Lucca’s World Ending Explained: What Happened to Barbara and Her Family?
Based on the homonymous book by Bárbara Anderson and on the struggle of the Argentine journalist to help her son, Lucca’s World, tells the story of a mother taking an emotional journey to India with her entire family to try experimental therapy that could reactivate connections in her son’s brain that you have cerebral palsy. What happened to the protagonists of the Mexican Netflix film directed by Mariana Chenillo from the script by Javier Peñalosa and Chenillo? Barbara (Bárbara Mori) and Andrés (Juan Pablo Medina) enthusiastically await the arrival of their first child, but a complication during childbirth leaves serious consequences. Despite early hopeful predictions, Lucca’s injury caused cerebral palsy with very frequent epilepsy episodes. However, her mother is looking for any way to improve her little one.
The couple has tried different therapies, but none represents a significant advance. However, the protagonists of “Lucca’s World” don’t give up and juggle their job responsibilities as parents. During an interview, Barbara learns of an experimental treatment that gives her little hope. The film is based on the incredible true story of Lucca, a boy born with cerebral palsy, and his mother, Barbara, who never stopped fighting for his recovery. After trying multiple therapies without success, Barbara discovers a revolutionary treatment in India, developed by Dr. Kumar, that could change her son’s life. Despite economic difficulties and bureaucratic obstacles, Barbara clings to the hope that Lucca can improve. The film immerses us in its exciting journey, full of challenges, deceit, and moments of pure determination.
Lucca’s World Ending Explained: What Happened to Barbara and Her Family?
After Lucca suffers an episode of epilepsy and ends up hospitalized, Dr. Ricardo Jaramillo contacts Bárbara and Andrés to inform them of the experimental treatment with the machine called Cytotron, request the medical reports from Lucca, and send them the budget. Andrés is not convinced of the effectiveness of the treatment, but Bárbara convinces him to try for the sake of his son. Another obstacle is the money they need to make the trip to India. In addition to not having the necessary money, they have several debts, so they resolve to mortgage their apartment. Before they can continue with their plans for the trip, Dr. Ricardo Jaramillo informs him that at the moment he cannot use the machine in children. Once again, Barbara doesn’t give up and fights until they agree to treat her son. The family arrives in India despite Lucca suffering from an episode of epilepsy after the flight to Paris. When they are close to completing the 28-day treatment, Barbara feels that she was scammed because she sees no improvement in her son. However, after an episode of epilepsy that takes them to the hospital, Lucca develops the suction reflex, which represents great progress.
What Happens to Lucca and Her Treatment?
After months of insisting, Barbara gets Dr. Kumar and his team to agree to treat Lucca with the Cytotron machine in India. Although at first they do not see improvements, little by little Lucca begins to respond to treatment, surprising her family and doctors. At a key moment, he utters his first word: “Kumar”, confirming that the therapy is working. But coming home brings new challenges. Barbara wants to take the Cytotron to Mexico so that more children can benefit, but she runs into opposition from Dr. Jaramillo, who seems more interested in his own business than in the well-being of patients. When he discovers that Jaramillo has been lying about his connections to hospitals in the United States. and that he has even tried to steal Kumar’s patent, Barbara decides to confront him. Thanks to his perseverance, he managed to pass clinical trials in Mexico, although only for cancer patients in the first phase. When everything seems to be lost, Barbara receives an unexpected call from Dr. Kumar. Seeing the start ceremony of clinical trials in Mexico, she realizes how hard this mother has struggled and decides to offer her Lucca treatment in India at no cost. With this new ray of hope, Barbara finally feels that her effort has been worth it.
What Happened to Barbara and Her Family?
After Lucca’s advances, the family finally meets Dr. Kumar (Danish Husain), who accompanies them in the following sessions and witnesses the patient’s progress. When the protagonists of “Lucca’s World” return to Mexico, the child makes advances in speech. Dr. Kumar hopes to see Lucca again in a year, but his family no longer has the means for another trip. Barbara suggests selling the apartment, but this time Andrés does not budge. In search of a solution, the mother talks to her son’s doctor so that the hospital can get one of the machines and perform the first tests. In the middle of his fight, he discovers that the information that Dr. Ricardo Jaramillo gave him was a lie. Although the treatment works, Jaramillo used it to raise money from sponsors for an alleged clinic in the United States. Barbara conducts an investigation and sends an email to Cytotron investors, forcing Jaramillo to accept clinical trials in Mexico.
However, it will only be used in patients with cancer and arthritis. Although her son will not benefit, Barbara accepts that she cannot always win the battle. At the end of “Lucca’s World”, Barbara also manages to free herself from the guilt she has felt since the birth of her first child. When the doctor explains that she suffered cardiac arrest during childbirth and that it was a miracle that mother and son were saved, she understands that it was not her fault. In addition, she receives a call from Dr. Kumar, who invites her to return to India for Lucca to receive the treatment a second time. In the credits, it is revealed that Lucca is finishing primary school with her brother Bruno and that she has not suffered epilepsy for five years. He has also learned to walk and speak.
Barbara’s Journey: A Mother Against the System
The true heart of the story is not just Lucca’s recovery, but Barbara’s tireless fight against a system that hinders rather than helps. From mortgaging his home to traveling to India to dealing with Jaramillo’s deceptions, his determination is what drives the film. Her story is a reminder of how far a mother can go when it comes to her child’s well-being.
The Role of Bureaucracy and Corruption in Medicine
One of the most frustrating aspects of the story is how bureaucracy and personal interests can curb medical advances. Jaramillo, instead of helping the treatment reach more people, tried to monopolize him for his benefit. The film denounces this type of practice, making it clear that many advances in medicine do not stop due to lack of innovation, but due to administrative obstacles and corruption.
What Happened to Lucca After Treatment?
In the final credits, it is revealed that Lucca continues to advance she has left epilepsy behind, she has learned to walk and speak, and she is finishing primary school with her brother Bruno. His case represents not only a medical miracle, but also a testimony of what can be accomplished with faith, perseverance, and unconditional love.
