Luca is the latest animated film from Disney/Pixar, full of breezy summer vibes and a positive message for kids and adults alike. Written and directed by Oscar-nominee Enrico Casarosa, Luca tells the tale of a young boy who struggles to show his true self, but finds the strength through friendship to overcome his anxiety.
Luca is stacked with talented actors providing their voices, including Jacob Tremblay as Luca and Jack Dylan Grazer as Luca’s best friend, Alberto. The talent doesn’t stop with the leads though, as the supporting cast is comprised of impressive names like Maya Rudolph, Jim Gaffigan, and more. Set in the crystal-clear waters off the coast of the fictional town in Italy, Portorosso, Luca weaves a tale of acceptance, growth, and loyalty.
Disney/Pixar movies are well-regarded for their universal enjoyment and family-friendly storytelling, but does Luca achieve that same success? Let’s find out if this summertime story is worth watching!
Luca Review
Luca kicks off with our lead character Luca (Jacob Tremblay) spending time at home with his parents. Under the tropical waters off the Italian coast, Luca and his family do their best to remain hidden, as they are part of a dwindling species of sea monsters. Resembling mermaids more than anything else, Luca’s family share cautionary tales about humanity, warning of the dangers above the water. However, this isn’t enough to discourage Luca’s curiosity, as each day he grows closer and closer to breaching the surface.
One day, Luca meets Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), another young sea monster who refuses to fear the surface. Against his better judgment, Luca joins Alberto on the surface, transforming his body from sea monster to human. In this literal “fish out of water” story, Luca is flabbergasted by the colourful life of humanity, and begins to spend more and more time with Alberto on the surface.
Luca and Alberto’s adventures onshore lead them to the rustic Italian town of Portorosso, where children play in the streets, pasta is aplenty, and the vibes are always happy. After meeting a human girl named Giulia (Emma Berman), Luca and Alberto join her for Portorosso’s big relay race. Hoping to earn enough money to buy a Vespa scooter, the trio begins to practice their racing abilities.
Along the way, they run into a handful of problems, including the antagonistic bully Guido (Lorenzo Crisci), and the town’s history of hunting sea monsters. Worried that they will never be accepted due to their sea monster roots, Luca and Alberto attempt to hide their true colours in an effort to please their new friends.
Generally speaking, Luca is an engrossing and energetic watch, with gorgeous animation and abundant colour. As with most other Disney/Pixar films, Luca is worth watching based on the visuals alone, but luckily, the story is pretty charming too. When compared to some other Pixar films, Luca doesn’t do the best job representing Italian culture, but that’s not the movie’s focus.
Instead, it does a wonderful job displaying the highs and lows of childhood friendship, highlighting the battle between popularity and being true to yourself. While some of the narrative in Luca is a bit lazy and could be considered “playing it safe”, the movie still excels, thanks to its heartwarming message and beautiful visuals.
Our Verdict on Luca
Whether you’re looking for a family movie to enjoy with the kids or a nostalgic adventure about childhood, Luca is a great pick. The voice-acting is superb, the animation is incredible, and the story is equal parts silly and satisfying. By combining the whimsical atmosphere of summer with an important message about being true to who you are, Luca offers an uplifting adventure that is sure to put a smile on your face.
While there are a few aspects about Luca that feel underwhelming, the majority of the movie is enormously endearing, with plenty of quotable lines for kids to latch onto. As the weather gets hotter and summer fun beckons, Luca provides a relaxing trip to rustic Italy, full of wonder and fun. Even if you don’t consider yourself a huge fan of animated movies, Luca is a seaside trip that’s worth your time.
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