Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Emotional Mexican drama about child with disabilities.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lucca's World
What's the Story?
Lucca (Julián Tello) is born with severe cerebral palsy at the start of LUCCA'S WORLD. He is largely unexpressive and, as he grows up, begins to experience epileptic seizures that lead to malnourishment. Parents Bárbara (Bárbara Mori) and Andrés (Juan Pablo Medina) do everything they can to provide their child with therapists, treatments, and the best medical care, despite their own precarious financial situation. When they learn about a promising alternative treatment in India, they bet their family's future—not to mention Lucca's life—on making that trip.
Is It Any Good?
This sensitively portrayed, true story-inspired tale of a family's determination to help their child with disabilities packs an emotional punch. Lucca's World offers a tender rendering of the power of parental love. Director Chenillo rushes through some exposition and could potentially have done without the occasional voice-over, but other aspects of the film are more subtle. Ultimately, she has crafted a sympathetic, stirring, and beautifully acted drama, led by standout Mori.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Lucca's parents, especially his mother, demonstrate perseverance in Lucca's World. What would have happened to Lucca without that parental determination to improve his quality of life and future opportunities?
This film is based on a book, although opening credits suggest some events have been altered. What are the responsibilities of filmmakers when bringing someone's life story to film? If you've read the book, what has been changed from real life?
Lucca is largely nonverbal and has severe physical limitations. His father has a prosthetic leg. Do you feel the film offers a realistic portrayal of their disabilities? How can movies help generate compassion and understanding among audiences who don't have experience with such challenges?
The original title of the film (and book) in Spanish refers to "two hemispheres." What double meaning does this have in the film?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 31, 2025
- Cast : Bárbara Mori , Juan Pablo Medina , Julián Tello
- Director : Mariana Chenillo
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Mexican Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , STEM , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate