Greetings again from the darkness. It's understandable if this movie makes you consider whether penguins might make better friends than people. David Schurmann directs a script from Kristen Lazarian Paulina and Lagudi Ulrich that is 'inspired by a true story'. By now, we all recognize this as code for dramatic license has been taken, and it's up to the viewer to differentiate fact from fiction.
Brazilian fisherman Joao (Pedro Urizzi), his wife Maria (Amanda Magalhaes), and their son Miguel (Juan Jose Garnica) are living a lovely, simple life along the coast until tragedy strikes at sea on Miguel's birthday. The story jumps ahead a few decades to find a sullen and continuously grieving and guilt-ridden Joao (Jean Reno) and an extraordinarily patient Maria (Adriana Barraza) still live in the same house, though they barely interact with others in the remote village.
One day, Joao rescues an injured penguin from an oil slick. After carefully cleansing the oil from the penguin's coat, Joao begins feeding him a steady (and consistent) diet of fresh sardines. Joao is happy when the recuperated penguin sticks around for a while and is elated when he shows back up the following year. Maria isn't sure what to make of the returning penguin (named DinDim by a local girl), yet she's thrilled to see Joao has a bit of spark. As viewers, we see what Joao doesn't. DinDim hails from Patagonia and is part of the annual penguin migration being studied by Marine Biologist researchers.
Mr. Reno and Ms. Barraza (nominated for an Oscar for BABEL, 2006) are two familiar and dependable character actors who rarely get a shot at lead roles, and even here, they are often in support of a penguin. They are both relatable and excellent here. Reno does nice work conveying a broken man who rediscovers joy after so much sorrow. It's also interesting to see DinDim's initial trip and how he became separated from the colony. Of course, much of this is speculation, although we do know that this penguin returned to Joao for eight consecutive years, and actual clips are shown at the end of the film. Director Schurmann has delivered a film that could be enjoyed by families, with only the early tragedy being a point of concern.
Opening in theaters on August 16, 2024.
