At a Glance
- Natalie Portman stars in and produces the animated feature Arco.
- The film earned a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination after its Cannes debut.
- It opens in U.S. theaters on Jan. 30 with a star-studded English cast.
Why it matters: The movie tackles climate change and tech futures in a way that sparks real conversations with kids and parents alike.
Natalie Portman’s newest project, the animated kids’ film Arco, is already a talking point for its bold themes and award-level recognition. Premiering at Cannes last year, the film has earned a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination and will hit theaters nationwide on Jan. 30.
The Film That Resonates
Arco follows the titular character as he travels from the future back to 2075, where environmental challenges threaten the world. The story centers on the friendship between Arco and a girl named Iris, voiced by Portman, who plays Iris’s mom. The narrative explores why parents appear as holograms and how kids can imagine solutions to climate problems.
Portman said the movie “raised so many interesting conversations” with her own children, son Aleph, 14, and daughter Amalia, 8. “It was incredible to watch it with them,” she noted. The film’s focus on pressing issues, combined with an accessible tone for younger viewers, makes it a rare example of a feature that respects children’s intelligence.
Behind the Scenes: Voice Talent and Production
While the original version of Arco was produced in French, the English dub boasts an all-star cast. Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Flea, and Andy Samberg lend their voices, along with Portman and Mark Ruffalo who both voiced a sentient robot nanny. Portman explained that the duo’s voices were “spliced together by hand” to preserve a human imperfection that electronic mixing lacked.
The production team reached out to friends who were “amazing humans,” and every one of them said yes right away. Portman highlighted the joy of reuniting with Samberg, whom she last worked with on Saturday Night Live eight years earlier. “He does such a great job,” she laughed, adding that the trio of Ferrell, Samberg, and Flea provided a “bumbling” comedic dynamic.
Family Conversations Sparked by Arco
For Portman, Arco isn’t just a film; it’s a catalyst for dialogue. She recalled how the movie prompted discussions about why parents are holograms and about climate solutions like living on platforms above the earth. These conversations, she said, “are amazing” and help children think about the world they will inherit.
Portman also reflected on her own childhood influences, naming The Lion King as a formative animated classic. “It’s so good and so sad!” she said, noting how the film’s portrayal of sentient animals shaped her respect for wildlife.
Release Dates and Cast Highlights
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opens in New York & Los Angeles | Jan. 23 |
| Nationwide release | Jan. 30 |
The English version features:
- Will Ferrell as a bumbling sidekick
- America Ferrera as a supportive friend
- Flea providing comic relief
- Andy Samberg as another key character
- Mark Ruffalo and Natalie Portman as voices of a robot nanny and Iris’s mom, respectively
The film’s release strategy aligns with its Oscar nomination, positioning it as a must-watch for families and critics alike.
Key Takeaways
- Arco blends science-fiction with urgent environmental themes, earning a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination.
- The film’s voice cast, including Ferrell, Ferrara, Flea, Samberg, Ruffalo, and Portman, adds star power and authenticity.
- Portman’s personal involvement as producer and voice actor emphasizes her commitment to stories that respect children’s intelligence and inspire action.
- The movie’s release on Jan. 30 offers a timely opportunity for audiences to engage with its climate-focused narrative.
With its thoughtful storytelling and celebrated cast, Arco stands out as a cinematic experience that invites families to talk, imagine, and act on the challenges of tomorrow.
