--- title: "Arco" year: 2025 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/arco" fi1m_id: "arco" imdb_id: "tt14883538" tmdb_id: 804370 wikidata_id: "Q134571218" fi1m_score: 74 critics_score: 71 critics_reviews: 16 published: "2026-10-03T03:55:14.631777+00:00" updated: "2026-10-03T03:55:25.064835+00:00" region: "LT" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Arco (2025) Directed by Ugo Bienvenu · 1h 29m · LT V · Adventure, Animation, Family, Science Fiction ## Identity Arco - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/arco - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** arco - **IMDb ID:** tt14883538 - **TMDB ID:** 804370 - **Wikidata ID:** Q134571218 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14883538/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/804370, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134571218 **Fi1m score: 74** · Critics 71 from 16 reviews *In a sentence:* The children and the robot can stay; the comic adults might consider another century > *Arco* is a warm, colourful family adventure that makes hope feel reasonable. Ugo Bienvenu gives its children enough curiosity to carry us through, though the time-travel rules and comic adults need more work. ## Synopsis In 2075, Iris (Margot Ringard Oldra) meets Arco (Oscar Tresanini), a boy who has arrived from the far future. His visit brings time travel into a childhood already shaped by climate catastrophe and technology, with an AI-powered nanny robot providing care. Mikki (voiced by Alma Jodorowsky and Swann Arlaud) is also part of the children’s world. As Iris and Arco get to know each other, their friendship connects two different futures. Rainbows may be people travelling through time, but the children have the immediate problems of a damaged world to contend with. ## Review *Arco* is worth an evening for anyone drawn to gentle family science fiction. Ugo Bienvenu builds an adventure around the idea that rainbows might be travellers from the future, then gives the children more to worry about than the workings of time travel. The environmental danger matters, but it does not make every encounter a lesson in despair. We liked the film most when it let curiosity and affection take their time; the more familiar business of comic adults and pursuit is less rewarding. The hand-drawn animation gives us good reasons to keep looking. The backgrounds are densely worked, and the contrasting worlds feel worth exploring before anyone explains what has happened to them. The attention to natural environments makes the environmental concern persuasive: there is something here we would regret losing. Some of the character animation feels stiff beside those surroundings, particularly when comedy requires a quickness that the figures do not always have. Arco (Oscar Tresanini) and Iris (Margot Ringard Oldra) give the film its strongest reason to continue. Their interest in one another is engaging without having to be made precocious, and the film allows their growing connection to matter. We were moved by their attachment to the AI-powered nanny robot. The children depend on its care, and their affection makes that dependence easy to understand. There is room here for a machine to be comforting without making the world around it safe. The screenplay, by Ugo Bienvenu and Félix de Givry, is less sure when it has to explain how this adventure works. The time-travel rules remain vague, so we spend too much effort wondering what is possible when we should be following the children. A family film need not supply a technical manual, but we should understand enough to know why an obstacle is difficult to overcome. Too often, the warmth has to carry passages that would benefit from clearer writing. Nathan Jacquard and Ugo Bienvenu edit with enough patience for the friendship, although the film sometimes stalls when it should be gathering speed. At 89 minutes, it has little need to hurry, but the comic adult trio still take up more space than their jokes earn. The chase material is similarly ordinary, particularly beside the invention of the backgrounds. Arnaud Toulon’s score is most persuasive alongside the children’s affection, where its warmth has something specific to support. The larger disappointment is how readily the story settles into familiar family-adventure patterns. A premise this strange invites us to expect more surprises than the script delivers, and the troublesome adults offer little resistance worth thinking about. Still, Ugo Bienvenu takes children’s concerns seriously enough to let the environmental trouble remain troubling. Even in the sweeter passages, the children inhabit a world affected by climate catastrophe and dependent on technology. We would choose *Arco* for a family evening with children who enjoy exploring an unfamiliar place as much as following a plot. Leave some time afterwards for their questions about the future; the film gives them reasonable cause for both worry and hope. Anyone expecting tightly worked science fiction should lower that expectation before settling in. *Fi1m score 74, published 3 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find Arco a charming, hopeful animated adventure, with praise clustering around its colourful visuals and the warmth of its young leads’ relationship. The detailed backgrounds and imaginative environments draw particular approval, while several reviews find its environmental concerns urgent without making its view of the future despairing. The children’s curiosity and affection give the science-fiction premise an emotional pull, even for critics who find the storytelling familiar. Reservations centre on a predictable plot, conspicuous influences and underdeveloped time-travel rules. The responses range from enthusiastic to mixed, with none wholly negative, though critics differ over how much the sweetness compensates for thin plotting. The Los Angeles Times questions the character animation and comic adult trio, departing from the broader visual praise. Eye for Film offers the sharpest reservation: its review argues that conservative values and dated visions of the future undermine the film’s hopeful outlook. ## Straight answers **Is Arco worth watching?** *Arco* is worth watching for families drawn to gentle science fiction, and we score it 74 out of 100. We find its curious children, comforting nanny robot and richly drawn environments more engaging than its comic adults and ordinary chases. It suits those happy to explore an unfamiliar future without expecting the time-travel rules to make complete sense. **How long is Arco, and what is it rated?** *Arco* runs 1h 29m and is rated V by the LT in Lithuania. It is an adventure and animation film. **Where can I watch Arco in Lithuania?** *Arco* is not on any streaming or rental service in Lithuania at the moment. It is available in 17 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily. **How does Arco compare to The Iron Giant?** *Arco* shares a tender friendship with a machine and an uneasy adult world with [*The Iron Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant), but we recommend the latter more strongly for its humour and emotional pull. *Arco* offers colourful, contrasting futures and thoughtful environmental concerns, though its comic adults are less rewarding. We would choose it for children who enjoy exploring strange worlds. **What should I watch after Arco?** After *Arco*, try [*The Iron Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant) (1999, Fi1m 88): Another friendship with a machine, with humour and an uneasy adult world. Then [*Petite Maman*](https://film.one/film/petite-maman) (2021, Fi1m 88): A quieter fantasy that takes children’s friendships seriously without explaining away their mystery; and [*Fantastic Planet*](https://film.one/film/fantastic-planet) (1973, Fi1m 80): For older viewers, an animated future with stranger creatures and less reassuring possibilities. ### Reviews we read (16) - **Empire**, John Nugent (80/100, inferred): The review finds Arco a charming, optimistic film with an urgent environmental message. It especially praises the colourful hand-drawn animation and the warmth of its characters. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/arco/) - **Little White Lies**, Michael Leader (4/4/4): The review finds the film charming, sincere, and infectious in its hope for the future. It particularly praises the vibrant visual design and the film’s imaginative, environmentally conscious worldbuilding. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/arco) - **Variety**, Carlos Aguilar (80/100, inferred): Aguilar finds the film wondrous and ultimately hopeful despite its climate-catastrophe premise. He praises its gorgeous, detailed backgrounds and Miyazaki-inspired natural environments. [Read](https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/arco-review-french-animation-natalie-portman-1236654201/) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Lovia Gyarkye (76/100, inferred): Gyarkye finds the film hopeful and sweet, praising its expressive animation and the bond between its young leads. She notes that the time-travel rules and a thread about cultural preservation feel underdeveloped. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/arco-review-natalie-portman-animation-1236215110/) - **Slant Magazine**, Justin Clark (3/4): Clark finds the film’s hopeful message convincing despite its portrait of a world in crisis. He praises its hand-painted animation and the childlike wonder and connection at its heart. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/arco-review-ugo-bienvenu/) - **IndieWire**, Christian Blauvelt (B-): Blauvelt finds the film imaginative, soulful, and emotionally stirring, though its predictable plot and conspicuous influences hold it back. He praises its vivid animation and hopeful vision of the future. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/arco-review-animated-film-1235123718/) - **Screen Daily**, Wendy Ide (70/100, inferred): Ide’s verdict is positive, describing the film as appealing. The review highlights its 2D time-travel animation and the premise of a boy from the far future landing in 2075. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/arco-review-natalie-portman-produces-appealing-french-time-travel-animation/5205962.article) - **The AV Club**, Jacob Oller (70/100, inferred): Oller finds Arco an endearing, breezy soft sci-fi story, though its themes and genre details remain underdeveloped. He especially praises the timeless curiosity and central relationship between the two young leads. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/chicago-international-film-festival-2025-arco-the-plague-kontinental-25) - **The Guardian**, Leslie Felperin (70/100, inferred): Felperin finds the film mostly fresh and emotionally affecting, despite a script that borrows too heavily from earlier science fiction. She particularly praises the bond between the children and their AI-powered nanny robot. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/18/arco-review-rainbow-eco-animation-natalie-portman-mark-ruffalo) - **The Observer**, Wendy Ide (70/100, inferred): Ide finds Arco charming despite its familiar plot and limited originality. She praises the richly detailed backgrounds for bringing its contrasting worlds vividly to life. [Read](https://observer.co.uk/culture/film/article/wendy-ides-pick-of-other-films-dead-mans-wire-broken-english-arco-and-more) - **Los Angeles Times**, Robert Abele (65/100, inferred): A sweet but slight animated adventure, Arco offers heartfelt optimism despite a story that sometimes stalls. Abele praises its beguiling earnestness and childlike imaginative daring, while faulting the lifeless character animation and comic adult trio. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-01-23/arco-review-eco-conscious-animation-adventure-ugo-bienvenu-france) - **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (3/5): The review frames the film as a kid-friendly, hopeful sci-fi adventure. It singles out its kaleidoscopic time-travelling premise, though the article body is unavailable to confirm further details. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/arco-review-2026) - **Den of Geek**, Joe George (85/100, inferred): The review finds Arco a rich, beautiful family film that stands apart from conventional animation. It praises the film’s imaginative visual style and its humane, thoughtful portrait of children’s lives shaped by technology. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/arco-the-most-wondrous-animated-movie-of-the-year-is-finally-in-theaters/) - **The Wrap** (68/100, inferred): The critic finds “Arco” sweet and immersive, though its gentle approach sometimes makes the film dull. They praise its colorful animation and hopeful vision, while faulting the weak antagonists and underwhelming chase. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/arco-review-ugo-bienvenu-neon/) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (55/100, inferred): The critic finds Arco worthwhile but says it falls short of Flow and Robot Dreams. He praises its colorful visuals and climate-change message, while noting its young audience focus. [Read](https://deadline.com/2025/06/arco-review-natalie-portman-time-traveling-toon-annecy-1236430541/) - **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (48/100, inferred): Kermode finds Arco a sweet, hopeful story whose conservative values and dated futures undercut its promise. She praises its simple, attractive animation, while criticizing the annoying adult characters and lack of depth. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/arco-2025-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) ## Details - **Director:** Ugo Bienvenu - **Director:** Ugo Bienvenu - **Writer:** Ugo Bienvenu, Félix de Givry - **Editor:** Nathan Jacquard, Ugo Bienvenu - **Music:** Arnaud Toulon - **Producer:** Natalie Portman, Sophie Mas, Félix de Givry - **Cast:** Margot Ringard Oldra as Iris (voice); Oscar Tresanini as Arco (voice); Nathanaël Perrot as Clifford (voice); Alma Jodorowsky as Jeanne / Mikki (voice); Swann Arlaud as Tom / Mikki (voice); Vincent Macaigne as Dougie (voice); Louis Garrel as Stewie (voice); William Lebghil as Frankie (voice) - **Runtime:** 1h 29m - **Certificate (LT):** V - **Release (Lithuania):** 10 April 2026 - **Genres:** Adventure, Animation, Family, Science Fiction - **Budget:** $10 million - **Box office:** $5 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Tpaj-Iet8 ## Where to watch in Lithuania Not streaming, renting or buying in Lithuania at the last check. Also available in: AR, AU, BR, CA, CL, CO, ES, FR, GB, IE, IT, KR, MX, PA, PL, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2025: Best Animated Feature (nominated) - Annecy Cristal for a Feature Film 2025: Annecy Cristal for a Feature Film (won) - BAFTA Film Awards 2025: Best Children's & Family Film (nominated) - Critics' Choice Awards 2025: Best Animated Feature (nominated) ## If you liked this - *The Iron Giant* (1999), Fi1m 88: Another friendship with a machine, with humour and an uneasy adult world. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant.md) - *The Girl Who Leapt Through Time* (2006): A young time traveller discovers that ordinary friendships can complicate extraordinary freedom. - *Boy and the World* (2013): A child’s view of environmental damage, told through adventurous colour and movement. - *Petite Maman* (2021), Fi1m 88: A quieter fantasy that takes children’s friendships seriously without explaining away their mystery. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/petite-maman.md) - *Fantastic Planet* (1973), Fi1m 80: For older viewers, an animated future with stranger creatures and less reassuring possibilities. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/fantastic-planet.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/arco