Penguin Bloom Cast: Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver, Rachel House
Director of Penguin Bloom: Glendyn Ivin
Penguin Bloom rating: 3 stars
Penguin Bloom stars Naomi Watts as Sam Bloom, a woman whose life is disorganized after falling off a building while on vacation and losing the use of both legs.
The film, directed by Glendyn Ivin, is mainly about Sam’s struggle to come to terms with his paralysis and adapt to his new life as an invalid who constantly needs someone’s help to perform basic functions.
Helping her to deal with the situation is Penguin Bloom, a wounded magpie that children bring home to breastfeed. Sam finds affinity and comfort while caring for and feeding the small bird that is unable to fly despite having wings.
Penguin Bloom is adopted by the family. In his own way, Penguin gives Sam the strength she and her loved ones need to overcome tough times.
If the premise seems tacky and banal, let me say that Penguin Bloom is based on a true story. This is one of those real-world tales of hope and kindness that make you believe in miracles.
Naomi Watts completely delves into the role. It portrays the despair and anger of a person going through an accident that changes their life. This may be your best performance so far. Sometimes, she is frighteningly and uncomfortably believable. It is probably safe to say that the film would be completely empty if there were no actor of its caliber in the center.
Andrew Lincoln, best known for playing Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead, is also impressive in the role of Sam’s husband Cameron, who, while devoted to his wife, is losing patience with his self-pity and frequent tantrums. Although it is not a big role, it makes it worthwhile.
Bloom Penguin is filmed with love with consistently stunning looks from the Australian coast. The impressive images help a lot to keep the film immersive.
Despite being a real story, the plot of the film and some of the beats of the characters have an air that has already been seen many times. The film’s performances and visual quality prevent it from being retreaded.