---
title: "Luca"
year: 2021
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/luca"
fi1m_id: "luca"
imdb_id: "tt12801262"
tmdb_id: 508943
wikidata_id: "Q97925311"
fi1m_score: 78
critics_score: 72
critics_reviews: 25
published: "2026-10-03T02:17:30.397440+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-03T02:17:30.503989+00:00"
region: "HR"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Luca (2021)

Directed by Enrico Casarosa · 1h 35m · Animation, Family, Fantasy, Drama, Comedy

## Identity

Luca

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/luca
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** luca
- **IMDb ID:** tt12801262
- **TMDB ID:** 508943
- **Wikidata ID:** Q97925311
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12801262/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/508943, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q97925311

**Fi1m score: 78** · Critics 72 from 25 reviews

*In a sentence:* The sea monsters are good company, even when the afternoon starts to drag

> Enrico Casarosa’s seaside fantasy is funny and affecting, and its Italian coastal town is a pleasure to explore. The friendship holds our attention more reliably than the loose, sometimes meandering story.

## Synopsis

In the Italian seaside town of Portorosso, Luca Paguro (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) and Alberto Scorfano (voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer) discover the possibilities of life among humans. Both are sea creatures able to take human form, and their friendship gives Luca a way into an unfamiliar place. They also meet Giulia Marcovaldo (voiced by Emma Berman). Luca wants to belong, but showing people who he is makes that wish more complicated. Between the coastal town and the sea, the boys explore a human life while keeping part of themselves hidden.

## Review

*Luca* is a warm, gently funny seaside fantasy whose central friendship earns our affection, even when the story wanders. Director Enrico Casarosa gives the children room to enjoy each other’s company, and that proves a sound use of a family film’s time. The possibility of living among humans matters because it lets the boys discover a place together, with all the excitement of having somebody to share it with. We recommend it for that easy companionship, with a warning that the middle grows slack.

Jacob Tremblay gives Luca Paguro a tentative eagerness that makes his curiosity appealing without turning him into a permanently astonished child. Jack Dylan Grazer supplies Alberto Scorfano with more confidence, and the voices are different enough for their exchanges to feel spontaneous. We felt protective of Luca because the uncertainty in Jacob Tremblay’s delivery makes joining in sound like a risk. The affection between the boys is convincing before the film asks us to draw any larger lesson from it.

Emma Berman’s Giulia Marcovaldo gives that friendship a welcome third presence, lively enough to keep the boys from monopolising our attention. The screenplay by Mike Jones and Jesse Andrews is less assured when it needs to make the wider cast equally interesting. Some supporting figures are easy to recognise and harder to care about, which leaves the voices doing more work than the writing. The children remain engaging, but the story does not always give their time together enough direction.

Daniela Strijleva’s production design gives Portorosso soft colours and a convincing sense that people live there. There is pleasure in simply looking at the town, something a more hurried film might have discouraged. Cinematographers David Juan Bianchi and Kim White make the water bright and clear, and give the town a warmth that makes the boys’ fascination understandable. The animation’s slightly hand-drawn appearance helps too, keeping the seaside from looking so polished that we stop believing anyone could enjoy themselves there.

Editors Catherine Apple and Jason Hudak are less successful at making the separate adventures gather speed. Individual stretches are pleasant, yet the episodic plotting means we sometimes feel the film could carry on ambling without much changing. Dan Romer’s music is warm and sympathetic, though its encouragement to feel can seem unnecessary when the voices have already done the work. At 95 minutes, the film is short enough for family viewing, but not quite tight enough to avoid a few restless patches.

The sea creatures’ human disguises also give the friendship a particular vulnerability. Being accepted while keeping something important hidden is a worry the film makes easy to understand, and it leaves room for more than one reading. We do not need the boys to stand for every child who has felt different. Their wish to belong is enough, although the broader message becomes less interesting whenever it overtakes their individual personalities.

Against the expectations of a family adventure, this is gentle, with more interest in company and place than in pushing breathlessly onwards. Some viewers will reasonably want a busier plot, and the loose middle does them few favours. Choose it for a family evening when nobody needs another film trying to exhaust them.

*Fi1m score 78, published 3 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find Luca a warm, funny coming-of-age film, with praise clustering around its distinctive animation and carefully imagined Italian seaside setting. The coastal light, village details and softer visual style win approval even from less persuaded reviewers. For its admirers, the friendship between Luca and Alberto gives the modest story enough emotional weight, while its themes of acceptance and belonging feel gently handled rather than laboured.

The main divide is over how much that simplicity delivers. Supporters welcome a smaller, more intimate Pixar film; others find thin characters, episodic plotting and a familiar story that struggles to sustain interest. Responses range from enthusiastic praise to Empire’s view that the film is too safe and emotionally muted to linger. Its treatment of identity also divides opinion: Collider reads a touching first-love story while noting that the LGBTQ+ subtext stops short of becoming explicit, whereas other reviews find the metaphor flimsy.

## Straight answers

**Is Luca worth watching?**

*Luca* is worth watching for a gentle family evening, and we score it 78 for its convincing friendship, warm humour and inviting seaside town. We find the boys’ company more engaging than the loose story, so it suits those happy to spend time exploring with them rather than expecting a brisk adventure.

**How long is Luca, and what is it rated?**

*Luca* runs 1h 35m. It is an animation and family film.

**Where can I watch Luca in Croatia?**

*Luca* is streaming on Disney+ in Croatia. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Luca compare to My Neighbor Totoro?**

*Luca* shares [*My Neighbor Totoro*](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro)’s interest in childhood pleasures and everyday magic, but we recommend *My Neighbor Totoro* more warmly for its patient attention to children. Both suit a quieter family evening; *Luca* offers an affecting friendship and a wish to belong, though its leisurely storytelling sometimes drifts where the comparison calls for close observation.

**What should I watch after Luca?**

After *Luca*, try [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro) (1988, Fi1m 89): Another child’s summer where everyday pleasures deserve as much attention as magic. Then [*The Iron Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant) (1999, Fi1m 88): A child’s friendship with an outsider, with more danger and a firmer story; and [*Song of the Sea*](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea) (2014, Fi1m 82): Coastal folklore and family feeling, told through carefully drawn, expressive animation.

### Reviews we read (25)

- **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (90/100, inferred): Chang finds the film funny, enchanting, and more surefooted than some of Pixar’s more ambitious work. He praises its bright, ingenious animation and its nuanced portrayal of friendship and living transparently. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2021-06-16/luca-review-pixar-disney)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (85/100, inferred): Rooney finds Luca sweet, satisfying and warmly heartfelt, with fresh charm in its friendship and acceptance themes. He especially praises the film’s beautiful environments, from its luminous waters to its sun-soaked Italian village. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/luca-1234967309/)
- **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (B+): Ehrlich finds Luca a modest, refreshing coming-of-age story that stands out among Pixar’s films. He especially praises its vivid, tactile seaside setting and the lived-in feeling it gives the film. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/luca-review-pixar-disney-plus-1234644627/)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (4/5): O'Sullivan finds the film charming and calls it an ode to friendship, underdogs, and letting your freak flag fly. She praises its Italian setting and cultural details, but objects to the sea-monsters helping the townspeople kill fish. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/luca-film-review-pixar-disney-plus-b940988.html)
- **Little White Lies**, Kambole Campbell (3/4/3): Campbell finds Luca a funny, sweet, and charming diversion from Pixar’s usual formula. The film’s lovingly imagined Italian seaside setting and warm, nostalgic vision stand out. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/luca)
- **The Guardian**, Wendy Ide (75/100, inferred): Ide calls the film a gentle pleasure, though she says it lacks some of Pixar’s dizzying inventiveness. She singles out its abundant charm and its exploration of friendship and not fitting in. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jun/20/luca-review-pixar-sea-monster-jacob-tremblay-disney)
- **Radio Times**, Patrick Cremona (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a quaintly charming summer adventure. They praise its transport to a delightful corner of Italy. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/luca-review/)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (70/100, inferred): The visible standfirst presents the film as a heartwarming tale. It singles out the sea creatures taking human form, but the full review is inaccessible. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/luca-review/5160578.article)
- **Sight and Sound**, BFI (70/100, inferred): The review calls the film an affable, enjoyable highlight among recent Pixar efforts, while saying the studio’s magic touch may be waning. It praises the town’s rich animation and the charismatic trio of young characters. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/luca-2021-enrico-casarosa-pixar-fish-out-water-summer-holiday)
- **The AV Club**, A.A. Dowd (B-): Dowd finds Luca pleasant but slight, calling it a mild and shallow addition to the Pixar canon. He praises the visual slapstick and the film’s gorgeous Mediterranean backdrop, while faulting its thinly developed characters and motivations. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/the-little-mermaid-riff-luca-splashes-around-in-the-sha-1847111081?rev=1623859329637)
- **Slant Magazine**, Keith Watson (2.5/4): Watson finds the film charming but less sharply crafted and emotionally resonant than Pixar’s strongest work. He particularly praises the luminous, carefully imagined Italian Riviera setting, while faulting the episodic plotting and flimsy metaphor. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/luca-review-pixar-jacob-tremblay/)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (3/5): The critic finds the film a letdown, saying Pixar’s magic is missing. They describe its seaside coming-of-age story as sleepy and its adventure as damp around the edges. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/luca-2021)
- **Total Film**, Jamie Graham (3/5): Graham finds Luca one of Pixar’s weaker films, though still worth watching. He praises the emotional final stretch and the film’s thoughtful message, while criticizing its predictable story and creeping monotony. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/luca-review-for-pixar-it-all-feels-a-little-too-unimaginative/)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (50/100, inferred): Gleiberman finds Luca a pleasant, visually beguiling fairy tale that is modest to a fault. He praises its small-town Italian imagery but criticizes the thin script and episodic plotting. [Read](https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/luca-review-pixar-1234996669/)
- **Vulture**, Alison Willmore (50/100, inferred): Willmore finds the film charming but only partially successful, saying its effort to carry thematic meaning keeps it from fully inhabiting its world. She praises its pleasant Italian setting and groovy pop songs, while faulting its thinly developed characters and worldbuilding. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/luca-review-disney-pixar.html)
- **Empire**, Nick de Semlyen (40/100, inferred): The critic finds Luca charming and amiable, but too generic and safe to make a lasting impact. They praise its pastel-coloured setting and especially its animated linguine, while faulting its sleepy pace and lack of emotional force. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/luca/)
- **/Film**, Hoai-Tran Bui (9.5/10): The critic calls Luca one of Pixar’s best, praising its simple, emotionally honest coming-of-age story. They single out its Ghibli-inspired animation and a breathtaking moment of the boys imagining fish in the sky. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/581743/luca-review/)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (A-): The critic finds Luca a sweet, charming story of first love, though he notes its LGBTQ+ subtext stops short of being fully explicit. He praises the emotional depth and specificity of Luca and Alberto’s relationship. [Read](https://collider.com/luca-review-pixar-disney-plus/)
- **The Playlist**, Drew Taylor ([A]): Taylor calls the film magical, emotionally rich, and unlike other Pixar features. He particularly praises its distinctive animation style and the heartfelt relationship at its center. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/luca-pixar-review-20210616/)
- **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (85/100, inferred): Sandwell finds Luca a heartfelt, funny and beautifully crafted story that leaves a strong impression despite its simple, predictable plot. He especially praises the distinctive, hand-drawn quality of the animation, which gives Portorosso a personal, timeless feel. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a36727913/luca-review-disney-plus-pixar/)
- **The Wrap** (85/100, inferred): The critic finds Luca sweet, affecting, and successful on several storytelling levels. They praise its layered friendship story and its subtle metaphor about identity and belonging. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/luca-film-review-pixar-jacob-tremblay-disney-plus/)
- **Consequence**, Clint Worthington (80/100, inferred): Worthington finds Luca charming and modest, ultimately calling it perhaps Pixar’s best kid-focused tale since Coco despite a shaggy middle. He especially praises the fragile, formative friendship between Luca and Alberto, along with the film’s sun-dappled atmosphere. [Read](https://consequence.net/2021/06/luca-review-pixar-movie/)
- **Eye for Film**, Amber Wilkinson (78/100, inferred): Wilkinson finds the animation warm, nostalgic and winning, though aimed firmly at younger viewers. She praises its imaginative flights of fantasy and lively childhood energy, while noting its reliance on Italian stereotypes. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/luca-2021-film-review-by-amber-wilkinson)
- **Paste**, Andy Crump (6.3/10): Crump finds Luca charming but ultimately muddled and insubstantial. He praises its soft, distinctive animation and cultural influences, while faulting the rushed, unfocused storytelling. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/pixar/luca-review)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (3/5): The critic finds Luca adequate but disappointing by Pixar standards, describing it as a minor effort. He praises its dazzling visuals and Italian coastal scenery, while faulting its familiar story and lack of emotional depth. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/luca-review-minor-pixar-disney/)

## Details

- **Director:** Enrico Casarosa
- **Director:** Enrico Casarosa
- **Screenplay:** Mike Jones, Jesse Andrews
- **Story:** Enrico Casarosa, Jesse Andrews, Simon Stephenson
- **Cinematography:** Kim White, David Juan Bianchi
- **Editor:** Jason Hudak, Catherine Apple
- **Music:** Dan Romer
- **Production design:** Daniela Strijleva
- **Producer:** Andrea Warren
- **Cast:** Jacob Tremblay as Luca Paguro (voice); Jack Dylan Grazer as Alberto Scorfano (voice); Emma Berman as Giulia Marcovaldo (voice); Saverio Raimondo as Ercole Visconti (voice); Maya Rudolph as Daniela Paguro (voice); Marco Barricelli as Massimo Marcovaldo (voice); Jim Gaffigan as Lorenzo Paguro (voice); Peter Sohn as Ciccio (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 35m
- **Release (Croatia):** 14 June 2022
- **Genres:** Animation, Family, Fantasy, Drama, Comedy
- **Budget:** $200 million
- **Box office:** $51 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYfJxlgR2jw

## Where to watch in Croatia

- Disney+: streaming, uhd

*Checked 2026-10-03.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2022: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)
- Academy Awards 2021: Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2021: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2021: Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- People's Choice Awards 2021: People's Choice Awards (won)

## If you liked this

- *My Neighbour Totoro* (1988), Fi1m 89: Another child’s summer where everyday pleasures deserve as much attention as magic. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro.md)
- *The Iron Giant* (1999), Fi1m 88: A child’s friendship with an outsider, with more danger and a firmer story. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant.md)
- *Song of the Sea* (2014), Fi1m 82: Coastal folklore and family feeling, told through carefully drawn, expressive animation. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea.md)
- *The Red Balloon* (1956): A child finds improbable companionship in streets made for wandering.
- *The Way He Looks* (2014): For older viewers, a tender account of friendship becoming first love.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/luca