“The Penguin Lessons” A Heartfelt, Character-Driven Film

In the Spring Film Festival selection, “The Penguin Lessons” is inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976.

Expecting an easy ride,Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside down.

“The Penguin Lessons” is an appealing little film that is an absolute can’t miss during the Spring Film Festival. This film delivers a charming, heart-warming story and a great performance from Steve Coogan, along with his little penguin friend.

The moments between Steve Coogan’s character (Tom Michell) and his penguin companion (named Juan Salvador) are both quite humorous and even heart-warming. The unlikely bond the two have throughout the film is a central point that the film really focuses on. Their interactions are also some of the major highlights that the film has to offer.

Some of their moments can be quite humorous, mainly when Tom first tries to get rid of the penguin and there are even some that can be quite moving as some of their quieter moments can be really endearing.

“The Penguin Lessons” also explores grief and loss through the lens of the penguin’s life, particularly focusing on the loss of a loved one and the process of healing. Once Tom, who’s still grieving the loss of his daughter (a pivotal moment in this film) eventually warms up to the penguin, the penguin ends up helping the man process his grief and ultimately begins to heal.

The film also slightly dives into the backdrop of the Dirty War era in Argentina, highlighting the political unrest and its impact on the characters’ lives. There are also quite a few scenes involving the war that are impactful and are very emotional.

Overall, “The Penguin Lessons” is a well-made and engaging film that features a great story and a terrific blend of humor and emotion. While a bit of the film can be a little predictable at times, this film will definitely leave viewers enjoying this entertaining and heart-warming story.

Cast: Steve Coogan (Tom Michell); Vivian El Jaber (Maria); Bjorn Gustafsson (Japio); Alfonsina Carrocio (Sofia); Aimar Miranda (Ernesto); Nicanor Fernandez (Igor); Hugo Fuertes (Bamiro); Jonathan Pryce (Headmaster Buckle).

Writer/director: Jeff Pope (writer) (The Lost King; Stan & Ollie; Philomena); Tom Michell (based on his memoirs); Peter Cattaneo (director) (Military Wives; The Full Monty).

Trivia: The script of the film was adapted from Tom Michel’s memoir of the same name, which was published in 2016. “The Penguin Lessons” premiered as a gala presentation at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

MPA; Rated PG-13 for strong language, some sexual references and thematic material   (running time 112 minutes)

Make sure to check the Dietrich Theater website for the show dates and times for “The Penguin Lessons.”

• The penguin, Juan Salvador, is named after the eponymous title character of "Juan Salvador Gaviota," the Spanish translation of the 1970 novella "Johnathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach. The novella is about a outcast seagull, named Johnathan Livingston, who finds joy and purpose in perfecting flying for flying's sake, achieving a Nirvana-like state and then seeking to help other seagulls along the path of happiness and transcending potential.

• The script was adapted by Jeff Pope from Tom Michell's memoir of the same name, published in 2016.

• The Penguin Lessons premiered as a gala presentation at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdjEXNX1nSA