Penguin Bloom review: Naomi Watts shines in family drama
Penguin Bloom cast: Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver, Rachel House
Penguin Bloom director: Glendyn Ivin
Penguin Bloom rating: 3 stars
Penguin Bloom stars Naomi Watts as Sam Bloom, a woman whose life is thrown into disarray after she falls off a building during a vacation and loses the use of both her legs.
The film, directed by Glendyn Ivin, is mostly about Sam’s struggle to come to terms with her paralysis and adapting to her new life as an invalid who constantly needs somebody’s assistance to perform basic functions.
Helping her cope is the titular Penguin Bloom, an injured magpie that the children bring home to nurse. Sam finds kinship and solace while caring and feeding the little bird that is unable to fly despite possessing wings.
Penguin Bloom is adopted by the family. In her own way, Penguin gives Sam the strength she and her loved ones need to get through the dark times.
If the premise sounds cheesy and hackneyed, let me tell you that Penguin Bloom is based on a true story. This is one of those real-world tales of hope and goodness that make you believe in miracles.
Naomi Watts completely immerses herself in the role. She depicts the despair and anger of a person going through a life-altering accident. This might be her best performance yet. At times, she is eerily and uncomfortably believable. It is probably safe to say the film would be completely hollow had there not been an actor of her calibre at the centre.
