My Penguin Friend (Christian Movie Review)
Weaving together amusing penguin escapades with touching meditations on grief and healing, My Penguin Friend tells a charming and redemptive tale about the healing power of love and friendship.
About the Film
They say dogs are man’s best friend. But in moments of deep despair and loneliness, sometimes any animal will do. Based on a remarkable true story, My Penguin Friend tells an inspiring tale of an unexpected friendship between a grieving man and a lost penguin. With a refreshingly gentle tone and a solid performance by Jean Reno, My Penguin Friend weaves together amusing penguin escapades with touching meditations on grief and healing.
Inspirational, family-friendly films about animals are unlikely to find themselves on an endangered species list any time soon. Each year sees the release of several films meticulously crafted to tug on animal lovers’ heartstrings. Even so, there is something refreshing about My Penguin Friend. Its raw authenticity lacks some of the usual Hollywood contrivances. At times, the movie feels like a documentary, as if the camera is capturing real people and events rather than actors and staged performances (not to mention the many sweeping nature shots that wouldn’t be out of place in a National Geographic series). There are multiple opportunities for the film to lean into sentimentality or to elevate the stakes, but it opts instead for a more subdued, understated approach.
The lack of Hollywood-ization may leave some viewers wanting more. There is very little dramatic tension. In fact, the first major obstacle that threatens the budding relationship doesn’t occur until an hour into the runtime. It’s an inspiring and enjoyable story, but it’s not necessarily always an “exciting” one. The film is family friendly, but not specifically targeted at children. Younger viewers will surely enjoy the adorable penguin, but they may struggle with the slow pacing and contemplative mood.
On the other hand, the gentle approach is largely responsible for the film’s charm. Contributing to the soothing tone is its limited dialogue. Particularly during the first 30 minutes, the story is told almost exclusively through visuals and music rather than dialogue. The film is at its best when it takes this lyrical approach. Tonally, My Penguin Friend may be somewhat one-note, but it is an undeniably pleasant one.
The film’s success is also due to Jean Reno’s performance as Joao, a father who is grieving the tragic loss of his son. Joao is a man of few words, but Reno emotes much with his eyes and subtle facial expressions. He is instantly likeable. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for all the human characters. The team of researchers who carry the B-plot are fine. But beyond their loose connection to the penguin, the film doesn’t give audiences much reason to care about them, and their acting is stilted at times. The touching relationship between Joao and Dindim (the penguin) is the heart of the film, and everything outside of the foundational dynamic feels like a needless diversion.
The penguin itself is a star, with repeated camera shots from its perspective working to establish its personality. Yet, despite being an “animal movie,” My Penguin Friend is a fundamentally human story. The penguin serves merely as the catalyst for Joao’s journey of healing, rediscovering joy, and rejoining society (see themes section below).
At one point, a freelance journalist working on a piece about the relationship remarks to Joao, “You have quite a friendship. And it gives me hope. It made my day. I needed it.” That may be the perfect summation of this film. My Penguin Friend is an unassuming tale that is unlikely to become a classic or inspire multiple re-watches—and that’s okay. It spotlights a touching story of companionship and rediscovering joy. It’s a reminder that the world is harsh and full of tragedy, but it also contains love and unexpected joy.
For Consideration
Language: None.
Violence: A young boy drowns. He falls from a boat, and his silhouette is shown sinking into the water.
Sexuality: None.
Other: Scientists make remarks about “adaptation” in reference to the penguins.
Engage The Film
Grief, Love, and Joy
My Penguin Friend is not an overtly religious film, other than a brief scene that takes place within a Catholic church as members of the community gather to pray for Joao and the penguin. But the movie (produced by Christians—you read my interview with producer Jonathan Lim here) contains some edifying and redemptive themes about the importance of being loved and of loving each other.
Fittingly, the pivotal moments for both Joao and Dimdin occur during storms (Joao with the drowning of his son; Dimdin when he becomes lost and covered in oil during migration). They are brought together through literal storms, but also through metaphorical tempests. As one of the villagers remarks about Joao, “That old man is broken.” His anguish is evident in his hollow eyes and reclusive demeanor. Through Joao and Dimdin’s loving relationship, the spark begins to return.
The healing journey for Joao progresses as the penguin leads Joao to reintegrate into his community. Humans were created for community and cannot be fully human outside of relationships with both God and people. We are beings created not just to be loved, but also to love others (Matthew 22:36-40, Colossians 3:14, 1 Corinthians 13:13). My Penguin Friend affirms that biblical truth.
