Netflix's "Lucca's World" is emotional and powerful

The Real Perspectives

Published January 31, 2025

Netflix

Lucca's World is the new Netflix original based on the inspirational book by Mexican journalist Barbara Anderson, "The Two Hemispheres of Lucca." The real story, on which the movie is based, follows Barbara's harrowing journey to India, hoping to find an experimental treatment to save her son, who has severe cerebral palsy. With limited financial resources, the story is about hope, courage, and the power of one woman's strength in facing insurmountable odds.

Directed by Mariana Chenillo with a screenplay by Javier Peñalosa and Chenillo, the film is produced by Woo Films.

The movie stars

Bárbara Mori as Bárbara

Juan Pablo Medina as Andrés

Danish Husain as Dr. Kumar

Julián Tello as Lucca

Alejandra Corman

Diana Mercado Armenta as Diana Maestra Lucca

Adonay Cabrera as Enfermero

Bélen Chávez as Enfermera

Tamara Salamonovitz Rivadeo as Asistente Editorial

Mai Elissalt as Directora de Kinder

Netflix

The movie is powerful in its own right, but the fact that it's based on a true story makes the film even more powerful. At the heart of the film is Barbara, who blames herself as the lack of oxygen during Lucca's birth resulted in his condition. As he gets older, his disease progresses to the point he's having seizures. Despite her and her husband having another child, Barabara stops at nothing in wanting to save her son, and it's that determination that leads her to India, where she learns during a job interview that there is hope in India with a treatment called Cytotron developed by Dr. Rajah Vijay Kumar, an Indian Scientist. The endearing film not only showcases a mother's unwavering love but highlights how difficult it is for people with physical disabilities who are far too easily cast aside by society with the frustrating bureaucracy of medical science. The film does a wonderful job of showcasing the depth of Barbara's love for Lucca while also highlighting the family's dynamic from a place of strength and unity as they figure out the best way to proceed to give Lucca the care that he needs.

The film is a powerful adaption of the complex challenges faced by families dealing with disabilities. It offers a realistic view anchored by gut-wrenching emotional performances by Bárbara Mori and Juan Pablo Medina.

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Lucca's World is currently streaming on Netflix.

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