'The Penguin Lessons': Steve Coogan Shines in Sweet, Moving Dramedy

PHOTO: Sony Pictures Classics

Peter Cattaneo’s latest film, The Penguin Lessons first piqued my interest due to two things: it is about a teacher and it prominently features a penguin. Films about teachers have always appealed to me, even though the vast majority follow the same formula and many of them are just okay at best. Penguins are my favorite animal, so the inclusion of one in any film is definitely enough to draw me in. Add in great actors like Steve Coogan and Jonathan Pryce, and the fact that this is based on a true story and you’ve got a film that I couldn’t help but want to see. Despite this, I couldn’t help but be a little skeptical going into The Penguin Lessons, feeling that it might be a bit cheesy or hackneyed. While I can’t deny that it gets a little syrupy at times, the film is a lovely, pleasant watch, but also has some poignant moments that give it some weight. It may feel similar to other inspirational teacher films, and the storytelling can feel a bit scattered in places, but it largely succeeds in being both emotionally resonant and rather charming. 

In 1976, Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) moves from the UK to teach English at a school in Argentina. Upon arrival, he sees that the nation is in a state of political unrest, and that his students are unruly. When the school closes for a week due to threats of violence nearby, he visits a beachside town. While there, he finds an oil-covered penguin who has washed up on the shore. Tom rescues the penguin and then reluctantly adopts him. Following him over a year’s time, we see how this chance encounter changes Tom’s life for the better, as he improves both as a teacher and as a person. 

The film juggles a few different plot points, specifically Tom’s professional life, his personal journey, and the political climate in Argentina during the 70s. Individually, these are all handled well, even if the sections that focus on him as a teacher kind of get short shrift. This might be for the best, however, as there isn’t much within that part of Michell’s story that we haven’t seen several times before in other inspirational teacher movies. It wisely zeroes in on the aspects that are more unique to his story, even if it does still dip into some familiar emotional territory in the process. The film does shift focus between its main plot points rather suddenly, giving it a bit of a strange rhythm that didn’t always click with me. At the very least, it stays pretty consistent with this, which allows the viewer to get used to it a little over the runtime. I wish that the transitions between these plot points were a bit cleaner, but the film still gets everything it wants to get across fairly well. 

Of course, the film does make sure to give viewers plenty of moments with Juan Salvador, Tom’s penguin companion. As previously stated, I love penguins, so the sections of the film with Juan Salvador really connected with me. It is a huge part of Tom’s journey, as he is essentially forced to take care of the penguin, which in turn helps him become a better person. There aren't a ton of shenanigans with Juan Salvador, but the way it incorporates him is quite good and he is absolutely adorable.

I do think that the film does a pretty good job of showing what life was like in Argentina for some during the 70s, and it acts as a good entry point for those who are unfamiliar with this specific point in history. The film covers the detainment and disappearances of many citizens, many of whom are still unaccounted for to this day. This is mainly explored through a plotline involving the character Maria, a housekeeper whose granddaughter, Sofia, is taken away by government agents. It certainly gives the film some dramatic weight, and intersects with the narrative of Tom’s growth as a person quite nicely. I do wish that it leaned in just a little more to the political side of things, as it has a decent anti-authoritarian message that feels extremely relevant today. This isn’t to say that the rest of the film, or even its politics, are ineffective, but it does feel like they could have done just a tiny more in this department. 

Steve Coogan has long been one of my favorite actors, and his work here easily ranks among his best performances. Most will be familiar with Coogan’s comedic work, but he has shown up in a fair amount of dramatic films over the years. I would argue that this is the best dramatic performance he’s given to date, as he plays the world-weariness of Tom Michell so well, and gives a somewhat understated turn. This may not be a showy performance, but this helps highlight the humanity of the character, allowing the audience to connect with him a little better. Not to mention that he acts off his penguin co-star rather well. This is especially important to the film, as Tom is not a particularly likable character for much of the film, and because the film is more prone to wearing its heart on its sleeve. If this was a more showy performance, the film runs the risk of feeling overwrought, but as is, it still pulls at the heartstrings without feeling manipulative. Coogan’s performance truly is the linchpin of the whole film, and he nails everything the role is asking of him.

The rest of the cast is great as well, especially Jonathan Pryce and Vivian El Jaber. Pryce plays the headmaster of St. George’s, the school that Tom works at. He avoids coming across like a stereotypical headmaster and feels more like a real person. Much like Coogan, he keeps things low-key, but is still quite effective. He isn’t stuffy or domineering, but you can feel his authority nonetheless. I definitely warmed up to him as the film went on, and although he isn’t in all that much of the film, I still enjoyed his scenes. El Jaber gives perhaps the most powerful performance of the film as Maria, and she plays off of Coogan so well. Her introduction scene is a highlight of the film, and the way the film lets us get to know her a bit before her granddaughter is taken away works so well. She gives such a beautiful performance, and it is nearly impossible not to feel for her character. 

The Penguin Lessons may not always balance its plot threads well, but it strikes a consistent tone and is directed rather well. It manages to be both delightful and touching, and shines a light on a part of history some audiences may be unaware of. If nothing else, the moments with the titular penguin are lovely, and the film’s political leanings do provide a timely message. It may be a bit uneven, but I was quite moved by this film, and appreciated how heartfelt and human it is.

Rating: 3.5/5