by Henry Pham
Just you know, this animated-fantasy film was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film earlier this month and is currently nominated for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature, which will take place in two months. Arco takes place in the future in the year 2932, and focuses on the ten-year-old boy named Arco, who time-travels to the year 2075, where he meets and befriends Iris. His time-travel device is broken, and with her help, he attempts to find a way to return to the future, while pursued by three conspiracy theorists determined to prove that Arco has traveled from the future. With that, Arco and Iris must work together and along with her trusted robot caretaker Mikki, set out on a quest to get Arco home, while the former two may also be the only ones who can save the planet.
Juliano Krue Valdi and Romy Fay voice Arco and Iris in the English dub. Arco, who time-travels several centuries into the past, seeks to return to his own era. Along the way, he meets Iris, a girl from 2075 who helps him understand humanity’s future. Their performances are standout elements, bringing energy and authenticity to their roles. The supporting English cast, including Mark Ruffalo (Avengers films, Poor Things), Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Thor films), Will Ferrell (Elf, HBO’s Succession), Flea (Back to the Future films), Andy Samberg (NBC’s Saturday Night Live), and America Ferrera (Barbie), further enrich the story with emotional depth.
With Oscar-winner Natalie Portman as a producer, Ugo Bienvenu writes, produces, and directs this animated film. The story explores themes of time travel, family, the future, and nature. The pacing is well-executed, showcasing strong artistry and international animation influences. The chemistry between Arco and Iris is engaging, filled with warmth and emotion, and reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s work. The film also offers an original narrative that remains engaging throughout, supported by impressive animation, characters, dialogue, and special effects. It is not perfect as a whole, but it is very touching and perfectly executed thanks to the director and the animation team, who successfully created a signature animated dish that is original, recognisable, and new.
As a film lover, film critic, and animation lover at heart, it is difficult to find some good animated films like this around here. My guess is that most fans, critics, and audiences are just too picky to watch something outside of Hollywood, which is why cinema and animation are dying in these modern times. Arco is a beautiful 88-minute animated piece that takes influences from The Jetsons and Back to the Future. It is gorgeous, adventurous, and colorful from the animation style in the film. I saw this during the awards-consideration season at least a few months ago, and I say it is a bit of a tearjerker, especially towards the end. We need animated movies instead of sequels and reboots. If you’re reluctant to go, please don’t be and just have fun watching it with an open mind. I promise you, it will tear your heart personally and mentally.
GRADE: B+