Why ‘Arco’ Is 2025’s Most Dazzling Animated Triumph

This year has seen a remarkable variety of animated features, yet one French fantasy has quietly set itself apart. While international productions like Ne Zha 2 and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle have drawn crowds, and recent years have given us the likes of Flow, The Boy and the Heron, and Pinocchio, there’s been a noticeable absence of a truly outstanding new release. Some of the more eagerly awaited titles, such as Pixar’s Elio and Andy Serkis’ take on Animal Farm, have not quite lived up to expectations.

Animation is often pigeonholed as children’s entertainment, but the most memorable works in the field have always managed to speak to all ages. The French project Arco may not attract the same numbers as Dog Man or The Bad Guys 2, yet it offers a story that simply could not be realised in live-action, brimming with depth and excitement.

Hopeful Futures and Clever Time Travel

Science fiction on screen tends to lean towards bleak, dystopian futures, but Arco takes a different tack, suggesting that optimism is possible if humanity can resist overdependence on technology. The film’s approach to time travel is particularly inventive, blending two eras in a way that feels fresh. The main action unfolds in 2075, a time when the planet’s resources have been all but exhausted and robots handle everyday tasks. The setting is uncomfortably plausible, until the arrival of Arco (voiced by Juliano Krue Valdi), who has journeyed back from the year 2932.

At its heart, Arco is a classic adventure, following a protagonist out of his element as he attempts to return home. Yet it also serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the long-term consequences of present-day choices. The inhabitants of 2075 may not see the effects of their actions, but by 2932, society has regressed to a primitive state reminiscent of early humans. The film explores the pain of lost potential, and the sense of responsibility that comes with it.

Characters, Colour, and Subtle Warnings

The story’s emotional core is Iris (Romy Fay), a young girl determined to ensure that the future is worth returning to. Arco himself seems quite content to remain in the past, but Iris’s resolve brings a sense of hope. The film is packed with mature themes, yet its vibrant visuals and playful humour make it accessible to younger viewers as well.

What sets Arco apart is its originality. It is not adapted from any existing story, though it nods to some of animation’s greats. The film’s gentle reverence for nature recalls the spirit of Studio Ghibli, while its energetic action sequences would not be out of place in a classic Disney fairy tale. The quirky, clumsy robots are reminiscent of the oddball creatures from the French cult favourite Fantastic Planet.

Independent Spirit and Lasting Impact

This year, Arco is among several releases from the independent distributor Neon, whose films often have a limited run in cinemas. Despite this, Arco is well worth seeking out. Its blend of optimism and inventiveness is a breath of fresh air in a landscape crowded with sequels and adaptations.

Arco is a rare original film that isn’t based on a previously existing work of fact or fiction, but it does pay tribute to some of the most legendary works of animation.

The film’s message lingers, offering a vision of the future that is both sobering and quietly hopeful.