In theaters and streaming on Disney+ June 17
[Rating: Minor Rock Fist Up]
When Pixar releases a new film, I still am shocked that I have grown up with one of the most revolutionary animated studios in the history of moviemaking. Most of their films have stood the test of time to be considered some of the greatest films ever made. They have been influential on so many people and so many have fallen in love with their characters. Their latest film, Luca, unfortunately will not be seen in theaters, but is available on Disney+ to subscribers with no pay wall. This film is about the power of friendship with two individuals who harbor their own secrets on their adventures on land and sea.
Luca, directed by Enrico Casarosa (director of Pixar’s short film La Luna – 2011) is about young Luca (Jacob Tremblay) who happens to be a sea monster. He spends his days herding his goat-like fish, hiding from the world above him, full of humans hellbent on capturing sea monsters. He lives with his parents Daniela (Maya Rudolph) and Lorenzo (Jim Gaffigan) plus his grandmother (Sandy Martin). One day, Luca has a chance encounter with another sea monster who journeys to and walks on land! This discovery both intrigues and worries Luca, with humans being a constant threat to his very existence. The other sea creature, Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer) explains that sea monsters can take human form and there’s more fun and adventure above the sea and that he and Luca will be safe. The two travel to a local city, with the hopes of finding a Vespa that will take them on their adventures on land. With the help from a local girl Giulia (Emma Berman), Luca and Alberto grow their friendship as they train to enter a triathlon that, if won, will give them the money to buy their Vespa and continue their adventures, as long as they can hide their true forms from town bully Ercole Visconti (Saverio Raimondo) and outwit Luca’s parents, who have come to find him on land as well.
I liked Luca a lot! I didn’t love it, which is unfortunate because I’m an avid fan of Pixar! The theme of friendship is at the forefront of the film and a common theme through a majority of their films. It is definitely in full force here. The friendship of Luca and Alberto is so touching, I’m wanting more of their adventures. Despite the shenanigans Alberto wants to get Luca into, Luca trusts Alberto and trusts that once everything is done, Luca will be able to return to his safety in the sea. Despite their differences on how they feel about staying on land versus the sea, their friendship must be tested in order for them to grow closer.
For technical aspects, this film is lovely to look at. The soft rounded figures of each character with vibrant colors and lighting is candy to the eyes! Also, film fans will note the MANY film references thrown in the background of each scene. Finally, I want to point out the LGBTQ+ allegories in this film. Luca and Alberto are going to be seen as characters that are similar to those who are in the closet. They hide their true identities, but want others to know that they are sea monsters without being hurt or being hunted by the townsfolk. I love that the film celebrates wanting to be yourself and pushes the two boys to do so. This is at the heart of it, a simple film that simply wants to talk about friendship and the power of love among friends.
Click here, to see how I rank every PIXAR film, including Luca.
Christian Ramos is a classic film fan, having had the dream to host Turner Classic Movies for years now. He also has a large amount of Oscar trivia in his head, remembers dressing as Groucho Marx one Halloween, and cherishes the moment Julianne Moore liked his tweet.
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