The Penguin Lessons

Some say that in your time of need, the universe will send someone to help you get through it. But what if that someone was more of a something—or, to be exact, a penguin? This isn’t likely to happen where I currently live, but in 1976 Buenos Aires, Argentina, at a boys’ boarding school, that’s exactly what happened to Tom Michell. Based on the book of the same name, The Penguin Lessons tells the story of Michell and the penguin who helped set his life back on the right track.

Michell (Steve Coogan) teaches English at a boarding school, hoping to mold his students into better learners. However, Argentina is going through a tumultuous period, and the Headmaster (Jonathan Pryce) warns his teachers that they are there to educate—not to voice opinions about the country’s political turmoil. That directive suits Michell perfectly, as he has learned that speaking out often leads to trouble. Also working at the school is another teacher (Björn Gustafsson), who convinces Michell to take a weekend getaway to Uruguay—a trip that proves to be life-changing. While there, Michell rescues a penguin that has fallen victim to an oil spill. After cleaning the bird up, Michell realizes that the penguin has taken a strong liking to him. Unable to leave the penguin behind, he reluctantly decides to bring it back to the school with him. At first, the penguin, named Juan Salvador is an unwelcome guest, but over time, he becomes an unexpected companion who changes not only Michell’s life but also the lives of those around him.

Written by Jeff Pope and adapted from Michell’s novel of the same name, The Penguin Lessons blends drama and comedy against the backdrop of a dark period in Argentina’s history. Through this story, Michell reminds us that even in the darkest of times, small acts of kindness can go a long way. Agents of change come in many forms, and for Michell, that agent arrived in the form of a charming penguin—one that not only transformed his life but also left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

The Penguin Lessons is a simple yet tender story that, at times, feels slightly uneven when it delves into more complex themes. The film is at its best when it focuses on its lighter side—the bond between Juan Salvador and Michell. It stumbles only when it attempts to tackle the broader social issues of 1970’s Argentina. Fortunately, it doesn’t dwell too long on these heavier themes, as Pope’s script maintains a keen sense of comedy, even in a turbulent historical setting. A lot of the film’s charm comes from Coogan, who delivers a wonderfully endearing performance, his dry humor and sarcastic wit making Michell all the more relatable.

Ultimately, The Penguin Lessons is a moving yet sweet film with two incredibly charming leads—one of whom steals the show, and I’m not talking about Coogan. While not every moment is uplifting, much like real life, the ups outweigh the downs, making for a heartwarming and memorable story.