Set in Australia and directed by Glendyn Ivin, Penguin Bloom (which was distributed by Netflix worldwide) is structured around the subject of motherhood and the relationship a mother has with her family after such a terrible accident. It is assisted by some moderately dark undertones involving feelings of self-worth, as Sam struggles to look after herself as well as her family, resulting in her sinking into a deep depression. The concept is interesting and unique, the story is fascinating and inspiring, and yet, the film feels somewhat underwhelming, unable to crack into what makes the source material so absorbing. Although, its good qualities do outweigh the bad; its solid performances, the way the score fits seamlessly into the narrative, and the cinematography by Sam Chiplin which exposes the beautiful surroundings of New South Wales, Australia to its audience.
The film begins with a flashback of the fated incident; screams and flashes signifying the horror of what has happened. Fast forward to the present day, Sam Bloom has become a soulless wreck; feeling sorry for herself and unable to do the simple things in life anymore, desperately wanting to erase her former life of surfing and adventure. The family soon find an injured Magpie on the beach and decide to take it under their own wing, hoping to nurse it back to health. Sam, who has become distant with her three young sons and her husband, also must deal with her overbearing Mother Jan (played brilliantly by Jackie Weaver) as well as this extremely loud new family member Penguin, whose squawks could turn the strongest of women towards madness.
Penguin Bloom has some emotional ups and downs which are weaved together to make a film that does not quite hit every note available to it, but with its narrative attempting to be different from a familiar blueprint – involving the relationship between human and animal – it does gain a small kudos. Nevertheless, it is suited to the small screen that Netflix offers; being a film that could very easily go straight under the radar when choosing your Saturday night viewing, but if you are looking for a quirky story with solid acting, and a Magpie with a stellar career ahead if it, then Penguin Bloom is that film.
Available to watch on Netflix now.
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