Tom Michell’s beloved memoir about his time teaching English at an elite Argentine boarding school in the 1970s has been adapted into a charming new film, The Penguin Lessons. Directed by Peter Cattaneo, the film follows Michell’s unusual friendship with a rescued penguin, and is filled with humor, heart, and an unexpected dose of political tension.
In the film, the character of Tom is no longer a fresh-faced, 22-year-old idealist but a disillusioned, middle-aged divorcee, portrayed by Steve Coogan. Coogan’s Tom starts off as a reluctant caretaker of the smelly bird, named Juan Carlos, who arrives at the school after being rescued. Initially, Tom wants nothing to do with the penguin and spends much of the film trying to get rid of it. However, as the story unfolds, he, like his students, finds himself unexpectedly charmed by the bird’s quirks and personality.
Juan Carlos, played by the penguin itself, steals the show in nearly every scene, bringing an irresistible energy that even Coogan and Jonathan Pryce, who plays the kind-hearted headmaster Bucky, cannot outshine.
Though primarily a comedy, The Penguin Lessons also has darker, more serious undertones. Michell lived in Argentina during the 1970s, a time marked by political unrest and the brutal military dictatorship. The film weaves this history into the narrative, taking the viewer beyond the school’s gates to explore the lives of ordinary Argentinians. Through Tom’s relationship with his cook Maria (Vivian El Jabor) and her granddaughter Sophia (Alfonsina Carrocio), the film offers a glimpse into the struggles of those living under an oppressive regime.
While the political aspect is not the film’s primary focus, it serves as a poignant subplot. The portrayal of the fear and moral uncertainty faced by ordinary people during times of evil is central to the story. Rather than focusing on graphic violence, the film subtly examines how individuals, including Tom, grapple with the question of how to respond to injustice. Tom’s hesitation and fear effectively highlight the power of evil and the difficulty of taking action, adding depth to the story without relying on action-packed sequences.
Though some might feel the film’s treatment of political issues is somewhat superficial, especially in contrast to more intense depictions of dictatorship, its approach feels grounded and realistic. This nuanced portrayal adds authenticity to the story, much like Life is Beautiful, where humor and tragedy coexist. The darker elements of the regime may be subtle, but they are always present, adding a layer of complexity to the otherwise light-hearted film.
One of the most chilling moments comes toward the end, during a café scene. Tom awkwardly attempts to intervene with a military officer—who also happens to be a parent at the school—on behalf of Sophia, who has been abducted by the regime. In this tense moment, the officer’s previously warm demeanor transforms into something far more sinister, underscoring the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of everyday life in Argentina during this tumultuous period.
At its core, The Penguin Lessons conveys a powerful message about standing up to evil, even when our actions feel small or ineffective. As Tom’s journey shows, every small effort can inspire others to act, creating a ripple effect that challenges the status quo. Even Bucky, the headmaster, who initially appears indifferent to the political crisis, experiences personal growth, thanks to his own relationship with Juan Carlos. By the end, the film offers a hopeful conclusion—at least for the human characters.
The Penguin Lessons will be in theaters starting April 18th, offering audiences a unique blend of comedy, heart, and an important message about courage in the face of adversity.
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