Penguin Bloom

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 21, 2021

Genre
Drama, Family

Cast & Crew

• Naomi Watts as Sam Bloom
• Andrew Lincoln as Cameron Bloom
• Griffin Murray-Johnston as Noah Bloom
• Rachel House as Gaye Hatfield
• Jacki Weaver as Jan
• Leeanna Walsman as Kylie

Director
Glendyn Ivin

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Last Ride (2009)
• Safe Harbour (2018) – TV Series

Producer
Emma Cooper, Bruna Papandrea, Naomi Watts

Writer
Shaun Grant, Harry Cripps (based on the book by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive)

Budget
$5 million (estimated)

Production Company
Made Up Stories, Jam Tart Films, Broadtalk

Running Time
95 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG

Content Advisory

• Emotional themes
• Mild language
• Depictions of disability
• Family conflict

Movie Story
“Penguin Bloom” is an inspiring true story that chronicles the journey of Sam Bloom, a mother of three who faces an unimaginable challenge after a tragic accident leaves her paralyzed from the waist down. The film, based on the bestselling book of the same name, explores themes of resilience, healing, and the power of unexpected friendships in the face of adversity.

Sam, portrayed by Naomi Watts, is a vibrant and active woman whose life takes a devastating turn during a family vacation in Thailand. After falling from a rooftop, she suffers a severe spinal injury, leaving her unable to walk. The story picks up with Sam struggling to adjust to her new reality, grappling with depression, and feeling disconnected from her former life as an adventurous wife and mother.

Amidst this turmoil, the Bloom family rescues an injured magpie chick, whom they name Penguin. The small bird, with its own set of challenges, forms a unique bond with Sam. Penguin’s presence becomes a source of comfort and motivation for Sam, slowly helping her rediscover a sense of purpose and joy. As Sam nurtures Penguin back to health, she begins to find healing within herself, and the bird becomes a symbol of hope and recovery for the entire family.

The narrative is both heartwarming and poignant, showcasing the emotional struggles that come with life-altering injuries, as well as the profound impact that love and support from family—and sometimes from unexpected sources—can have on the journey to recovery. Through the Bloom family’s journey, the film highlights the importance of acceptance, adaptation, and finding strength in the face of overwhelming odds.

Special Effects
“Penguin Bloom” is a character-driven drama that relies on its storytelling and emotional depth rather than special effects. The film uses natural settings and minimal CGI, focusing on the authenticity of the Bloom family’s interactions with each other and with Penguin.

Box Office Performance
“Penguin Bloom” was released on Netflix and in select theaters, particularly in Australia. While it had a modest box office performance, the film gained significant attention and viewership through its streaming release, resonating with audiences worldwide for its heartfelt story and strong performances.

Filming Locations

• Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Palm Beach, New South Wales, Australia

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes life’s just not fair. But there’s beauty in accepting that and moving forward.” – Sam Bloom
• “We don’t always get to choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we deal with it.” – Cameron Bloom

Behind-the-Scenes
Naomi Watts, who plays Sam Bloom, spent time with the real Sam Bloom to understand her experience and bring authenticity to her portrayal. The real-life Bloom family was closely involved in the production, ensuring the film stayed true to their story.

Awards

• AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in Film (Naomi Watts)
• Nominated for AACTA Award for Best Film

Final Verdict
“Penguin Bloom” is a touching and beautifully acted drama that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Naomi Watts delivers a powerful performance as Sam Bloom, capturing the character’s vulnerability and strength in equal measure. The film’s portrayal of recovery, both physical and emotional, is uplifting without being overly sentimental, making it a compelling watch for anyone seeking a story of hope and inspiration.

IMDb Rating
6.8/10