Now that summer has begun and life is slowly returning to (somewhat) normal, Pixar Animation Studios has found the perfect vehicle to kick off the vacation movie season with the fish-out-of-water fantasy “Luca,” a light-hearted family-friendly film which is in stark contrast to the abstract concepts of the afterlife in last year’s Oscar-winning animated film “Soul.”
Set in a picturesque seaside town of Portorosso, “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about a young boy who experiences an unforgettable summer filled with pasta, endless scooter rides, and gelato. However, a deeply-held secret may put Luca in danger: he is a sea creature from just below the water’s surface.
While shepherding a school of fish on his family’s undersea farm, Luca meets Alberto, a free-spirited sea creature who encourages Luca to come out of the sea with him to explore the world above the ocean’s surface. As soon as the boys come onto dry land, they immediately and temporarily become human.
Luca and Alberto befriend Giulia, a young girl visiting her father for the summer, and enter a local triathlon to win first prize and use the money to purchase a Vespa. While embracing their newfound lives as humans, they also run the risk of exposing their true identities, which may put them in danger with the townsfolk who live in fear of the sea creatures rumored to live within the ocean surrounding their town.
The Bonds of Childhood Friendship and Looking Beneath the Surface of “Luca”
“Luca” is a celebration of childhood friendships, and it delicately explores a relationship on a deeper level where validation from a close friend and filling the void of loneliness are valued.
According to Polygon, director Enrico Casarosa wanted to focus on the intimate bonds of childhood friendship. “I was really keen to talk about a friendship before girlfriends and boyfriends come in to complicate things,” said Casarosa. “The type of friendship that is gonna push you into trouble, push you into change, push you into finding yourself.”
The film makes it clear that the friendship between Luca and Alberto isn’t romantic, but it’s still deeply meaningful and part of character building, and just as important as a first romance. However, their close friendship and hiding their true identities in order to be accepted in a village where sea monsters are feared can be appreciated by those of marginalized communities. The themes explored in “Luca” are open to multiple interpretations, and has been the topic of conversations amongst many fans and film critics on social media since the film’s opening.
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“Luca” a Visual Feast for the Eyes
The attention to detail and sumptuous vistas sets a stage for the film that is quintessentially Italian – “Luca” is everything fans expect from a Pixar film.
The gorgeous backdrops immerse the audience in a charming, sun-soaked town of gelato shops, lush landscapes, streets covered in cobble stones, and fishing boats surrounded by an ocean filled with rich colors. “Luca” is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful films of 2021.
It can be noted that the overall look and feel of the film has more in common with illustrations in children’s books than Pixar’s previous films that look more photo-realistic than animated. The layers of different textures within the village seamlessly blends the gentle character designs into the environments without overwhelming the screen with clutter.
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“Luca” is a departure for Pixar Animation Studios. It delves into a different kind of storytelling that may not be as sophisticated as the studio’s other films, but is just as satisfying. The tight editing, musical score, expertly-crafted animation and fresh approach to an original storyline will engage all family members – and is the perfect movie to usher in the summer season.
“Luca” Gets The Hollywood Shuffle
The film’s original theatrical release in the United States was scheduled for June 18, 2021. On March 23, 2021, Disney announced the cancellation of the film’s theatrical release, and opted to make it available for streaming worldwide on Disney+. The film is currently playing a one-week theatrical engagement at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre through June 24 to make it eligible for Oscar consideration for best animated feature.
“Luca” is produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film is directed by Enrico Casarosa, written by Jesse Andrews and Mike Jones, produced by Andrea Warren, and features the voice talents of Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Saverio Raimondo, Maya Rudolph, Marco Barricelli, Jim Gaffigan, Peter Sohn, Lorenzo Crisci, Marina Massironi, and Sandy Martin.
“Luca” is rated PG and now available for streaming on Disney+.
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Let’s Hear From You
Have you had a chance to watch “Luca” yet? What did you think, and how did your kids respond? Are you surprised that Disney largely pulled the picture from theaters and didn’t even charge extra for it on Disney+ as they recently did with “Raya and the Last Dragon“? Let’s hear from you…