‘Arco’ Review: A Gorgeous and Colorful Time Travel Adventure That Lacks Thrills

By William Bibbiani

Edward D. Wood Jr. once wrote, “We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives.” He also wrote such banger lines as, “Future events such as these will affect you in the future,” and “You see?! Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!” — and those are just from “Plan Nine From Outer Space.” Wood was right, of course, about the future parts. Maybe the “stupid minds” bit was a little harsh.

The point is, even in cheesy b-movies, we look to cinema for visions of what’s to come. Often these visions are terrifying cautionary tales. Sometimes they’re inspiring. Ugo Bienvenu’s “Arco” is both. His luscious debut animated feature introduces a far-off future where humanity lives in the clouds, cultivating nature in peaceful, Hayao Miyazaki-esque tableaus. They ride the wind in rainbow clothing and wear diamonds on their foreheads, traveling into the past like it’s a trip to the swap meet.