We are living in some particularly challenging times, but what a comfort it is to still be surprised by new Pixar movies! The studio has just unveiled charming artwork for Luca, pictured below.
This image is so lovely, its gorgeous colors and background recalling Ghibli art. I like that it evokes a sense of tranquility, while the two young boys suspended in euphoria above the glassy sea are anything but! And who are these boys? One of them is our titular Luca and the other is his best friend. EW has provided a splendid synopsis of the film:
The film centers on a young boy named Luca who is secretly a sea monster from another world that lies just below the surface of the water. Appearing as a human, he meets a newfound best friend with whom he shares an unforgettable summer at a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, filled with gelato, pasta, and endless scooter rides. But Luca’s secret threatens this idyllic experience.
Everything about this is already unbelievably exciting! A sea monster in disguise! That’s another first for Pixar, along with its Italian Riviera setting. I’ve always wanted to visit Italy and I’m already imagining the seaside in animated form. My favorite film Roman Holiday, also set in Italy, features a very famous scooter ride, so I’m happy that Luca put me in mind of it.
Luca is directed by Enrico Casarosa, who made his directorial debut with the gorgeous “La Luna” (2011) short film. This will be his first full length movie. The movie’s producer is Andrea Warren, whose credits include “Lava” and Cars 3. Casarosa also explained the story’s roots and its major theme:
“This is a deeply personal story for me, not only because it’s set on the Italian Riviera where I grew up, but because at the core of this film is a celebration of friendship. Childhood friendships often set the course of who we want to become and it is those bonds that are at the heart of our story in Luca. So in addition to the beauty and charm of the Italian seaside, our film will feature an unforgettable summer adventure that will fundamentally change Luca.”
The film’s logo is also brilliant, with the lettering in the sea’s blue-green colors and the waves underneath Luca’s name. It’s got a childlike quality, as if it was written with chalk.
Italy was one of the countries greatly impacted by the coronavirus, so it seems like this film will pay a beautiful tribute at just the right time. Luca premieres on June 18, 2021.
Last modified: June 27, 2021