Arco is an upcoming animated sci-fi fantasy feature directed by French filmmaker Ugo Bienvenu, celebrated for his unique visual style.
The story follows a 10-year-old boy from a serene, technologically advanced future who accidentally travels to the year 2075, where he encounters a planet devastated by environmental collapse. There, he befriends a young girl and her robot companion, and together they set out on a journey to return Arco to his own time, while uncovering a deeper truth that may hold the key to saving their world.
The film has already drawn widespread acclaim, taking home the Cristal Award for Best Feature Film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Neon acquired North American distribution rights following its Cannes screening.
From that premiere, the film holds an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 11 reviews. In their review, The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Arco roots for a future in which humans do survive. The film aims to inspire action and stave off despair with a reminder that the most powerful tool younger generations can wield is their imagination."
Produced by Natalie Portman’s company, mountainA, the project has been created in both French and English versions. The English-language cast features a star-studded lineup, including Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Flea, Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, and Andy Samberg.
Speaking to IndieWire earlier this year, Portman revealed that she was in love with Bienvenu's unique art style. "We were amazed when we saw the original artwork,” Portman told shared with the site. “Ugo’s style is so unique and gorgeous. It’s just like a next level of animation. And the story, of course, is so hopeful and inspiring. It’s exactly what we want to put out into the world.”
The director also added, "I didn’t want them to see my work as just science fiction or art. My kids, and a lot of people, feel anxious. I wanted to give them hope. A hug. Something that says: let’s go, together, and build something better. It’s like, my Beatles moment. I needed this film. I needed hope, I needed light, I needed colors."
Arco is slated for U.S. release on November 14, 2025.
"A magical and beautifully animated journey through time, Arco is a dazzling adventure about a 10-year-old boy from a peaceful, distant future who accidentally travels back to the year 2075 and discovers a world in peril. As Arco develops a charming and touching friendship with a young girl named Iris, they band together and along with her trusted robot caretaker Mikki, set out on a quest to get Arco home, while the two children may also be the only ones who can save our planet. A wondrous odyssey filled with hope and optimism for our future, Arco is an enchanting fable from breakout filmmaker Ugo Bienvenu, produced by Remembers’ Bienvenu and Felix de Givry, and mountainA’s Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas."