Based on a true story and the book it inspired, it’s the tale of a family recovering from tragedy. “He's three months old and he can't fly at all. And as she watches him grow, she slowly opens up to the possibility that her own life’s limits may not be dictated by her wheelchair. Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom (Academy Award® nominated Naomi Watts) a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. Penguin Bloom comes to Netflix on January 27th. Releases January 27, 2021. So we're just feeding him up, hopefully making him strong so that he can eventually fly away.”. I found it hard to get out of bed, because I had nothing to do. “I spoke to her about how much I hated this, with what had happened. Given the nature of Penguin Bloom, you guessed it, there are a lot of depressing, but also inspiring quotes. It’s a film keyed to ambiance rather than plot. So I didn't want to constantly complain to him. Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom (Academy Award® nominated Naomi Watts) a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. I would be sitting here staring at people surf. In April 2016, ABC Books published Penguin Bloom – a unique journey of recovery and an extraordinary celebration of life featuring Cameron Bloom’s exceptional photographs and a captivating narrative by New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive. She was also a particularly good listener. Prior to her injury, she had always led an active life of surfing and running. Sam had been working hard on her rehabilitation and in 2015 had made the Australian paracanoe team for the world championships in Milan. I was angry and I felt so guilty that I wrecked their lives and their childhood.”. The movie, filmed last year, was shot inside the family’s real home in the beachside suburb of Newport. Please sign in to contribute to the Mamamia Community. Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts plays Sam and Andrew Lincoln from The Walking Dead plays Cam. It collapsed, dropping Sam six metres to the ground. Three months after returning home, Noah found the baby magpie. Based on the incredible true story, Penguin Bloom follows Sam Bloom (Academy Award® nominated Naomi Watts), a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. This is a true story of hope and courage. You’re unlikely to forget them. Naomi Watts and the magpie in the film Penguin Bloom. But the element which distinguishes the account of her rehabilitation from any other is the avian adventure story which runs in tandem with it. A lot of the scenes really did happen.”. Post continues after audio. LENGTH: 1 hour 35 minutes. IN A NUTSHELL: Directed by Glendyn Ivin, this dramatic story is based on a true story about Sam Bloom who experienced a freak accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Grade: B . So I would just complain to Penguin instead.”. Penguin entered their life right when a beacon of light was exactly what they needed. So he picked her up and brought her home. It would be seven months before Sam could return home to Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where she'd have to start her new chapter. Penguin the Magpie is a global social media sensation. “We live at the beach and it just rubbed it in even more. Netflix’s Penguin Bloom is based on the true story of Sam Bloom who is a young mother when she meets in a near-fatal accident and her world is turned upside down.The story revolves around how a young mother finds courage and solace in the form of a small bird that is named ‘Penguin’ Inspiration and courage can come in the most unlikely form. The three boys lift the energy in Penguin Bloom. I'll never really accept it, but I guess it gets a little bit easier as time goes on.”. Sam provided a shoulder for Penguin to rest on, and Penguin provided an ear for Sam to talk to. MOVIE TITLE: Penguin Bloom. This review is from the 45th Toronto International Film Festival. The film will be released in January 2021. There’s a certain predictability in a film which takes Naomi Watts on a family holiday to Thailand. Trailer: Penguin Bloom. I have struggled with this injury ever since it happened and I was 41 when I had my accident. It’s not the best Australian film about a young family in crisis. She was a surfer whose self-esteem was bound up in her athleticism and in the pleasure she took in the supremely strenuous business of bringing up three boys. His wings are really brittle. “You have no idea what a cure would mean,” Sam explains. Netflix has unveiled the first trailer for Penguin Bloom, a true-story drama starring The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln.. She was paralysed from the chest down, suffering from a spinal cord injury. But it’s a film skewed to a family audience and the inevitable changes in her relationship with Cameron (Britain’s Andrew Lincoln), whose life is consumed with the need to keep the household running, are relegated to a sketchily drawn sub-plot. She was a wild bird, who had the freedom to take off whenever she wanted. The Penguin Bloom true story confirms that the accident happened while the family of five was on vacation in Thailand in 2013. And finally, to offset any hint of claustrophobia, there’s Jacki Weaver, breezing through the action as Sam’s mother, who’s always ready for a drink together with a full and frank discussion of what’s best for her beloved daughter. I wasn't energetic and happy. The three boys lift the energy in Penguin Bloom.Credit:Joel Pratley. Get across the stories women are talking about today. Naomi Watts will soon be seen in "Penguin Bloom", a new Netflix movie based on the true story of Sam Bloom, left paralyzed from the chest down after an accident, who forms a … A post shared by Penguin Bloom (@penguinthemagpie). As she grew older and wiser, she would leave the Bloom home more often, but never for long, before she would return to the familiarity of her adoptive family. “I used to write stuff down on my phone and it was very dark and there was a lot of hate in it. Noah (Griffin Murray Johnston), the eldest of the Bloom boys, finds a baby magpie on the beach shortly after it’s tumbled from its nest and brings it home. “We didn’t realise she’d stay with us for quite so long,” Sam laughs. Penguin was a magpie - an unconventional ‘child’. Sandra Hall is a film critic for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. On a rooftop deck, they were taking in their surroundings when Sam leant against a dodgy railing. A solid adaptation of an important true story, Penguin Bloom manages to stand out because of Naomi Watts’ central performance. But for two years, she was like the sixth family member of the Bloom family, along with parents Samantha and Cameron and their three sons, Reuben, Noah and Oliver. The family decided to call her Penguin because she was black and white, and her walk was more like a waddle when they found her. A true life story of real life trauma and the power to overcome adversity is the central tenant of Penguin Bloom, and this one is sure to touch your heart. Sam Bloom with Penguin. “We went to my mum's for lunch and Cam got a phone call from a lady saying, ‘I think Penguin is inside my house.’ Cam drove over and it was Penguin. Penguin Bloom is based on the true story of a paralysed woman's life-saving relationship with a magpie. The dialogue doesn’t exactly crackle with humour yet the boys keep the film’s energy levels up with the natural verve of kids enjoying what they’re doing. The magpie – christened Penguin simply because he’s black and white – becomes the circuit breaker in this undeclared standoff between mother and son. Penguin was a quirky member of the Bloom family. In 2013, the family of five were on a holiday in Thailand. An unlikely ally enters the Blooms’ world in the form of an injured baby magpie named Penguin. “She looks very sad and very angry a lot of the time. However, there have been promising advancements in medical research recently and physicians and scientists are hopeful that a cure is within reach. When I see young people with a spinal cord injury, it is just so devastating.”, Although there have been undeniable silver linings, Sam doesn’t see her story as one with a happy ending. Movie Review Mom GRADE: B. When Penguin was a fragile baby, son Noah came across the magpie at his grandmother’s place. An unlikely ally enters the Blooms’ world in the form of an injured baby magpie named Penguin. But to Sam, the beach is now a lost Eden and when she’s feeling low, the house becomes a prison, resonating with memories of the self that she’s lost. Sam also felt grief for how her injury was impacting her family. The director, Glendyn Ivin, a veteran of television drama, shot much of it in the Blooms’ house, which crystallises everything about the family’s way of life. Penguin Bloom is based on the true story of the Bloom family, and the book of the same name is written by Bradley Trevor Greive. And Murray Johnston has an engaging wistfulness as the only one of the three who can slow down long enough to reflect on the meaning of what’s happened to their mother. Throughout the course of the film she struggles with being happy again, which feels totally understandable. Penguin was never a pet. PENGUIN BLOOM tells the amazing true story of renewal that occurred when a woman whose life seemed shattered found hope and purpose in her family’s love — and in a bird on its own journey of recovery. Sam dreams about a day where she can walk again. 'Penguin Bloom' tells the amazing true story of renewal that occurred when a woman whose life seemed shattered found hope and purpose in her family’s love -- … “It would be life-changing for millions of people. I can't say I love it. Watts has always been a talent who needs little dialogue to telegraph her feelings. People can donate to SpinalCure Australia here. Penguin Bloom is an extraordinary true story of recovery, hope and courage as one injured bird and her human family learn to heal and celebrate life, featuring the gorgeous photography of Cameron Bloom and a captivating narrative by New York Times bestselling author of The Blue Day Book Bradley Trevor Greive. At the same time, he clearly displays his affection for Noah and Sam. “I felt like the worst mum in the world because I wasn't the same mum. Penguin Bloom is an extraordinary true story full of hope and courage, featuring Cameron Bloom's exceptional photographs and a captivating narrative by New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive. As she learns to adapt to her new life, she finds hope in an unlikely hero, a small bird named Penguin. As she speaks to us, she shares the family have just taken in another baby bird, who they’ve called Van. Cam is a professional photographer and has captured Penguin’s candid moments with the family. At the time, they hadn’t seen Penguin for about six weeks and were worried something might have happened to her. As he hops around the house, the Blooms gradually learn to translate his squawks while mopping up the droppings and he gains weight and confidence. The bird’s arrival makes a profound difference on the family’s life and ignites an emotional healing journey for Sam Bloom. “In a selfish way for me, she gave me something to look after. “Penguin flew away the night before they left and we've never seen her again. Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom (Academy Award-nominated Naomi Watts) a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. Sam, who has seen the movie now a couple of times, says they’ve kept the story “really real”. Penguin Bloom focuses on the story of a woman and mother of three children who falls while on vacation and breaks her back. I think she came at the perfect time and left at the perfect time, because I was in a much better headspace…, “I hope that she started her own little family.”. Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom (Naomi Watts) a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her … Sam’s favourite memory is from her eldest son’s birthday, when he turned 13. Sign up for the "Mamamia Daily" newsletter. Cast. Narrated by sensitive tween Noah (Murray-Johnston), “Penguin Bloom” follows the story of the Bloom family, a happy and exceedingly athletic Aussie … Centre stage is their role as parents. And after the accident, the mere sight of the waves breaking on the beach below the Bloom house at Newport brings her nothing but pain. More Details. Oscar nominee Naomi Watts stars with Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver in this heartfelt drama based on a true story. It’s during these scenes that Lincoln’s finely rendered portrayal of the beleaguered Cameron comes into its own. Penguin Bloom is the true story of Sam Bloom (Naomi Watts), a young mother whose world is shattered after a near-fatal accident leaves her paralysed from the waist-down. And since the house is already in a state of domestic chaos, Sam doesn’t exactly welcome the squawking presence of a creature that doesn’t know when to shut up. I felt bad for Cam because he had so much to deal with; obviously with me and looking after the kids and work too. You can donate to SpinalCure Australia here. Image: Cameron Bloom. In 2016, Penguin Bloom was published and became a best-selling book, before it was optioned for a Hollywood film of the same name. She was in a deep depression, she tells Mamamia. “I was devastated to have that taken away,” she says. They could see she had been injured and had flown out of her nest. And with her story now turned into a movie, she had a request: “I don’t want the ending to be, 'Life is great now'.”, “I still get envious of seeing people run on the beach and just living a normal life. Family Features, Movies Based on Real Life, Movies Based on Books, Children & Family Movies, Dramas. One thing that continues to bring her joy is magpies. Videos Penguin Bloom. RATING: PG-13. Watch the trailer for 'Penguin Bloom' here. And since the house is already in a state of domestic chaos, Sam doesn’t exactly welcome the squawking presence of a creature that doesn’t know when to shut up. On paper, you would think Netflix’s upcoming feature, “Penguin Bloom,” would be in the middle of the awards season discussion.The film stars Naomi Watts, who has turned in some truly great performances over her career.‘Bloom’ is based on a captivating true story about one person’s recovery after a near-fatal accident. Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom (Academy Award® nominated Naomi Watts) a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. She said that really helped her just to get inside my head.”. They saved the little bird, but what they didn’t know is that the baby bird would actually be saving them. My favourite is still Sarah Watt’s candidly funny and tender My Year Without Sex (2009) but the Blooms have a lot of heart. It was a profound moment, even if it did not announce itself on the spot. She enjoyed being held and, especially when she was a baby, liked sitting in the laps of people. “Imagine if Penguin came back today,” Sam remembers joking with her son. While taking in the view on a rooftop deck, Sam, then 41, leaned against a rotted balcony railing, which gave way and sent her plummeting about 20 feet to the concrete below. Sam Bloom, author of Penguin the Magpie, shares the story of her tragic accident, and how a tiny bird helped her regain the will to live Penguin Bloom (2021): Naomi Watts as Sam Bloom, … Sam particularly worries about Noah, who’s secretly brooding on the fact that it was he who suggested they go on to the hotel roof with the rotten balcony rail. I gave it to Naomi to read, so that she knew how I was feeling at the time. It sounds grim and at times it is. Whilst Penguin continues to be a metaphorical light in their lives, they haven’t seen her since 2015. In The Impossible (2012), she played somebody caught up in the 2004 tsunami and in Penguin Bloom, she’s cast as Sam Bloom, a Sydney woman whose back was broken in a fall from a hotel balcony at a Thai resort in 2013. But the window was always open for Penguin - an invitation she didn’t like to fly away from. Penguin Bloom also firmly follows another local ... Penguin Bloom is an all-ages film. Penguin was never a pet. Genres. Sam's husband, (Andrew Lincoln), her three young boys and her mother (Academy Award® nominated Jacki Weaver), are struggling to adjust to their new situation when an unlikely ally enters … Penguin Bloom also firmly follows another local cinema tradition. She went over to compete, with Cam and their sons leaving three weeks after her. Sam was often on set, she shares, because Watts wanted to ensure she was playing her character authentically. Australia doesn’t shy away from the family-friendly genre, and has a spate of recent previous January releases to prove it — see Paper Planes, Storm Boy and Go!, for example.And make no mistake, Penguin Bloom is an all-ages film. PENGUIN BLOOM ★★★½PG, 95 minutes, in cinemas. She was a wild bird, who had the freedom to take off whenever she wanted. There is hope that the Hollywood film will raise much-needed awareness for the importance of their research. It was like I was on house arrest.”. Penguin Bloom is out in cinemas in Australia on January 21, 2021. The film is adapted from a highly successful book by Sam’s husband, Cameron, a professional photographer, and author Bradley Trevor Greive. Right now, there is no cure for spinal cord injuries. It's grim at times, but you won't forget the true story behind Penguin Bloom. Penguin Bloom is the true story of Sam Bloom (Naomi Watts), a young mother whose world is shattered after a near-fatal accident leaves her paralysed from the waist-down. Both Blooms were consultants on the film and its account of Sam’s fight to regain her taste for living after finding herself unable to walk is both harrowing and heartening. Penguin Bloom, they called her. Penguin Bloom tells the true story of SpinalCure Ambassador Sam Bloom, played by Naomi Watts, a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. Post continues below. From Penguin cuddling the boys in bed to Penguin pecking Sam on the lips, and casually sitting on their heads, the photographer captured the simple but extraordinary moments and shared them to an Instagram page that went viral. It’s given Sam and the boys everything they want and the boys still see it that way, hurtling through it and treating the nearby beach and bushland as their personal playground. They were concerned she would die if they left her there alone. And so: a bird learning to fly again coupled with the story of a wheelchair user whose spirits are broken. Penguin Bloom trailer: Naomi Watts looks to have delivered one of her career best in this inspiring true story What makes the story of Penguin Bloom even more incredible is … But for two years, she was like the sixth family member of the Bloom family, along with parents Samantha and Cameron and their three sons, Reuben, Noah and Oliver. When Sam's kids were at school and her husband was at work, she loved having conversations with Penguin. It would make me so sad. Naomi Watts stars as Sam Bloom, who became paralysed after a … It was the coolest surprise.”. If you're not already a Mamamia member, sign up (it's easy, we promise). Penguin Bloom review: Naomi Watts stars in Aussie film based on a true story THE Blooms are your average beach loving family from Sydney’s northern suburbs when a tragic accident during a holiday in Thailand leaves mum Sam (Naomi Watts) wheelchair bound unable to … She knows how to make the most of every silence and there’s no doubting the anger behind the show of stoicism with which she faces her helplessness. Photo by Joel Pratley. This movie is... Heartfelt, Inspiring, Emotional, Feel-Good. So they carefully picked her up and carried her to their home. Listen to Mia Freedman chat to Sam and Cameron Bloom on No Filter. Whenever she’s there, trouble will surely follow. 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