Movies like The Penguin Lessons (UK & Spain, 2025) come pre-packaged with the perfect crowd-pleasing formula. Based on a true story –in this case, adapted from British writer Tom Mitchell’s memoirs – it combines emotional depth with inspiration, topped off with an adorable animal companion for star Steve Coogan.
Director Peter Cattaneo (Military Wives) and screenwriter Jeff Pope (Philomena) have crafted an emotional crowdpleaser designed to leave you teary-eyed, though those tears somewhat obscure the larger historical context. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this approach, but the result occasionally feels tone-deaf.
What’s it about?
The Penguin Lessons follows British teacher Tom Mitchell (Steve Coogan), hired in 1976 to teach English at Buenos Aires’ exclusive St. George College, attended by children of Argentina’s elite. His arrival coincides with the country’s military coup that established Videla’s brutal dictatorship. Though witnessing growing danger in the community, Mitchell remains emotionally detached, considering it none of his concern.
During a trip to Punta del Este, Uruguay, he rescues an oil-soaked penguin. When the animal bonds with him, he smuggles it back to school. After naming it Juan Salvador, he begins bringing it to class, finally engaging his students while overcoming his own emotional barriers.
The Penguin Lessons: An individual story in turbulent times
Mitchell isn’t existing in a bubble, but as an outsider in volatile social circumstances. He meets Sofia (Alfonsina Carrocio), granddaughter of the school janitor (Vivian El Jaber), both involved in anti-dictatorship activism, while clashing with headmaster Timothy Buckle’s (Jonathan Pryce) more conservative stances.
With Juan Salvador catalyzing Mitchell’s emotional awakening, the screenplay gradually reveals deeper complexities, though often superficially –like tensions between students of different backgrounds. The focus remains on Mitchell’s personal journey, where Coogan shines –his chemistry with the penguin is undeniably charming.
While there’s nothing wrong with this personal focus, as Argentina’s crisis escalates, the narrative risks exploiting one of Latin America’s deepest historical wounds to facilitate one man’s redemption –a character who, without Coogan’s charm, would be hard to root for.
To be clear, this isn’t meant to be a historical drama like Argentina, 1985 (2022). It’s a personal memoir adaptation. Still, better-developed supporting characters would make Mitchell’s emotional transformation more believable.
Ultimately, it’s a fascinating true story with undeniable charm – and the penguin’s screen presence is an absolute delight.
