Penguin Bloom DVD
Penguin Bloom is a DVD of a 2020 Australian drama film. It is based on the true story of Sam Bloom, who became partially paralysed after an accident and how she and her family coped with this. The story also features the family’s adoption of an injured magpie, whom they named ‘Penguin’.
I first learned about this story through an article in Women’s Weekly magazine. I then read the book Penguin Bloom by Cameron Bloom (Sam’s husband) and Bradley Trevor Greive. The book tells the story and includes many photographs of Penguin interacting with the family. The film is based on this book.
When I first read the Women’s Weekly article, the photos showed a level of interaction between the magpie and the people that I had never seen before. This was expanded upon in the book and further still in the film, which features strong acting performances from both the human cast and the magpie.
The film is also compelling because it portrays how someone copes with a very difficult situation, being paralysed from the chest down and bound to a wheelchair. It shows Sam’s anger and frustration, and how she is supported by her husband, her three young sons and her mother. At her husband’s suggestion, she takes up disabled kayaking, which becomes a source of healing and empowerment.
I recommend this film to anyone who wants to see a well-acted family drama about overcoming adversity and the unique bond between humans and animals.
Alice
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