki, a robot nanny voiced by both Ruffalo and Portman. Mikki puts himself at risk to protect Iris and Arco during perilous events, like wildfires, showcasing a non-human figure with heroic qualities. This mix of danger and comedy makes the film surprising and enjoyable.
While Arco appears kid-friendly, its themes resonate more with older children and adults. It explores ideas of friendship, longing, and the sacrifices parents make to connect with their kids. Arco yearns to return to his family, while Iris wishes to join him. It’s a classic tale of friendship with a futuristic twist.
Despite being visually stunning, Arco sometimes feels heavy with its themes, which may not resonate with younger audiences. The film cleverly represents rainbows in a unique way but doesn’t fully address all the issues it raises. Nonetheless, it received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, making it stand out in a year lacking strong animated films.
Interestingly, the use of conspiracy theorists serves as comic relief. Their offbeat and colorful personalities contrast the film’s more serious themes. Overall, the voice acting is top-notch, making the English dub accessible for those who prefer not to read subtitles.
At its core, Arco highlights the importance of human companionship in a rapidly changing world. The film challenges viewers to consider the future where robotic caregivers might replace personal connections. Ultimately, Arco is a sweet story about friendship, exploring the extent kids will go to find genuine companionship.
Rating: 8/10
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