Penguin Bloom is a drama film directed by Glendyn Ivin and stars Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver, Griffin Murray Johnston, Felix Cameron, and Abe Clifford Barr in main roles. It was released on 27th January 2021 on Netflix.
The story is about a full of life and spirited mother Sam Bloom (Naomi Watts) who loves surf riding and playing with her three boys Noah (Griffin Murray Johnston), Rueben (Felix Cameron), and Oli (Abe Clifford Barr) on the beach, but the Bloom family's lives take a devastating turn when Sam falls from the terrace of a hotel when they were enjoying their holidays in Thailand.
Her photographer husband Cameron (Andrew Lincoln) is shown trying very hard to cope up with the daily work and children but Sam often bursts out on him as she is not silent in keeping her new circumstance very normal. One day, Noah brings in a black and white baby magpie in their house and begs their mother to keep the bird. She couldn't say no and how this decision of Sam helped her and the Bloom family to live their life happily after that it's all about the story.
Based on the book Penguin Bloom by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive, this is also a true story. The screenplay is by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps and is full of adorable and heartwarming moments but surely it lacks a definite storyline. But the good thing is that it keeps you engaged throughout. It's always tearing jerking when you're watching any pet movies like A Dog's Purpose or A Dog's Way Home. It's like it opens something in you, it moves you.
And that's the scenario here, with Sam and with us. The baby magpie, whose name is Penguin, revived something in her that was always there in her and maybe that's the biggest factor that you will stick to in this film. It's the heavy and unadulterated emotions that work here rather than the story that seems like it has been sidelined. All the characters' feelings are understandable and are very beautifully fleshed out. Their dynamics appear natural and powerful enough to hit the right chord.
There's a scene where the boys are calling their dad when they got food poisoning instead of their mother to which Sam says crying 'they used to call out for me'. It's hard-hitting and will surely make you sob. The magpie is undeniably the show-stealer who with its little mischief, stealing a tea bag or pooing on the table brings a smile on your face and relief from strong emotional scenes. Everything is natural and not melodramatic and that's what I liked about this film.
Naomi Watts is excellent as Sam Bloom. She has given a natural and restrained performance and excels in every scene. The feeling of being 'not there' for her husband and her children and the passion to do Kayaking, she's portrayed her character's journey beautifully and effectively. Andrew Lincoln as Cam is the silent hero here. He might not get many of close-up shots but his earnest performance doesn't get wasted as he's so convincing and impeccable in every scene. The boys have also lent good support with their energetic performance especially Griffin Murray Johnston who impressed with his subtle act. Jacki Weaver as Jan and Rachel House as Gaye also leave her mark strongly with her short yet remarkable performances.
The cinematography by Sam Chiplin is one of the biggest strengths of this film. He captures every movement and action effortlessly and the film is full of breathtaking and beautiful shots, all thanks to the beauty of Australia. The production design by Annie Beauchamp is of a high order and the music by Marcelo Zarvos is mesmerizing and touching. The editing by Maria Papoutsis could have been crisper.
To sum up, Penguin Bloom is a beautiful film that has the power to touch your heart. It has rich emotions and beautiful characters and of course, the rockstar Magpie that will win your heart from that very instant she enters the film. It has less to say through its storyline but the screenplay is solid enough to keep you invested. Hearing that this film is based on a real story makes it even more beautiful. It'll make you smile, cry and what more you want.
Rating:- 3.5/5
Now streaming on Netflix.
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