It’s time for a big leap in Luca, the latest from the animation leaders at Pixar.
Flipping the script a bit, their title character is afraid of leaving the water instead of jumping in. He’s a sea creature, you see, with the ability to take on human form when dry. Navigating the Italian Riveria just outside his home requires more than land legs, though, and quickly Luca and his friend Alberto find themselves floundering in humanity’s strange culture. Their best hope for fitting in comes from a fellow outsider, an offbeat girl named Giulia, who can teach them the basics while still encouraging their adventurous spirits.
Pixar, who’s known for promoting from within, is taking a leap themselves by handing the reigns over to director Enrico Casarosa. He’s helmed just one short previously while mostly working in the art department of the studio, making for a bigger leap than usual into the big chair.
Where the studio isn’t gambling is with the voice cast, enlisting Jacob Tremblay (Room) and Jack Dylan Grazer (It) as the two fish out-of-water friends. Adult roles are filled out by the likes of Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan.
Pixar’s films are as close to a sure bet as you get in the movie industry, and with its release on Disney+ due to the pandemic, there’s no reason not to sit down with this one.
Luca is directed by Enrico Casarosa and stars Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Emma Berman. It will be released worldwide on Disney+ on June 18th, 2021.
Will you take the plunge with this one? Let us know in the comments!
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.