‘PENGUIN BLOOM’ BRINGS INSPIRATION DURING CHALLENGING TIMES

Who knew the feelings and experiences of people and birds had so much in common?I recently watched a heartfelt and inspiring film called “Penguin Bloom,” which I would definitely recommend.

Released in 2020, the movie is based on the true story of Samantha Bloom, who becomes paralyzed after she breaks her back in an accident, falling from a high building. It outlines the story of the entire Bloom family as its members go through many experiences, both positive ones and tougher challenges.

The main characters include Samantha, played by Naomi Watts; her husband, Cameron (Andrew Lincoln); Noah, oldest of their three sons (Griffin Murray-Johnston); her mother, Jan, played by Jacki Weaver; and a new friend/mentor, Gaye Hatfield (Rachel House).

As Samantha rebuilds her life, one day her boys bring home a magpie. She begins to feel a connection to the bird after being home alone and looking after it one day. This helps her through the difficult challenges she faces. The family decides to name the bird “Penguin.”

Filmed mostly in Australia, the movie makes use of symbolic meaning throughout, showing the moment the accident happened multiple times. At the same time, it focuses on Samantha’s recovery and how she learns to cope with being in a wheelchair. It turns out both she and Penguin face many obstacles throughout the film, as the magpie is injured and can’t fly.

The film uses many different camera shots and angles of the bird, and every scene builds up to the plot and climax of when Penguin begins to fly high in the sky. The lighting is also well done, and the film emphasizes the sun throughout. Each scene was interesting, and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.

Penguin Bloom is definitely a heartfelt, feel-good movie and I felt optimistic after watching it, although there were definitely some sad moments. It’s really inspiring in that, in the end, the bird learns to fly again. Samantha watches as it takes off, having left a great demonstration of positivity, perseverance and determination.

Penguin Bloom is available on Netflix in the U.S.