Story
After a crippling accident in Thailand, Sam Bloom (Naomi Watts) mourns the life she lost and the person she used to be. Her husband Cam (Andrew Lincoln) and sons Noah (Grifffin Murray-Johnston), Reuben (Felix Cameron) and Oli (Abe Clifford-Barr) try to help as much as they can, but it doesn’t seem to be enough. Sam is angry and hurt. She shuts herself away from the world and, to some extent, from her family.
When Noah rescues a baby magpie, the bird – later called Penguin – makes his way into their hearts. Left alone in the house, Penguin and Sam begin to develop a special bond. As Penguin finally learns to fly, he inspires Sam to try something new. She finds fulfilment in learning to kayak.
Sam comes to recognise that although things are different, she’s still the same person she always has been, and great things are yet to come.
Themes
Loss of identity; grief; family tragedy; loss of a pet; personal injury; coming to terms with a new reality
Violence
Penguin Bloom has some violence. For example:
- Sam smashes a wall full of photos that show the life she once had.
- Other magpies brutally attack Penguin. The magpies repeatedly stab at him, and their beaks get bloody.
Sexual references
There are no sexual references in Penguin Bloom.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Penguin Bloom shows some use of substances. For example:
- Sam’s mum drinks a glass of wine as she waits for her family to arrive.
- Drinks are served with a special lunch.
- Sam’s sister talks about having drinks.
Nudity and sexual activity
Penguin Bloom has some nudity. For example:
- Cam helps undress Sam for the shower and helps her go to the toilet. Her bare back and bottom are shown, but her bottom is blurred out. Noah watches this from a distance and is upset about the scars on his mother’s back.
- Cam helps Sam dress after her shower. She lies on the bed wearing a shirt and underwear. We can see the outline of the catheter through her underpants.
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in Penguin Bloom: Vegemite.
Coarse language
Penguin Bloom has some coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Penguin Bloom is a heart-warming drama based on the compelling true story of the Bloom family. The movie features a stellar cast and outstanding performances and has resonant messages for current times. It’s best suited to older children, adults and anyone who can appreciate the lessons you can learn from triumphing over incredible odds.
These are the main messages from this movie:
- Anyone’s life can change in an instant.
- At times we’re scared, angry, grieving or in pain, and we think we lack the strength to get through. But even in these moments, we’re stronger than we think and more loved than we can ever imagine.
Values in Penguin Bloom that you could reinforce with your children include love, forgiveness, persistence, encouragement, patience, kindness and courage.
Penguin Bloom could also give you the chance to talk with your children about communicating within your family, not hiding your feelings and not blaming yourself for things that are completely beyond your control.