Pixar Does It Again: 'Luca' Review

Pixar's most recent releases have been a glorious mix of masterpieces melded with mediocrity. Though perhaps 'mediocre' is a tad harsh for Pixar - the bottom of their catalogue is still a library of incredible animation, storytelling, and design - the hallmarks of the studio's works.

Following last year's Soul, directed by Pixar veteran Pete Doctor (Monsters, Inc., Up, Inside Out), Luca is a breath of fresh air for the studio, channelling the wondrous imagery from Pixar's own short film La Luna (2011) and the works of Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki.

Directed by Enrico Casarosa, Luca tells the story of titular protagonist Luca, a young sea monster, and his newfound friend Alberto, as they find themselves in the town of Portorosso.

The characters are charming, and the animation is (as is always the case with Pixar) incredible, but this time somewhat fresh, stylistically unique from previous works.

While Luca has been criticised for an 'overly simple plot' - and, to be fair, it is - the story works, and works well. With most movies - and especially sequels - continuing to push the stakes higher, sometimes to incredulous levels (I'm looking at you, Finding Dory), Luca is a breath of fresh air. The plot is straightforward, the characters complex and real, and the payoff in the final act is no less than any of Pixar's other films. It is poignant, emotional, and carries on Pixar's tradition of breathtaking endings.

I'll keep this review short - Luca is Pixar once again at the top of their game, and is absolutely worth watching. Like many great movies, the setting and, especially, the characters, will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Luca is streaming now on Disney+.

9/10