In 2075, a girl witnesses a mysterious boy in a rainbow suit fall from the sky. He comes from an idyllic far future where time travel is possible. She shelters him and will do whatever it takes to help him return to his time.

‘Arco’ is a French animated sci-fi film set in a future where time travel is part of everyday life, though only for those old enough to use it. The young central character, frustrated at being left out, ends up experimenting with it anyway, only to accidentally send himself back to a time he didn’t intend, leaving him stranded and trying to find a way home.

It’s a bright and colourful film with a clear visual identity, and the world-building is handled neatly, introducing its ideas without getting bogged down in explanation. While the premise suggests something more expansive, the film uses its sci-fi elements fairly lightly, treating them more as a framework than the main focus of the story.

Instead, ‘Arco’ leans into a more emotional, character-driven approach, using its setup to explore themes of isolation, growing up and the need for connection. It doesn’t fully unpack every idea it introduces, but it adds in enough fun elements to remain engaging throughout. Crucially, it builds towards a strong emotional payoff that really only works because of its sci-fi premise, using time and distance in a way that lands effectively. Nominated for Best Animated Film at the Oscars, it’s a thoughtful, well-crafted film that balances its ideas with a genuine sense of feeling.

Rating: 3/5

Directed By: Ugo Bienvenu

Starring: Swann Arlaud, Alma Jodorowsky, Margot Ringard Oldra, Oscar Tresanini, Vincent Macaigne, Louis Garrel, William Lebghil and Oxmo Puccino

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt14883538/