Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 unearthed a hidden gem: *Arco*, a breathtaking animated film that seamlessly blends retrofuturistic sci-fi with the emotional depth of a classic. Director Ugo Bienvenu's creation is a visual feast, reminiscent of Moebius's iconic artwork and the enchanting landscapes of Hayao Miyazaki. Imagine a world where rainbows trace the paths of time-traveling vehicles – that's the vibrant, visually stunning backdrop of *Arco*.
The story centers on a boy from a distant future who accidentally travels back to 2075, finding unlikely allies in a young girl and her robot nanny. Their quest to send him home forms the heart of a time-hopping adventure packed with both heartwarming moments and poignant reflections on the planet's future. While the film's stunning visuals are undeniably a major draw, *Arco* transcends its beautiful aesthetics with a compelling narrative that explores themes of hope, loss, and environmental responsibility. It's a must-see for animation enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates thought-provoking storytelling. *Arco* arrives in select theaters November 14th.
TIFF 2025 also showcased two films tackling the familiar theme of wealth disparity, albeit with varying degrees of success. *Good Fortune*, a comedic take on the *Freaky Friday* and *It's a Wonderful Life* formula, stars Keanu Reeves as a charmingly clueless angel who helps a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) swap lives with a rich tech bro (Seth Rogen). While the premise offers potential for insightful social commentary, the film ultimately leans heavily on comedic situations, leaving its message somewhat underdeveloped. *Good Fortune* hits theaters October 17th.
Finally, *Sacrifice*, initially promising a satirical black comedy about a climate change charity event gone awry, takes an unexpected turn. Featuring a star-studded cast including Chris Evans, Salma Hayek Pinault, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charli XCX, the film begins with witty jabs at the absurdity of the wealthy elite. However, a hostage situation involving a militaristic activist group shifts the tone dramatically, resulting in a less engaging action-drama. A wider release date for *Sacrifice* is yet to be announced.
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Originally published at: https://www.theverge.com/toronto-international-film-festival/773517/tiff-2025-reviews-arco-good-fortune-sacrifice
