Penguin Bloom (2021) Review

So Penguin Bloom is a film that has come to Netflix today and I sat down and gave it a watch and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a woman affected by a life changing injury see a Magpie come into her and her family's life and how it affects their lives. 

Main Character

Naomi Watts plays the main character and she is really good here and provides a very strong performance. Her character goes through something really tragic at the beginning of the film and the way she reacts to it feels really natural and a bit understated at times which makes it effective so when she does break down it feels even worse. Her strong performance is the best part of the film and she is a character you can really support and one you can empathise with and I am sure their are plenty of people who watch this that will have an even greater connection to her performance then I do. 

Supporting Characters

Andrew Lincoln plays her husband in the film he is also really good. The two of them have very good chemistry together and he adds plenty to his role and the story overall, with one scene at a dinner table being his one to shine. This film introduces youngster Griffin Murray-Johnston as one of their sons and he does give a good accounting of himself and adds to the depth of the film and the story and the dynamic between him and Watts. Jacki Weaver plays Watts on screen mother and again she does a good job in the role and adds plenty to the film. 

Story

The story is based on real events and does a good job in showing the troubles of a person and a family when a real tragedy happens to a member of it. The performances feel very natural and organic and that aids in the authencity of the whole film and the story that is being told. But I just felt like there was something missing, it feels like quite a lot happens but none of it is proper developed and given a real time to build and maybe a longer runtime could have aided this. 

Script

The same could be said for the script, there is some strong writing especially in the dramatic department but there is something missing, the humour isn't great and as I said above none of the main storylines are developed as much as I would like and maybe some tighter writing could have aided with this. 

Style 

The style of the film again shows despair pretty well and the way that can affect a group of people and a head of a family. But this film has a pretty slower pacing and I think the last act maybe doesn't hit as well as it could have and that is a bit of a disappointment. 

Overall

Overall, this is a good film with a pretty heavy subject and good acting. It reminds me of Pieces Of A Woman and if you thought that film was interesting then maybe give this one a go. 

Rating - 7/10