Penguin Bloom
After paralysis upends a young mother's life, an injured magpie helps her family rediscover hope and teaches her to live differently.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- melancholic
- sincere
- heartfelt
- inspirational viewing
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics generally found the fact-based drama emotionally sincere but insufficiently nuanced, with Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln providing strong performances and added heart.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The injured baby magpie Penguin gives Sam a renewed focus and helps her adjust to life after paralysis.
Sam struggles with paralysis, loss of independence, and the effect of her changed circumstances on her family.
The Bloom family gradually adapts to Sam's paralysis while supporting her movement toward renewed purpose.
The magpie and surrounding Australian environment provide a recurring visual counterpoint to Sam's restricted mobility.
Films like Penguin Bloom, and why
The Theory of Everything
true-story family drama centered on disability, resilience, and emotional recovery
The Water Diviner
uplifting Australian drama about family hardship, healing, and an unexpected animal connection
The Pursuit of Happyness
heartfelt true-story drama emphasizing perseverance, family bonds, and emotional inspiration
Movie Details
- Director
- Glendyn Ivin
- Release Date
- 2021-01-21
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (345)
Cast
- Naomi Watts
- Andrew Lincoln
- Griffin Murray-Johnston
- Felix Cameron
- Abe Clifford-Barr
- Jacki Weaver
- Rachel House
- Gia Carides
- Leeanna Walsman
- Lisa Hensley
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Penguin Bloom about?
- After paralysis upends a young mother's life, an injured magpie helps her family rediscover hope and teaches her to live differently.
- What is Penguin Bloom like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Penguin Bloom as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Penguin Bloom violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Penguin Bloom as mild.
- What did critics think of Penguin Bloom?
- Critics generally found the fact-based drama emotionally sincere but insufficiently nuanced, with Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln providing strong performances and added heart.
- Which films are like Penguin Bloom?
- Films with a similar feel include The Theory of Everything, The Water Diviner, and The Pursuit of Happyness.
- How long is Penguin Bloom?
- Penguin Bloom runs 95 minutes.
- Where can I watch Penguin Bloom?
- In United States, Penguin Bloom streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
