54
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperChicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperWatts is such a chameleon of an actress, such a pro at slipping into a vast array of roles without drawing attention to the mechanics of her work, that we almost take for granted how damn good she is — and she delivers beautiful and resonant work as Sam.
- 67IndieWireKate ErblandIndieWireKate ErblandDramas pile up, some obvious, some not, and Penguin Bloom meanders a bit before coming in to land. The path there might be predictable, but there is still something beautiful when it really takes flight.
- 63The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Barry HertzThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Barry HertzThis isn’t some cutsey, bordering-on-laughable inspiration porn. It is more patient, messy and dead-serious than its sight-gag of a poster might have you believe. This doesn’t mean it’s a great movie – just a passable one.
- 60The GuardianBenjamin LeeThe GuardianBenjamin LeeIt’s a handsomely made and sturdy little movie, mercifully devoid of cloying sentimentality, an old-fashioned throwback for families in search of something safe and superhero-free that might not sing quite as loud as it could have but flies just about high enough nonetheless.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeNaomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln bring dignity and seriousness to what might've been a painfully sappy tale of rebirth.
- 50Screen DailyTim GriersonScreen DailyTim GriersonOnce that narrative path becomes clear, Penguin Bloom never really surprises, delivering a series of heartfelt but predictable story beats.
- 50The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloBecause Watts is a gifted actor, Penguin Bloom does sometimes convey paraplegia’s emotional trials.
- 42The PlaylistMarshall ShafferThe PlaylistMarshall ShafferWatts certainly makes that internal struggle compelling without resorting to overwrought physical transformation.
- 40VarietyTomris LafflyVarietyTomris LafflyShrewdly, Watts goes for something subtle and soft here — instead of clichéd garishness, her performance hinges on her doleful gaze and melancholic tinge, ultimately helping Penguin Bloom honor its real-life character’s journey with some respect.
- 40The GuardianLuke BuckmasterThe GuardianLuke BuckmasterThere is a great, moving story to tell about the real Sam Bloom – but this film only gets part of the way there.