Arco is one of those rare eco-disaster films that doesn’t bludgeon you with its messaging. The impacts are there. Natural disasters have shaped how humans live in the future. But that’s not what this story is about – at least, not directly.
There are two futures in competition for your attention in this story. A utopian dystopia in 2075 where advanced technology helps humanity survive weekly once-in-a-lifetime storms. And a time even further in the future, when humans embrace nature and enrich their lives through time travel.
One of those further-in-the-future people is a young kid who wants to see the dinosaurs. He accidentally travels back to 2075, where he meets a young girl who feels isolated by society’s reliance on technology. For instance, she and her baby brother are cared for by a charming nanny bot during the weekdays. Her parents work in the city and come home on the weekends. If they can.
Her life is a bit sad. But her world is breathtaking. Sure, it’s being constantly bombarded by natural disasters, but between storms, she lives in an idyllic country town with beautiful homes protected by advanced tech. The creative sci-fi conceptualism blows you away. Technology is thoughtfully layered throughout their lives, including how it’s used in immersive classrooms that will knock your socks off.
Kudos also to the real-world tech that brought this story to life. The visuals pop, move, and fill your eyes with color and texture. Director Ugo Bienvenu brilliantly used a mix of 2D, 3D, and rotoscope animation for adult character textures – a technique that adds realism to character movements.
Bienvenu said he conceived of the art before the story. That’s apparent at times. I often wondered, ‘What is this about?’ In the end, the message became clear: If you want change, make change. But be prepared for the change you make.
I can’t wait to see this movie again. It’s a spectacle. Unfortunately, it’s already gone from most theaters. I don’t understand this. A gorgeous and creative sci-fi film that feels like a lost Studio Ghibli anime (the most popular genre in the world right now) and features some of the biggest movie stars from the U.S. can’t find marketing or distribution?
If you get to see this potential Oscar winner in the theater, do so. It’s eye candy with a message. I imagine each viewing, I’ll glean a little more about what it’s saying and what it means. I’ll also ogle whatever screen it’s on; maybe even with a “perspective enhancer.” After the kids go down, of course.
🎬🎬🎬
Where to watch
Rating: PG (Me: 6+)
Director: Ugo Bienvenu
Starring (English Dub): Natalie Portman, America Ferrera, Will Ferrell, Mark Ruffalo, Andy Samberg, Flea
Run time: 1h 28m
Post-credits scenes: No
Bathroom breaks: I say hold it, but Run Pee says:
- 15:25 when the robot teacher is speaking.
- 51:40 when one of the funny-looking sunglasses brothers says, “Look at that! You guys!”
Sequel? For now there are no plans for a sequel.
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