Written by Nicole Cabrera

Warning: The following review is of a film that is part of TIFF 2024 and may contain spoilers for The Penguin Lessons. Reader discretion is advised.

It is often said in the film industry that it is not ideal to work with children and animals due to the unpredictable outcomes. More often, in the current climate, animals in particular have been replaced by CGI for various reasons. However, director Peter Cattaneo breaks these rules for his entry to TIFF24 with his latest film, The Penguin Lessons.

Cattaneo’s work drops us into a world of chaos, both political and personal, as it takes place in the turbulent time of 1976 Buenos Aires. Tom (played by the witty Steve Coogan) is a teacher working abroad- he’s surly, disillusioned, and looking to get away from his own past at an all-boys private school teaching english. Here, he meets a colourful cast of characters including his no-nonsense headmaster (Jonathan Price) and his awkward but eager colleague (Bjorn Gustafsson). On a weekend trip away, after a night of dancing and potential romance,Tom comes across a penguin trapped in a oil slick in need of help, opening him up to a relationship unlike any other.

Tom’s world is turned on its head through the many hijinks that the small penguin, appropriately named Juan Salvador after the fable character- a harrowing tale of a seagull’s pursuit for freedom of being and the ability to express oneself however they see fit- leads him on. As his relationship with his feathered friend changes and grows, Tom becomes a more free person, opening himself up to others like his coworkers and the help staff at the school. It’s difficult not to be moved by seeing positive relationships bloom out of the most unlikely places, and for those who have a fondness for adorable round little animals, these scenes will melt your heart as they did mine.

The film performs the balancing act of also discussing the thorny and very real issue of people that went missing during the height of Argentina's “Dirty War,” which was waged in the name of anti-communism.While the topic is briefly covered, I appreciate that the film does not shy away from it, as many of those missing people have not been found to this day. Cattaneo likewise does an excellent job of expressing different perspectives on the war, from children of the wealthy to secret freedom fighters, to everyone caught in between. In particular, The penguin lessons highlights what courage looks like in the face of war; whether it be open rebellion in the streets, fighting for freedom in secret, or having the bravery to stand up in a way we once did. With Tom we see that he has been beaten down and at first he is reluctant to speak up about his opinions against the war and in defense of others; but as his relationship with himself and others changes, thanks to Juan Salvador, he finds himself again and also the courage to be the man he was who will voice his distaste and make good choices.

The true heart of this film, however, is Steve Coogan. He shines with his usual witty banter but also brings depth to a man that on the surface simply looks as though he has tired of life. Coogan’s relationship with his penguin co-star is to be admired, whether during their meal times, classroom lessons (in which Juan Salavador is an excellent teaching assistant), and their makeshift therapy sessions- which lets us see a more personal side to the closed-off teacher and understand what is ultimately the grief of losing a child. It has paralyzed him and kept him closed off from others, but ironically by having a companion who can’t speak he is able to let the audience know what has shaped him into the man he is. Throughout the film, we see Tom’s perspective change, he’s no longer willing to sleepwalk through life, avoid conflict or simply shrug off issues. We watch a found family form around an individual who truly believes they don’t deserve love and it truly lightens one's heart.

The Penguin Lessons is a movie that, at its core, shines some light on a time that is darker than most. It is a reminder that people can change, they can grow and love. A movie that will surely warm your heart, make you smile and coo at the cute animal but also make you feel. One of mankind’s greatest strengths is our ability to have compassion for others, especially those smaller and weaker than us, and a human’s love for an animal is beautiful and to be celebrated. We could all learn to be compassionate as Tom does and, perhaps, if we’re lucky, we will find a new way to show love to another in need.

Nicole Cabrera is a Toronto-based film enjoyer with a passion for the eighties, horror, and deep diving their favourite actors’ obscure filmography. When they’re not watching movies, they're writing, crafting, cosplaying, going to concerts, working on their podcast (Hollywood Deepdive. )and dreaming of traveling.