‘Arco’ Review: Ambitious Animation Upends What a Kids Movie Can Be

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Watching Ugo Bienvenu’s Arco feels like a return to a time when children’s movies were more original. The film confidently establishes its own unique identity, avoiding unnecessary explanations and immediately immersing you in a futuristic world that’s both visually simple and surprisingly ambitious.

The story begins with a curious idea: what if rainbows were actually people from the future? It’s a world where Earth is falling apart, and people live in cities in the sky. Time travel is possible using special, colorful coats that create rainbow paths. Arco, a 12-year-old boy, can’t wait for his turn to travel, so he borrows his sister’s coat and accidentally gets sent much further back in time – from the year 2932 all the way to 2075.

The story unfolds in a unique world—a mix of classic suburban life and futuristic technology, where robots primarily raise children. Here, Arco encounters Iris, a young woman longing for a life beyond her isolated house. Her parents are frequently absent, leaving a robot caretaker for her and her brother, and Arco’s arrival disrupts the quiet sadness of her routine. What follows is a small adventure: Iris helps Arco find his way home, while also hoping to break free from her own dull life.

It’s clear from the start that Arco is heavily inspired by classic Japanese animation, drawing from the imaginative world-building of Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy and the storytelling style and themes found in Hayao Miyazaki’s films. Arco is visually stunning because Bienvenu skillfully blends these influences with his own unique take on a fairy tale. The film stands out for its meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of its design, particularly the incredibly detailed and realistic backgrounds. A key element of the film’s beauty and meaning is the contrast between vast natural landscapes and impressive, beautifully rendered technological advancements – even when robots take over the screen.


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I’ve always loved how films like Miyazaki’s, and even some American animation, subtly explore our worries about the future of the planet. That same thoughtful tension between technology and the natural world is at the heart of Arco‘s story. What really struck me is how it handles these big themes without ever feeling like it’s lecturing you. It takes its time, and the characters treat the audience with respect – it’s so refreshing! Honestly, it’s a relief to see a film that doesn’t talk down to you, rely on silly jokes, or pretend to be an expert on kids’ feelings. Can we please move past the trope of overly dramatic, ‘realistic’ panic attacks in children’s movies?

It’s easy to appreciate a film like Arco, especially now when many children’s cartoons feel preachy. Arco is simply a fun and captivating movie. The characters are likable and well-developed, from the dedicated robot Mikki (voiced by both of Iris’ parents) to the three silly brothers who start as possible enemies but eventually join the team to figure out what’s real and what’s not. The story also feels meaningful, as Arco’s decisions have lasting consequences and Iris struggles with loneliness and wanting to achieve her goals. The fact that Arco and Iris (whose names combined mean “rainbow” in Spanish) face real challenges, even with the time travel element, makes the film more than just light entertainment.


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What truly sets Arco apart is its ability to capture the magic of both classic children’s films and traditional fairy tales. It’s reminiscent of Peter Pan, offering a similarly playful and adventurous spirit, even within a more contained story. Director Bienvenu skillfully balances moments of heartfelt reflection with exciting action, like several thrilling chases and attempts at flight. One particularly imaginative scene features the children’s school transforming into a giant, interactive diorama, though this clever set piece could have been used even more.

As a huge animation fan, I was really impressed with the English dub of Arco. The voice cast – Romy Fay, Juliano Krue Valdi, Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, Andy Samberg, Flea, and America Ferrera – were perfectly chosen and brought so much to their characters. It’s a great way to introduce the film to younger English-speaking viewers, but honestly, even as an adult, I found myself completely drawn in. You can definitely see echoes of other stories in Arco, but it doesn’t feel derivative. It’s a beautifully animated coming-of-age story that feels genuinely fresh and skillfully made – it really stands out from the crowd.

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2025-11-14 20:03