Luca

| 2021

Directed by: Enrico Casarosa

Movie poster for Luca (2021)

Main Plot

Luca is a coming-of-age story set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera. The film follows a young sea monster named Luca who is curious about the human world above the surface. When he ventures onto land, he transforms into a human and befriends another sea monster named Alberto, who introduces him to the joys and adventures of life on land. Together, they explore the town, experience the thrill of riding a Vespa, and dream of winning a local race. However, their secret identity as sea monsters poses a constant threat, as they must navigate the challenges of friendship, acceptance, and the fear of being discovered. As they bond over their shared experiences, Luca learns about bravery, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing who you truly are. The film beautifully captures the essence of childhood wonder and the journey of growing up.

Characters

  • Jacob Tremblay voices Luca Paguro, a young sea monster who explores the human world, forming friendships and discovering his true self.
  • Jack Dylan Grazer voices Alberto Scorfano, a free-spirited sea monster who befriends Luca and introduces him to the human world, sparking their adventurous summer.
  • Emma Berman voices Giulia Marcovaldo, a spirited and adventurous girl who befriends Luca and Alberto, helping them navigate life on land and compete in a local race.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Luca, the main conflict reaches resolution during the final race in Portorosso. Luca and his friend Alberto, who have been hiding their true identities as sea monsters, face off against their rival, Ercole. The race symbolizes their journey of self-acceptance and friendship. As they compete, Luca's transformation into a sea monster is revealed to the townspeople, leading to a moment of fear and misunderstanding. However, the climax occurs when Luca and Alberto demonstrate their courage and the beauty of their friendship, ultimately winning the race. This victory is not just about the competition but also about embracing who they are. The townspeople begin to see Luca and Alberto differently, moving towards acceptance rather than fear. In the aftermath, Luca decides to stay in Portorosso and attend school, marking a significant step in his personal growth. The film concludes with a sense of hope and possibility, as Luca's journey represents the broader themes of acceptance, friendship, and the courage to be oneself. The ending reinforces the idea that true identity can be celebrated, and connections with others can transcend differences.

Enrico Casarosa Animation Adventure Comedy Jacob Tremblay Jack Dylan Grazer Emma Berman