by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
How much of an impact can a penguin have on the life of an English teacher? Quite an impact, actually, as we find out by watching The Penguin Lessons. Penguins might smell and discharge everywhere, but they can bond so closely and provide a connection that is honest and authentic. Sometimes you need that unconditional connection when serious matters occur in the world around you. Having a penguin around to sound board with can also be cathartic and relieving. This premise sounds absurd, but it turns out to be a somber, moving, and inspiring tale of overcoming our passivity and taking a stand against evil around us.
Based on the trailer, you might expect director Peter Cattaneo’s film to be just a fun jaunting tale of a grumpy man (Steve Coogan) and his new penguin. But The Penguin Lessons is so much more than that. Screenwriter Jeff Pope adapts the memoirs of Tom Michell, a British teacher in Argentina who was there to teach at an isolated school for young men. But there is a challenging world around him with a communist scare and rising fascism.
The film finds Michell as a man with loss and trauma looking for a new opportunity. His arc is paralleled with the cleaning and adoption of a penguin. This innocent creature is presented as a reflective being through which Mitchell can process his challenges. The Penguin Lessons focuses quite a bit on the fascist rise in Argentina, with people who speak out going missing. Michell develops a strong relationship with a maid and her granddaughter, and this takes him on a moving and compelling journey of self-growth. The film tackles a lot, and is at times overstuffed, but it is still emotional and satisfying.
One of The Penguin Lessons’ biggest challengesis balancing the fun around the penguin and Michell’s developing relationship with the heaviness about fascism and disappearing people, with tonal whiplash rearing its head. But Cattaneo succeeds in focusing on a more somber and emotional tone for much of the film. There aren’t silly moments or that type of humor. Coogan is perfect for the tone that Cattaneo seeks, because his sense of humor is much drier and sarcastic. The film will not blow you away with its filmmaking technique, but it is a well-crafted (if not dynamic) approach to storytelling. Cattaneo does what he must, and puts it into the hands of the material and the actors bring it to life.
Speaking of… how does the cast stand out in The Penguin Lessons? First off, they have well-trained and adorable penguins. The penguin character is a key piece of the film, and this little confidant has such a moving presence. Coogan is the other key here. He is known more for comedy, and he does bring that sarcasm, but it is the vulnerability that he channels that is more essential for this film. Two mirroring moments stand out, one where he shows his fear, and another where he overcomes it. These two scenes make this whole film work.
To round out the cast, you have a veteran presence in Johnathan Pryce (as the headmaster of the school) who brings something important. Vivian El Jaber is another great addition as the maid who develops a connection with Michell. Her presence is warm and affecting in a way that pulls the audience in with her plight to find her granddaughter. Other strong supporting performances stand out in their own ways, as this film offers up quite a quality ensemble.
As a whole, The Penguin Lessons has some great elements that help elevate it past any clichés and familiar beats. It features certain aspects we expect from animal stories, but its greater context makes it richer and more impactful. This film turns out to be quite important, resonating in a present time so vulnerable to the rise of fascism around the world.
Rating: Liked It
The Penguin Lessons is currently playing in theaters
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