Must-Watch Movie of the Week Scores 4.1/5 – A Mix of E.T. and Miyazaki!

Following its victory at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it won the Cristal Award for Best Feature Film, “Arco” made its debut in theaters this week. Directed by the talented French filmmaker Ugo Bienvenu, this 2D animation masterpiece (also a contender at the 2026 Oscars for Best International Film) has received rave reviews from critics, boasting an average score of 4.1 out of 5, making it the top film of the week, slightly ahead of “The Secret of the Tits” which scored a 4.06.

What’s It About?

In the year 2075, a 10-year-old girl named Iris witnesses a mysterious boy dressed in a rainbow suit falling from the sky. His name is Arco. He comes from a distant and idyllic future where time travel is possible. Iris takes him in and does everything in her power to help him return home.

Critical Acclaim:

According to Bande à part:

“This animated film captivates both the young and old, whether you’re looking to be entertained or to reflect on the world.” By Léo Ortuno – 5/5

According to La Tribune Dimanche:

“This debut feature film surprises and delights with its formal mastery: hand-drawn 2D and pop color fields, reminiscent of Japanese master Miyazaki, yet without any hint of imitation.” By Aurélien Cabrol – 5/5

According to Le Journal du Geek:

“A political, ecological, family, adventure film, but above all a film of a thousand emotions, all of which are profoundly uplifting.” By Allan Blanvillain – 5/5

According to Mad Movies:

“Beneath its simple narrative lies a treasure trove of sensitivity, adorned with a myriad of stunning images and a richly detailed soundscape.” By Sacha Rosset – 5/5

According to Cahiers du Cinéma:

“In a retrofuturistic style that echoes American SF classics, Ugo Bienvenu’s first feature film equally explodes both sentimentality and seriousness.” By Mathilde Grasset – 4/5

According to Le Figaro:

“Poetic and flamboyant.” By Olivier Delcroix – 4/5

According to Les Inrockuptibles:

“Having made a number of short films and animated music videos, the filmmaker-comic artist delivers a small 2D animation marvel, both an aesthetic manifesto and a restorative ecological fable.” By Ludovic Béot – 4/5

According to Nice-Matin:

“The subtle touches of humor and the quirky spirit of certain characters – including a comical trio voiced by Vincent Macaigne, Louis Garrel, and William Lebghil – also capture the attention in this sincere, inventive work marked by an author’s spirit to watch very closely.” By Cédric Coppola – 4/5

According to Télérama:

“A gem of an animated film with its radiantly beautiful images and hopeful narrative.” By Cécile Mury – 4/5