Disney's LUCA employs sea creatures as a metaphor for a deeper meaning

Luca, a Disney and Pixar film, missed its chance for a theatrical release amid the pandemic, a regrettable circumstance considering the movie's exceptional quality. However, Disney is currently delighting fans by bringing Luca to theaters, providing an opportunity to experience the film on the big screen. This is particularly noteworthy considering the breathtaking nature of Luca in various aspects. The narrative follows the journey of a young sea monster boy, longing for the unknown and seeking his place in a vastly different world, rendering it both sweet and endearing. Beyond its simple storyline, Luca serves as a compelling allegory for deeper themes beneath the surface.

Disney has explored underwater realms in the past with classics like The Little Mermaid and critical hits like Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. Yet, Luca, as explored in this review, offers a distinct perspective on the underwater world. The film introduces Luca, a sea monster living a content life as a fish farmer under the sea, carefully avoiding encounters with 'land monsters' (humans on boats). An unexpected meeting with another sea monster boy named Alberto opens up a new world for Luca.

What sets Luca apart is its focus on sea creatures venturing into the human world. After forming a friendship with Alberto, Luca discovers that when sea monsters leave the water, they undergo a transformation to appear human. The narrative unfolds as Luca explores the human world, makes human friends, and contemplates whether he truly belongs there

.Beyond the literal transformation into a human boy, Luca delves into internal transformations. The film transcends the boundaries of a lighthearted sea monster movie set in Italy, offering an allegory that touches on profound themes.

Luca's story becomes an allegory for the LGBTQIA+ experience, portraying a young boy navigating a new world while concealing his true identity. Luca's initial pretense to fit into the human world, fueled by his friendship with Alberto, echoes the struggles of hiding one's true self. The townspeople's reaction to sea monsters mirrors the historical demonization of the queer community. Luca's journey becomes a narrative not just about choosing a new path but also about self-acceptance, mirroring the LGBTQIA+ experience.

Despite the positive aspects, the film falls short in openly acknowledging its LGBTQIA+ allegory, resorting to subtle subtext instead of explicit representation. This issue aligns with similar challenges faced by other mainstream films in the past, like Beauty and the Beast and certain characters in Star Wars.

While Luca's issues are acknowledged, the movie is still praised for its overall enjoyment. Luca, portrayed by Jacob Tremblay, is a vibrant and enthusiastic character, complemented by the tragic backstory of Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer) and the lively Giulia (Emma Berman). The film's setting in a small Italian town adds a unique and refreshing dimension, celebrating the country's culture.

Despite its cop-outs on certain aspects, Luca is deemed an uplifting and representative film that offers a fun family viewing experience. The layers of subtext contribute to the overall depth of the story. Luca is set to hit theaters on March 22, 2024.