Synopsis
When an unlikely ally enters the Bloom family's world in the form of an injured baby magpie they name Penguin, the bird’s arrival makes a profound difference in the struggling family’s life.
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Cast
- Naomi WattsSam Bloom
- Andrew LincolnCameron Bloom
- Griffin Murray-JohnstonNoah Bloom
- Felix CameronRueben Bloom
- Abe Clifford-BarrOli Bloom
- Jacki WeaverJan
- Rachel HouseGaye Hatfield
- Gia CaridesMegan
- Leeanna WalsmanKylie
- Lisa HensleyBron
Recommendations
- 75
Chicago Sun-Times
Watts is such a chameleon of an actress, such a pro at slipping into a vast array of roles without drawing attention to the mechanics of her work, that we almost take for granted how damn good she is — and she delivers beautiful and resonant work as Sam. - 67
IndieWire
Dramas pile up, some obvious, some not, and Penguin Bloom meanders a bit before coming in to land. The path there might be predictable, but there is still something beautiful when it really takes flight. - 63
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
This isn’t some cutsey, bordering-on-laughable inspiration porn. It is more patient, messy and dead-serious than its sight-gag of a poster might have you believe. This doesn’t mean it’s a great movie – just a passable one. - 60
The Guardian
It’s a handsomely made and sturdy little movie, mercifully devoid of cloying sentimentality, an old-fashioned throwback for families in search of something safe and superhero-free that might not sing quite as loud as it could have but flies just about high enough nonetheless. - 60
The Hollywood Reporter
Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln bring dignity and seriousness to what might've been a painfully sappy tale of rebirth. - 50
Screen Daily
Once that narrative path becomes clear, Penguin Bloom never really surprises, delivering a series of heartfelt but predictable story beats. - 50
The A.V. Club
Because Watts is a gifted actor, Penguin Bloom does sometimes convey paraplegia’s emotional trials. - 42
The Playlist
Watts certainly makes that internal struggle compelling without resorting to overwrought physical transformation.
