I've always felt "family" movies didn't have to be light to be accessible. Kids deal with a lot of emotions. They live in the real world. They respond to stories that speak to these issues. This "family" film, about a family who adopt a wounded bird after the mother becomes partially paralyzed after a fall does that, tells a real story about adapting to change and the way our anger and blame need to be processed.
While this is based on the real life Blooms, the story uses the magpie they take in, which they ironically name "Penguin," as the linchpin for this family's resolve and strength together. It "personifies" their desire to heal, to come together, and to rely on each other. And this rather simple, yet effective story, captures that quite beautiful idea in a story that almost any age can understand. I loved the way this tale is told in a way that is accessible without ever dumbing it down or sugar coating it.
I can watch Naomi Watts in almost anything and it is her, along with her great supporting cast (hello Jacki!), who bring a real honesty to a story that could have been far more after-school-special and saccharine than it turns out to be. All in all Penguin Bloom hits the right nerves and offers a story for all ages.
Penguin Bloom
Starring: Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver, Rachel House
Director: Glendyn Ivin
Writers: Shaun Grant, Harry Cripps
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