Lucky (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Lucky is set in Piru, California, a small desert town known for its serene landscapes and rustic charm. The local diner and bar serve as key gathering spots that anchor the story in a close-knit community setting.

• piru california
• desert town
• setting
• location

The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern themes of aging and mortality. It captures the essence of present-day life's challenges and the universal human experience of confronting existential questions.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• present day

Lucky is about a 90-year-old man who, after outliving his friends, embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. The film explores how one confronts the big questions of life, examining beliefs and considering the possibility of something more beyond mortality.

• self-discovery
• elderly
• aging
• existential
• journey

Mortality is the central theme, with Lucky grappling with the realities of aging and the finite nature of existence. Through his reflections and interactions, the film explores how one can find meaning and acceptance in the face of inevitability, emphasizing the legacy one leaves behind.

• mortality
• death
• aging
• meaning
• acceptance

Connection is woven throughout Lucky, highlighting how relationships and community provide comfort in one's later years. Lucky's friendships at the diner and bar demonstrate that shared experiences and memories can alleviate loneliness, showing that human bonds remain vital even as life nears its end.

• friendship
• community
• relationships
• connection
• loneliness

Reflection is crucial as Lucky recalls his past, contemplating his life's choices and regrets. His conversations with friends serve as catalysts for self-discovery, encouraging both Lucky and viewers to ponder their own life's journey and find meaning in looking back while moving forward.

• reflection
• self-discovery
• past
• regrets
• memory

Lucky is a resilient 90-year-old man who doesn't believe in anything yet embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. He embodies a laid-back lifestyle while engaging in profound reflections about his past and the meaning of life, capturing solitude intertwined with a desire for connection.

• lucky
• protagonist
• 90 year old
• main character

Joe is the caring diner owner and close friend to Lucky, played by Barry Shabaka Henley. He represents a steadfast presence in Lucky's life, showing genuine concern for his health and well-being by gently encouraging him to quit smoking, embodying the kindness essential to community.

• joe
• diner owner
• friend
• barry shabaka henley

Elaine is a diner staff member played by Beth Grant who provides a grounding force in Lucky's life. Her concern for him and light-hearted interactions emphasize the familiar bonds formed in everyday life, illustrating how such relationships combat loneliness.

• elaine
• diner staff
• beth grant
• supporting character

Lucky has a bittersweet tone, blending the inherent melancholy of confronting mortality with moments of warmth and humor. The film balances heavy existential themes with light, gentle presentation through small-town interactions, creating an accessible character-driven narrative.

• tone
• bittersweet
• style
• atmosphere
• mood

The tortoise that crosses Lucky's path at the end symbolizes acceptance and the cyclical nature of existence. Lucky cleaning his house beforehand signals his re-engagement with life, suggesting a peaceful acceptance rather than a purely happy or sad conclusion.

Foreshadowing: The film's slow pacing and reflective tone build toward this moment of quiet realization.

• tortoise
• ending
• symbolism
• acceptance
• cycle

Lucky is a drama with comedic elements, characterized by its slow pacing and deliberate focus on the quiet, uneventful routine of an elderly man's life. It emphasizes atmosphere and character reflection over plot, making it a character study rather than a traditional narrative.

• drama
• comedy
• genres
• character study
• slow pacing