Heart-breaking & equally uplifting
film: Netflix Lucca’s World
Director: Mariana Chenillo
Cast: Barbara Mori, Juan Pablo Medina, Danish Husain, Julian Tello, Samuel Perez, Paloma Alvamar
“That day I didn’t know how to push. But since then, I have learned to cross seas and move mountains, and you have taught me that,” says the mother to her son, and that one statement sums up ‘Lucca’s World’.
The movie takes off from a book by Barbara Anderson. Based on a true story, it is about a child, Lucca (Julian Tello), who suffers from infantile cerebral palsy. The first-time mother, Barbara (Barbara Mori), suffers from the guilt that she was not able to push in time during the delivery that led to the child’s condition. But she promises her infant son that she won’t rest till she sets things right.
Ably supported by her husband Andres (Juan Pablo Medina), caregiver Naye (Paloma Alvamar) and younger son Bruno (Samuel Perez), this Mexican family comes to India to get experimental treatment for Lucca, who otherwise faces a dismal future.
The story is powerful and in the hands of award-winning Mexican director Mariana Chenillo, it engages, it educates and it inspires! The screenplay by Javier Penalosa is taut. It is one step forward, two steps backwards as the family tries to stay afloat through personal, professional and financial crises to give Lucca every opportunity to lead a full life.
Sensitive portrayals mark this courageous story. Barbara Mori as the fiery and fierce mom, who would go to any length to get the very best the world can offer her son, is incredible. How she puts on a brave face for her son and in weak moments gives in is portrayed with utmost sensitivity. Juan Pablo Medina as a caring father, and an even more supportive husband, plays his role superbly well. He brings forth the right amount of sensitivity and is the pillar of support to the family in the oddly challenging circumstances.
Julian Tello as the child around whom this story takes shape is just terrific. Bruno, played by Samuel Perez, is every bit of the sunshine that this drama was in dire need of. In his fancy hoodie, a plushie to keep company, he is every child; his joie de vivre is infectious. Danish Husain as Dr Kumar makes a brief but impactful appearance. Paloma Alvamar as caregiver Naye is sincere.
India’s portrayal in international dramas is stereotypical. Cows on the roads jostling with crowded tuk-tuks and overcrowded temples sure make their presence felt here too. But the movie shows India in its colourful ways, the place where technology meets tradition, and triumphs. Music really brings the vibrant life of India alive.
Some of the scenes are well thought out and executed remarkably well. Like how the mother makes the son see out of the plane as they take off, which is symbolic and promising. Some of the scenes are heart-breaking like the flight layover in France, or when Lucca suffers another epileptic seizure when Bruno loses his first milk tooth. And some very insightful — as outside a temple, Andre’s sneakers are stolen. The bond between Bruno and Lucca is incredibly sweet.
Overall a beautiful story and sensitively told, it’s a must-watch for every sympathetic and empathetic viewer that there is. It’s heart-breaking yet uplifting in incredulous ways!