LUZ (2021): Cast & Ratings
LUZ is a 2021 romantic drama directed by Jon Garcia, starring Ernesto Reyes as Ruben, Jesse Tayeh and Lowell Deo. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes. Critics gave it 44% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 58m (118 min)
- Director
- Jon Garcia
- Original language
-
Chinese
- Studio
- Dark Star Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is LUZ About?
The premise of LUZ without spoilers.
Within a minimum-security prison, Ruben and Carlos develop a surprising and intimate connection. Carlos provides support and understanding as Ruben adjusts to prison life. Their feelings deepen as their release approaches, forcing them to question the nature of their relationship. They must ultimately determine if their bond was a genuine expression of love or a fleeting need for connection amidst isolation.
LUZ Cast & Characters
Ernesto Reyes leads the cast as Ruben, with Jesse Tayeh as Carlos and Lowell Deo as Officer Dowden. Directed by Jon Garcia; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Jon Garcia
- Ernesto Reyes as Ruben
- Jesse Tayeh as Carlos
- Lowell Deo as Officer Dowden
- Jimmy Garcia as Sal
Also Starring in LUZ
· 6 more- Marian Mendez Valerie
- Alma Gloria Garcia Benilda
- Evie Riojas Adriana
- Rega Lupo Julio
- Virgil Bohnenkamp Adult in custody
- Willis Argetsinger Adult in custody
More from Jon Garcia
More films directed by Jon Garcia: Love in Dangerous Times, Sex Weather and The Falls: Testament of Love.
LUZ Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave LUZ 44% on Rotten Tomatoes. Our Echo Score gives it 54/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (30).
LUZ Echo Score Breakdown
In its overall balance, LUZ impresses in its visual ambitions but is hampered by a meandering narrative and limited emotional engagement. Critics consistently note the film’s striking production design and luminous aesthetic, while many describe the plot as jumbled and characters as underdeveloped. The interplay of alluring style with uneven pacing is repeatedly observed, resulting in an experience that feels more intellectually intriguing than emotionally fulfilling. Ultimately, the film’s visual strengths are clear but struggle to overcome its narrative shortcomings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, LUZ delivers a visually arresting experience defined by neon-infused cinematography and meticulous production design. The editing contributes to dynamic juxtapositions of urban landscapes, while the color palette reinforces the film’s stylistic intent. The strong visual cohesion and inventive mise-en-scène make this aspect its most compelling feature.
- Character & Emotion 50
In terms of character and emotion, LUZ presents commendable performances, notably Isabelle Huppert’s lively portrayal, but struggles with depth and resonance. Relationships often feel underdeveloped, and the emotional arcs lack sufficient context to engage fully. Though sporadic moments of genuine connection emerge, the uneven character development limits the film’s overall emotional impact.
- Story & Flow 30
When evaluating story and flow, LUZ is hindered by a fragmented narrative and sluggish pacing that dilute its conceptual ambitions. Critics observe that the script often feels stuck in a tentative mode, resulting in a lack of forward momentum. While the premise offers intriguing questions about virtual reality, the story’s uneven execution prevents sustained engagement.
- Sensory Experience 80
In sensory terms, LUZ excels through a cohesive fusion of visual style and sound design. The pulsating electronic score underscores the neon-saturated environments, while sound cues heighten the film’s immersive quality. The integration of audio and visual elements reinforces the thematic contrast between virtual and real worlds, producing an engaging sensory tapestry throughout.
- Rewatch Factor 45
When considering rewatch value, LUZ offers limited long-term appeal due to its narrative and emotional shortcomings. Although the film’s striking visuals and atmospheric soundscape may invite a repeat viewing, the lack of coherent progression and character development reduces sustained interest. Consequently, the film is more likely to be revisited for its stylistic elements than for its storytelling.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 44% Tomatometer
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 60% User score
See on TMDB
LUZ Trailers & Videos
The trailer of LUZ.
Seen LUZ?
LUZ FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of LUZ, each answered in a sentence.
How long is LUZ?
LUZ runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).
When was LUZ released?
LUZ was released on March 19, 2021.
Who directed LUZ?
LUZ was directed by Jon Garcia.
More films by Jon Garcia Who is in the cast of LUZ?
LUZ stars Ernesto Reyes as Ruben, Jesse Tayeh as Carlos and Lowell Deo as Officer Dowden, among 10 credited actors.
How is LUZ rated?
LUZ has 44% on Rotten Tomatoes and 60% on TMDB.
Does LUZ have a post-credit scene?
No. LUZ has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is LUZ in?
The original language of LUZ is Chinese.
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