When I read the synopsis for The Penguin Lessons, I was very interested in seeing the film. The movie looked like it would be a fantastic comedy. In that regard, I was both correct and incorrect. It is endearingly funny but it is also full of lessons about fascism and responsibility. It is underpinned with a lesson in artful delivery of performances that are skilled and emotional. 

The Penguin Lessons is a comedy drama film directed by Peter Cattaneo. Adapted by Jeff Pope from Tom Michell’s 2016 memoir, the film stars Steve Coogan as Michell, a British teacher who takes a job in Argentina in 1976, and finds his life transformed when he rescues an orphaned penguin from the beach. Michell is a teacher who due to life events, has become disillusioned by life and pessimistic by nature. But his encounter with the penguin, Juan Salivador, causes him to rethink his attitudes and begin making connections with the people around him, especially when the conflict in the area reaches inside the previously safe school of St Georges’ College. 

For me, what is the highlight of the film are the performances. Steve Coogan is effortlessly funny, skilled and emotional. His lines are beautifully delivered. The writing only enhances his emotional delivery. We see such a change in the character from when he arrives, cynical and surprised by those around him who take an interest in him, the housekeeper Maria and her granddaughter Sophia, the physics teacher Bjorn. But he keeps at a distance, even with the students he is teaching. But as he connects with the penguin, Juan Salvidor, he begins to forge connections with those around him. It is extraordinarily touching how even the headmaster changes due to one small animal. 

While the spotlight on the fascism and conflict in the area might seem nonsensical to a film about a penguin, it is not out of context for the story. Helping the penguin opens Tom’s eyes to the people around him and the Argentinian people are dealing with a regime that disappears anyone who speaks out for change or in disagreement with the government. Those underlying issues also impact the students and the teachers. And when Tom tries to help someone taken, he himself deals with the government and its policies. The politics are impactful to the connections Tom makes and is part of why he changes. I also love how the changes in Tom impact how he teaches his students and the difference it makes to them.

While there are moments of heartbreaking loss and deeply emotional scenes, there are also hilarious moments. The penguin steals every scene as small animals are wont to do in movies but it is Tom’s interactions with the penguin that are the funniest. He tries to encourage the penguin to leave, to go back to the ocean but the penguin follows him around. He soon begins having conversations with Juan Salvidor. As Tom Michell, Steve Coogan has perfected biting sarcasm and witty dialogue. Jonathan Pryce’s reactions as the headmaster are priceless, especially when he finally realizes that there’s a penguin living at the school. The confrontation between him and Steve Coogan is one of the funniest scenes in the movie. 

As I said, Steve Coogan gives an effortless delivery of funny lines, emotional scenes and heartbreaking moments. Jonathan Pryce is equally skilled, playing his role of headmaster to perfection. As the physics teacher who befriends Steve Coogan’s character, Björn Gustafsson is subtly funny and delightful to watch. Vivian El Jaber as Maria gives an incredible performance. Alfonsina Carrocio is compelling as Sophia. 

What I would have loved to have would have been more exploration of the other characters, a bit more depth. We get some from the character of Maria and Sophia but many of the other characters are there simply for Steve Coogan to play off of and while he does so charmingly, it was very much a film between him and the penguin. The movie was also slow at times and took a bit to develop, especially more from the students. While I certainly found that pace worked for me, others might disengage.

If you like movies that are charming, with animals that are both funny and loveable, then you will like this film. Steve Coogan is effortlessly funny, emotional and gives a performance that is a lesson in artful delivery. The other performers in the film add to the humor and the drama. The storyline shows how one small act can change a man and the political elements only highlighted the impact to Tom Michell and how much adopting a penguin helped him grow. The film has a beautiful, heartbreaking ending that will bring you to tears. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 students. 

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