You will never fall in love with a penguin more than when you find My Penguin Friend.
Inspired by the amazing true story, My Penguin Friend tells the story of Joao (Jean Reno), an older gentleman who lives a secluded life with his wife Maria (Adriana Barraza). One day, as Joao is on the beach, he discovers a lost penguin who is drenched in oil. Taking the bird into his home, Joao does his best to bring him back to health. Naming the bird DinDim, their encounter begins a beautiful friendship that stands the test of time (and the ocean).
Directed by David Schurmann, My Penguin Friend is a heartfelt and, at times, genuinely harrowing experience. Though the story is true, Schurmann does a wonderful job of telling his story, unspooling the narrative in a way that feels authentic. Even in set pieces that are clearly built for dramatic tension, the film keeps us invested emotionally with a spirit of joy.
As Joao, Reno brings an honesty to his performance that keep us engaged. Having spent two weeks with the flightless birds prior to shooting, one can’t deny the relationship that he has with his adorable comrade. (Call him Leon: The Professional Penguin Trainer…) The connection he brings to the creature gives this film the sort of compassionate heart that it needs to be a joyful experience. In short, he seems to genuinely love DinDim and, as a result, so do we.
But, let’s be serious. The real star here is the penguin.
Reminiscent of classic animal films such as Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and Free Willy, Penguin invites the viewer to become the Friend of its hero. Without the use of voiceover, Schurmann helps DinDim communicate emotion simply through the turn of its head or the frustrated flapping of its wings. While there are moments when the camera work and editing are suspect, the bird simply has so much charm that these moments can easily be forgiven.
But My Penguin Friend isn’t merely another creature feature either. Instead, the film is also a tale of grief, guilt and regret. After a terrible accent leaves his family broken, Joao is left emotionally adrift. Though it’s never explicitly stated, DinDim provides the man an opportunity to share his caregiving impulses once again and reconnect with his heart.
There’s something beautiful about the type of connection that Joao shares with DinDim. In both cases, these two lost souls have lost the heart of their home. Yet, together, they are able to create something entirely new. As DinDim stumbles into their lives, Joao and Maria find their world opening up to others. There’s a certain sense of healing and hopefulness that pops in their secluded area of the beach.
It’s simple. It’s adorable. And it’s beautiful.
Admittedly, if you’re looking for an intense drama that will be worthy of next year’s awards season, you’ll likely want to just keep swimming. Reno is wonderful in the role but this performance will be a mere blip on the radar of his stellar career. Even so, for families willing to open their hearts to the bird without a home, this Penguin is well worth visiting.
And, who knows? Maybe he’ll become your Friend too.
My Penguin Friend is available in theatres on Friday, August 16th, 2024.
