Luca Review: Under, Over, and Far From the Sea

Luca follows its titular finned hero from the sea to the shores of rural Italy. He is lead by a fellow teenage sea monster named Alberto as he learns to walk, defies an overprotective mother, and finds himself in a village full of humans who might well want him dead.

The feeling of ill will certainly doesn’t apply to Julia, a girl who takes these strange new visitors under her wing to teach them about bicycles, stars, and pasta. The three take on a youth race against a bully who has won years over by lying about his age.

Of course, they will eventually win this race, and of course their true identities will be exposed (they have human appearance on land but show true colors whenever they get wet). And, of course, they will find they’re accepted by their new friends after all.

What you should not expect from Luca, at least in terms of plot, is anything terribly innovative. The story leans heavily on tropes to move it along, from closed-minded and fearful parents to the rash acts that create tension between Luca and Alberto.

This is likely due in part to the film’s intended audience. Where many Pixar films have embraced older viewers—in particular, Soul, which feels almost made for adults– this is totally a family movie. Parents won’t be bored, but their kids will get the most from it.

Still, those who have followed the Disney-Pixar saga from days of Toy Story and who eagerly await every one of the studio’s films will be happy to see to see high expectations met yet again. The big magic is there, even on the small screen.  

First, every moment is a treat for the eyes. Even the few more mediocre Pixar films are at least visually entertaining, but we step to the top of those ranks as we travel from crystal-clear waters to idyllic seaside towns and even into a dreamscape in space.

There are clever gags woven into these visuals, many centering on Luca and Alberto’s attempts to stay dry and hide the transformed parts of themselves. Their true forms are both beautiful and friendly-looking, a factor that likely plays in their eventual human welcome.

Unsurprisingly, there is already talk about whether the friendship between Luca and Alberto is meant to be something “more.” There’s an openness to the bond that goes beyond other animated movies, and it is tempting to read into it.

For the 80-some minutes we see on screen, though, there are no hints of romance. That’s true both for the two male protagonists and their respective relationships with Julia. All three find a fierce bond, but one that is always defined only by friendship.

The trio are each somewhere in their teenage years, so this is most likely due to Pixar playing it safe with family viewers. Thankfully, the friendship is a wonderful and realistic one. Even in a slightly rushed story, we believe in their lifelong bond.

Directed by Italian-born Enrico Casarova, Luca is also a full tribute to Italy, from the landscape to the food and the people. In a world just starting to dream of international travel again, viewers may well be tempted to hop on a plane—or at least re-watch Mamma Mia!

As long as you don’t come in hoping for anything too groundbreaking, you’re likely to love this movie, whether it’s for yourself or the kids in your life. Funny, heartwarming, and beautiful, it’s a highlight of the summer.

 

What did you think of Luca? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Luca can be streamed from Disney+ starting June 18, 2020

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