X
  • 2021
  • TV-14
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 35 m
  • 2021
  • TV-14
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 35 m

Summary In 2013, Samantha Bloom (Naomi Watts), her husband Cameron (Andrew Lincoln) and their three sons left their home in Australia for a holiday in Thailand. While enjoying a view, Sam fell off of a rooftop due to what was later determined to be a rotted railing...breaking her vertebrae in two places. Paralyzed from the chest down, Sam — a l...

Directed By: Glendyn Ivin

Written By: Shaun Grant, Harry Cripps, Cameron Bloom, Bradley Trevor Greive, Samantha Strauss

  • 2021
  • TV-14
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 35 m
  • 2021
  • TV-14
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 35 m

Penguin Bloom

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 17 Critic Reviews
54
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 19 User Ratings
6.3
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary In 2013, Samantha Bloom (Naomi Watts), her husband Cameron (Andrew Lincoln) and their three sons left their home in Australia for a holiday in Thailand. While enjoying a view, Sam fell off of a rooftop due to what was later determined to be a rotted railing...breaking her vertebrae in two places. Paralyzed from the chest down, Sam — a l...

Directed By: Glendyn Ivin

Written By: Shaun Grant, Harry Cripps, Cameron Bloom, Bradley Trevor Greive, Samantha Strauss

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 17 Critic Reviews
54
29% Positive
5 Reviews
71% Mixed
12 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 17 Critic Reviews
54
29% Positive
5 Reviews
71% Mixed
12 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
75
Jan 26, 2021
Watts is such a chameleon of an actress, such a pro at slipping into a vast array of roles without drawing attention to the mechanics of her work, that we almost take for granted how damn good she is — and she delivers beautiful and resonant work as Sam.
By Richard Roeper FULL REVIEW
67
Sep 16, 2020
Dramas pile up, some obvious, some not, and Penguin Bloom meanders a bit before coming in to land. The path there might be predictable, but there is still something beautiful when it really takes flight.
By Kate Erbland FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 19 User Ratings
6.3
32% Positive
6 Ratings
68% Mixed
13 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 19 User Ratings
6.3
32% Positive
6 Ratings
68% Mixed
13 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
AlbertoMiranda
Feb 19, 2021
The best. Ella es impresionante, la música es un boom y la actuación lo mejor.
Report
7
DogeGamer2015
Jul 17, 2021
Es una película basada en una historia real; la actuación de Naomi Watts es muy buena y la cinematografía es excelente; es una experiencia entretenida y conmovedora.
Report
60
Jan 29, 2021
This is a warm-hearted account of an adult’s painful journey, aided by a chirping counterpart.
FULL REVIEW
50
Jan 29, 2021
Subtlety is kicked to the curb in favor of volcanic drama, and nary a moment goes by without some screaming or an inspiring message.
By Johnny Oleksinski FULL REVIEW
50
Jan 27, 2021
Gamely navigating a script that ushers her from seaside despair to hilltop elation, Watts gives a touching and blessedly understated performance, assisted by Sam Chiplin’s warmly expansive cinematography. As for the bundle of scene-stealing magpies (patiently trained by Paul Mander) who collectively bring Penguin to life, they’re a delight.
By Jeannette Catsoulis FULL REVIEW
50
Sep 16, 2020
Once that narrative path becomes clear, Penguin Bloom never really surprises, delivering a series of heartfelt but predictable story beats.
By Tim Grierson FULL REVIEW
40
Sep 16, 2020
Shrewdly, Watts goes for something subtle and soft here — instead of clichéd garishness, her performance hinges on her doleful gaze and melancholic tinge, ultimately helping Penguin Bloom honor its real-life character’s journey with some respect.
By Tomris Laffly FULL REVIEW
See All 17 Critic Reviews
5
Mauro_Lanari
Nov 15, 2021
(Mauro Lanari) Difficult to grasp the differences with "Soul Surfer" (McNamara 2011) and with the reception received by moviegoes and critics. An inspirational true drama, however formulaic and sweetened since it is aimed at those who have experienced similar traumas managing to overcome them, so I'd not recommend it to the Schumacher family, to the Zanardi, to Márquez or, outside the sporting sphere, to Sposini, Nuti and so on.
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5
JLuis_001
Mar 14, 2021
Naomi Watts was the only one who put more than average effort in this dull film.
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See All 4 User Reviews

Details

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Production Company Made Up Stories, Broadtalk, Create NSW, Endeavor Content, JamTart Productions, Roadshow Films, Screen Australia
Release Date Jan 27, 2021
Duration 1 h 35 m
Rating TV-14
Genres
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Awards

Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards
• 9 Nominations
Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards
• 2 Nominations
Australian Writers' Guild
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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