The Penguin Lessons (2025) - Film Review

      The Penguin Lessons, 2025.

      Directed by Peter Cattaneo.

      Featuring Steve Coogan, Jonathan Pryce, Vivian El Jaber, Björn Gustafsson, Alfonsina Carrocio, David Herrero, Micaela Breque, Tomás Pozzi, Ramiro Blas, Juan Barreiro, Gera Maleh, Brendan McNamee, Joaquín Lopez, Miguel Alejandro Serrano, Hugo Fuertes, Nicanor Fernandez, Aimar Miranda, and Florencia Nocetti.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      In 1976, as Argentina plunges into turmoil, a disenchanted English teacher finds his compassion reignited through an unexpected friendship with a penguin.

      Tom Michell (Steve Coogan), a politically indifferent English teacher, arrives at an Argentinian school during a revolutionary period in 1976. Although he is unconcerned about the political upheaval, the chaos disrupts his arrival and temporarily closes the school, leading him to take a short vacation in Uruguay. A notable moment emerges when he humorously describes his predicament: “I brought the injured penguin back to the hotel to impress a woman I was interested in, only to discover she was married and left, leaving me with it.” This illustrates the misguided decisions a man may make driven by desire.

      Steve Coogan embodies a quintessential grumpy character (with frequent collaborator Jeff Pope adapting Tom Michell’s memoir as the screenwriter); he displays indifference towards a fellow teacher (Björn Gustafsson) who is lamenting his wife's departure, is willing to ignore politics in the classroom for Headmaster Buckle (Jonathan Pryce), and generally frustrates those around him including cleaning staff member Maria (Vivian El Jaber). He is, by his own admission, a shallow and miserable curmudgeon.

      However, upon returning to school with the penguin named Juan Salvador, this benevolent bird gradually shifts his perspective. Despite its clichéd nature, the film differs in that while other films would have the protagonist obsess over the animal's safety or quickly do the right thing, Tom tries every opportunity to rid himself of Juan Salvador. Interestingly, this doesn't pan out as intended. While this concept itself may not be novel, Coogan’s performance injects humor and liveliness into the character's frustrations.

      To claim that the film revolves solely around the penguin would be misleading. Naturally, the penguin’s presence in the classroom serves to engage the students and enhance Tom’s lectures. Yet, the backdrop of political conflict between a fascist military regime and rebellious factions remains ever-present. Tom also encounters Maria's politically active granddaughter Sofia (Alfonsina Carrocio), whom he quickly admires for her outspoken nature.

      This summary suffices for the narrative (which is based loosely on true events with embellishments for emotional impact), as it balances between absurdity and logic for attentive viewers. The film exposes Tom’s flaws, indicating it's only a matter of time before he confronts them, aided by the emotional support of his penguin companion, who helps him find his way. Additionally, there is a political awakening woven into the story; even if the filmmakers don’t deeply explore the revolutionary aspect of Argentine politics, certain tragic events occur that disturb him and gradually propel him into action. The lesser focus on Argentina itself is acceptable as the central narrative concentrates on Tom; fundamentally, this is his journey of transformation.

      It’s worth noting that The Penguin Lessons becomes somewhat sentimental in its final 20 minutes, culminating in a sudden resolution for a key plot point. Overall, the film may struggle with tonal consistency, but Steve Coogan’s performance keeps it centered, skillfully navigating Tom's complex emotions while also providing humor. This serves as a lesson in filmmaking: when a film lacks tonal and emotional coherence, a versatile actor like Steve Coogan can ground it and maintain sincerity, making the material resonate and engage the audience.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is part of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He also serves as the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for recent reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.