Thoughts on Lucca's World
- Remco Hoppezak
- May 12
- 4 min read
A film that touches – and makes you think
Lucca's World ( El Mundo de Lucca ) is a 2025 Mexican drama film produced by Woo Films and released on Netflix on January 31, 2025. Directed by Mariana Chenillo, the film stars Bárbara Mori as a mother who tirelessly advocates for her son with cerebral palsy. Her journey takes her all the way to India in search of a promising new treatment.
The film received mixed reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, but many viewers appreciate its emotional depth. It currently holds a solid 73% audience rating.
What the film shows us
For me personally, Lucca's world is a striking example of how families are often forced to look for solutions beyond the traditional medical path - especially when it comes to children with complex needs.
These are not “wild experiments,” but rather novel or little-researched therapeutic approaches that are showing initial positive results in practice – and are safe and non-invasive.
This is precisely what makes the film so important: It shows how difficult it is for parents to access such opportunities. Instead of a "whatever helps the child" approach, rigid regulations and bureaucracy often stand in the way.
A particularly touching moment in the film is when the mother learns that the device needed for the therapy had actually been available for a long time – just "hidden" behind forms, rules, and silence. Even the treating neurologist advises her not to put anything in writing. This says a lot about the political constraints that sometimes take precedence over professional judgment.
From the screen to practice
What is told in the film Lucca's World is everyday life for many families: the desire to do the right thing for their own child - even if the path to get there is not always clear.
In fact, after the film's release, a family came to our therapy center. They had become aware of us through contact with Lucca's mother. During a conversation, they mentioned DMI – Dynamic Movement Intervention – a method that also played a role.
We have been working with DMI for years – and regularly witness how this active, challenging form of therapy enables children to take new developmental steps. Many parents report increased alertness, more focused eye contact, and significantly improved enjoyment of movement after an intensive DMI program .
Why does it work? Because DMI specifically encourages the child's own activity. It's not about "passively being moved," but rather about targeted, meaningful movement that challenges the brain and triggers new connections—neuroplasticity in the best sense.
But – and the film also shows this very honestly – motor progress alone is not enough if the body remains structurally restricted.
Lucca also moves around in the gait trainer – but due to existing contractures in her feet, wrists, and elbows, she lacks alignment and stability. This means that even when her brain is ready, the movement experience remains "blurred." The necessary sensory feedback is missing, thus hindering true motor development.
That is why we rely on an integrative approach
What Lucca's world impressively demonstrates is something many families experience in real life: fighting on multiple fronts simultaneously. Diagnoses, therapies, prescriptions, aids, new hope – but everything is fragmented and disconnected.
That's why we use an integrated concept: We bring together specialist expertise, modern therapy methods and targeted aid provision in one place - like a "one-stop shop" for development and movement .
We work closely with partners such as TheraTogs to integrate customized orthopedic solutions directly into the therapy process – without unnecessary detours. This reduces the organizational burden for parents, and children benefit from coordinated, holistic support.
Our strength lies in the combination of:
intelligent aid provision (e.g. TheraTogs, orthoses)
sensorimotor activation through Sensophysio
One last thought
"Lucca's World" is a touching film that tells the story of a mother who tirelessly fights for her child's well-being. Barbara Mori's performance as Bárbara Anderson impressively demonstrates the lengths parents will go to help their children. Based on true events, the film highlights the challenges faced by families with children with special needs.
At our therapy center, we recognize the uniqueness of each child. We believe that every child is perfect just the way they are. Our approach is based on trust, individualized support, and close collaboration with families. We see ourselves as partners on the journey to provide the best possible support for each child.
"Lucca's World" reminds us of the importance of exploring new paths and being open to innovative, safe, and non-invasive treatment methods. It is a story of hope, love, and the unwavering will to improve a child's life.
Would you like to learn more about our integrative therapy approach Sensophysio or are you looking for support for your child?
Because sometimes real change begins with a mother's question!
Best regards, Fabienne Theler MSc PT
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