The movie you’re asking about is likely “Arco,” a 2025 animated film directed by Ugo Bienvenu that tells a heartwarming story about friendship, hope, and human connection in a world transformed by climate change and technology.
The film follows a young boy named Arco who lives in a time-traveling society where people can move between different eras. Arco becomes frustrated with his family and the restrictions placed on him, particularly because he doesn’t yet have the patience or the proper age to use time travel responsibly. In a moment of youthful rebellion, he steals his sister’s flying cloak, which is brightly colored and resembles a rainbow. This impulsive action sends him soaring through time, and he accidentally lands in the year 2075, a future that is dramatically different from his own time period.
The world Arco discovers in 2075 is one where climate change has become catastrophic and seemingly at its most dangerous point. Robots have taken over the majority of the workforce, and human society has been fundamentally transformed by these technological changes. The planet is plagued by nonstop storms and wildfires that terrorize the landscape, making outdoor play and normal human activities extremely dangerous and limited.
In this dystopian future, Arco meets Iris, a lonely girl who has become isolated in this transformed world. Iris’s situation is particularly poignant because her parents are constantly working in what remains of the city, and they are only present in her life through holographic projections. They communicate with her via technology operated by a robot caretaker named Mikki, who serves as a substitute for actual human parental presence. This means that despite having parents, Iris experiences profound loneliness because they are not physically present in her daily life.
The isolation that Iris experiences extends beyond just her family situation. At school, there are no human teachers at all. Instead, robots deliver lectures through virtual reality components, meaning that even her educational experience is mediated entirely through technology and artificial intelligence. Among her classmates, while one student appears to be interested in her, Iris generally comes across as deeply isolated and lonely in this world where human connection has become rare and outdoor play is virtually impossible due to the environmental dangers.
When Arco and Iris meet, they form a meaningful bond. Arco, having come from a different time period, represents a connection to a world that was less dependent on technology and less ravaged by environmental disaster. For Iris, meeting another human who is genuinely present and interested in her is a profound experience. She becomes determined to help Arco find a special diamond that he needs in order to use the time-traveling methods to return to his own era. However, as she helps him, Iris also becomes interested in the possibility of leaving her own time period and joining him in his past.
The appeal of Arco’s time period to Iris is significant. A future with almost nothing in the way of modern technology sounds like a reprieve to her, a chance to escape from the depressing state of near-future life and the constant damage being done to the Earth. This desire represents a deeper human longing for simpler times, for genuine human connection, and for a world that hasn’t been so thoroughly transformed by technology and environmental catastrophe.
The film itself is visually resplendent and colorful, presenting a striking contrast between the bright, hopeful imagery and the serious themes it explores. The story is also humorous in places, which helps balance the mature and somewhat dark themes about climate change, technological dependence, and human isolation. The voice cast includes notable actors such as Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, Will Ferrell, and Andy Samberg, with Will Ferrell’s involvement being a particular indicator that the film maintains a sense of humor and lightness despite its serious subject matter.
What makes “Arco” particularly significant is its timely and imaginative messaging. Rather than presenting a completely hopeless vision of the future, the film chooses optimism and hope as its central themes. This is an important choice for a film that deals with climate change and technological transformation, as it suggests that even in difficult circumstances, human connection, friendship, and determination can create positive change. The story of Arco and Iris bonding and working together to solve problems demonstrates the power of human relationships and cooperation.
The film also explores important themes about what it means to be human in a world increasingly mediated by technology. Through Iris’s isolation despite being surrounded by advanced technology, the film suggests that no amount of technological advancement can replace genuine human connection and presence. The robots in the film, while functional and capable, cannot provide the emotional support and authentic relationship that another human being can offer.
The narrative arc of the film follows a classic pattern of trial and error, where Arco and Iris must work together to overcome obstacles and find solutions to their problems. This journey of collaboration and mutual support forms the emotional core of the story. As they work together, they develop a genuine friendship that transcends the differences between their time periods and their initial circumstances.
The film’s setting in 2075 allows it to explore speculative fiction about the future while grounding its concerns in real contemporary issues. Climate change, environmental degradation, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence and automation in society are all topics that resonate with modern audiences. By presenting these issues through the lens of a children’s animated film, “Arco” makes these complex topics accessible to younger viewers while still offering meaningful content for adults.
The character of Iris is particularly well-developed as a representation of modern childhood isolation. Even though she has access to advanced technology and virtual connections, she experiences profound loneliness because these technological connections cannot replace face-to-face human interaction. Her character arc involves moving from isolation and resignation to hope and agency as she meets Arco and begins to believe that change is possible.
Arco’s character journey is equally important. He begins as a frustrated, impatient youth who acts impulsively without considering the consequences. His accidental time travel forces him to grow up and take responsibility for his actions. Through his friendship with Iris and his experiences in the future, he learns about empathy, cooperation, and the importance of human connection. By the end of the film, he has matured significantly from the impulsive boy who stole his sister’s cloak.
The film’s visual style, with its bright colors and imaginative design, creates a world that feels both fantastical and grounded. The rainbow-colored flying cloaks, the futuristic technology, and the environmental landscapes are all rendered in a way that appeals to both children and adults. The animation quality and attention to detail in the world-building contribute to making the film’s themes more impactful.
The presence of humor throughout the film, particularly through the voice work of comedians like Will Ferrell and Andy Samberg, ensures that the film doesn’t become overwhelmingly dark or preachy despite its serious themes. This balance between
