Luca (2021): A journey of friendship and discovery

Luca is a Disney and Pixar animated film released in 2021. Directed by Enrico Casarosa in his feature film directorial debut, the film transports us to the enchanting Italian Riviera to tell a magical and deeply human story about friendship, acceptance, and the coming of age.

With a nostalgic and vibrant visual style, Luca It combines fantasy with everyday reality in a picturesque setting filled with warm colors and Mediterranean architecture. The film stands out for its tenderness, its narrative simplicity, and its approach to complex themes such as identity, inclusion, and overcoming the fear of the unknown.

Synopsis

The story revolves around Luca Paguro, a young sea creature who lives underwater off the Italian coast. Luca leads a quiet, sheltered life with his parents, but feels a growing curiosity about the surface world, which he's been taught to fear.

One day, Luca meets Alberto Scorfano, another sea creature that has already explored the human world. Together they discover that, by leaving the water, they can take human form. Fascinated by the wonders of the terrestrial world—such as pasta, gelato, and, above all, Vespas—, the two friends decide to venture to the coastal town of Portorosso, hiding his true identity.

There they meet Giulia Marcovaldo, a spirited and passionate human girl, with whom they form a strong bond. The three enter a local competition that could help them achieve their dream of buying a Vespa and traveling the world.

However, they must face several challenges: the arrogant Ercole Visconti, who mocks and dominates the other competitors; the constant fear of being discovered as sea monsters; and the growing emotional tension between Luca and Alberto, and their respective desires to belong.

The story culminates in a powerful reflection on friendship, courage, and the importance of self-acceptance.

Cast (Original English Voices)

• Jacob Tremblay as Luca Paguro: A curious and intelligent young man, full of dreams of exploring the world beyond the ocean.
• Jack Dylan Grazer as Alberto ScorfanoLuca's outgoing and adventurous friend, with a brave attitude and a lonely past.
• Emma Berman as Giulia Marcovaldo: A determined and enthusiastic human who seeks to find her place in the world.
• Maya Rudolph as Daniela Paguro: Luca's mother, very protective and fearful of the surface world.
• Jim Gaffigan as Lorenzo PaguroLuca's calm and somewhat distracted father.
• Saverio Raimondo as Ercole Visconti: The main antagonist, arrogant and conceited champion of the Portorosso race.
• Marco Barricelli as Massimo MarcovaldoGiulia's father, a tough but big-hearted fisherman.

Reviews

Luca It received generally positive reviews, with particular mention of its artistic style, emotional warmth, and refreshing approach.

Strengths noted by critics:

• Visual aesthetics: Many critics praised the art direction, inspired by watercolor and classic Italian cinema, comparing it to the works of Studio Ghibli.
• Emotional narrative: The film was appreciated for its tenderness, sensitivity, and focus on human emotions rather than epic conflicts.
• Relationship between Luca and Alberto: The friendship between the two main characters was described as authentic and moving, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and personal growth.

Some less favorable reviews:

• Some viewers were expecting a more ambitious or deeply developed plot, especially compared to other Pixar films such as Soul either Coconut.
• It was also mentioned that the message of inclusion could have been more explicit, although many appreciated the subtlety with which it was presented.

Public reception

The general public welcomed Luca with enthusiasm, especially among families and young people. It was perceived as a comforting film, ideal for watching at home during the summer.

On platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes, the film maintains a score of over 90% of public approval, while in IMDb has a rating of approximately 7.4/10On social media and film forums, many viewers shared personal experiences related to discovering their identity, indicating that the film resonated emotionally with a diverse audience.

The premiere took place directly in Disney+, skipped theaters in several countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, it was one of the most-watched films on the platform during its opening week.

Technical and visual aspects

Visual and artistic style

The visual design of Luca This is one of its greatest strengths. Inspired by director Enrico Casarosa's childhood memories of Genoa, Italy, the film captures the essence of Italian seaside towns in the 1950s and 1960s. The colorful houses, cobblestone streets, fountain-filled squares, and sunny skies evoke a sense of summer nostalgia.

The characters' movements are deliberately cartoonish, moving away from the hyperrealism of other Pixar films. This choice gives the film a more artisanal and poetic feel.

Music

The soundtrack was composed by Dan Romer, who managed to create a joyful yet emotional atmosphere. In addition to the original music, traditional Italian and pop songs are included, reinforcing the local flavor.

Animation

The animation of water, both underwater and on the surface, is another highlight. The Pixar team achieved a dynamic, colorful, and technically impressive representation. The design of the sea creatures is unique and charming, with smooth and expressive transformations as they shift between human and marine form.

Conclusion

Luca It's not an epic film, nor does it claim to be. Its strength lies in its simplicity, its tenderness, and the beauty of everyday things: a friendship, a sunny afternoon, the first ice cream, an argument between friends, the emotion of an unforgettable summer.

More than a story of sea monsters, Luca It's a story about accepting oneself, facing one's fears, and daring to dream. The metaphor of "being different" is presented subtly, yet powerfully enough to resonate with those who have ever felt like they don't fit in.

It's a love letter to childhood, to the freedom to explore the world without prejudice, and to those friendships that mark us forever. While it may not reach the philosophical depth of other Pixar films, Luca It shines for its warmth, its visual beauty and its ability to move without great artifice.

A summer gem that reminds us that sometimes the real journey is learning who we are and finding those who accept us just as we are.