This 93%-Rated Animated Masterpiece Got an Oscar Nod – But Almost No One Saw It

This year, everyone is talking about KPop Demon Hunters, while Arco, the debut feature from French animator Ugo Bienvenu, is flying under the radar.

Arco is a warm story about childhood loneliness, friendship, and finding your place in the world – even when you've traveled from the year 2932 to 2075. Here's why this movie deserves your attention far more than the big blockbusters.

What Is 'Arco' About?

Ten-year-old Arco lives in the year 2932. His family can time travel, but Arco is not allowed to do so until he turns 12. While his parents and older sister travel through time, Arco stays home to feed the cattle and pick apples.

One day, he puts on his sister's rainbow costume and jumps into the past. However, he does not go back to the dinosaur era – he goes to the year 2075. There, he meets Iris, a schoolgirl who is walking in the forest instead of going to school.

Iris has a difficult life too: her parents work in another city, a robot watches the children, and her only friend is her electronic guardian, Mikki.

'Arco' Is an Ultimate Pick for Fans of Studio Ghibli's Animations

Comparisons to Hayao Miyazaki are inevitable here – like the legendary Japanese master, Ugo Bienvenu pays meticulous attention to detail. The on-screen world is tangible: the Arco family's lush garden invites endless contemplation, and the small town of Iris evokes a desire to simply relax.

The soft lighting, emphasis on nature, and meditative pace all contribute to the creation of a unique atmosphere. However, Bienvenu doesn't imitate Ghibli – he offers his own visual language.

He adds vibrant colors, such as the traveler's rainbow suit, futuristic transportation in vibrant shades, and holograms and robots.

At the same time, the future in Arco is a surprisingly lonely place. Social contact is minimal, parents work hundreds of miles away, and children grow up with electronic nannies.

'Arco' Is a Life-Affirming Tale About Loneliness and Friendship

The central topic of Arco is childhood loneliness. This is a topic that filmmakers rarely tackle seriously, but Bienvenu does so with incredible tenderness.

From the very beginning, Arco is shown in a routine. He mechanically carries out his duties while his family travels through time and his existence is one of endless anticipation. Iris is also accustomed to being away from her parents, and her only companion is Mikki.

The two children's meeting becomes a salvation for both of them. They understand each other without words because they both know what it means to be unwanted.

Yes, the 89-minute running time makes the narrative feel somewhat rushed and leaves some plot lines underdeveloped. However, the magic of Arco outweighs these rough edges.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Arco'?

• Arco has 93% from critics and 88% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.3/10.

• On Letterboxd, Arco scored 3.9/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Arco'?

Arco is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video.