As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for underdog stories and a penchant for adventure tales that resonate deeply, I found myself utterly captivated by the unique charm of Bookworm. The story of Strawn and Mildred’s unlikely alliance struck a chord with me, reminding me of my own journey in life – filled with twists, turns, and unexpected encounters that ultimately led me to where I am today.
In simpler terms, “Bookworm” is Ant Timpson’s second film after his darker debut, “Come to Daddy,” and it features Elijah Wood (known for “The Lord of the Rings” and “Everything Is Illuminated”) as a central character. This story revolves around two individuals grappling with life changes, seeking lighthearted resolutions in a quirky Kiwi (New Zealander) adventure.
As a captivated admirer, I introduce you to Strawn Wise (Wood), an American magician once renowned, now seemingly lost in the shadows. His life takes a dramatic turn when he reconnects with his estranged daughter, Mildred (Nell Fisher), during a time of tumult. Raised by her resourceful Mum under financial constraints, Mildred has always found solace in grand literary escapades. Facing the greatest hurdles life can offer, she yearns for a true-life adventure – one that leads her to the untamed wilderness of New Zealand, possibly accompanied by her bewildered father. The quest: uncovering the legendary black panther.
The compelling storyline in this premise draws a diverse range of viewers, but what truly makes it delightful is the tightly written screenplay by Toby Harvard that avoids unnecessary detours. With stunningly beautiful New Zealand landscapes on show, and captivating performances from the main actors, Bookworm instantly appeals to audiences, offering a perfect blend of heartfelt emotion, thrilling adventure, and intriguing mystery.
A Daughter & Daddy Misadventure with Heart
In my case, I’m not the only one returning to collaborate with director Ant Timpson again. Screenwriter Toby Harvard has penned his previous projects, like “Come to Daddy” and “The Greasy Strangler”, and cinematographer Daniel Katz was also part of “Come to Daddy”. These familiar faces behind the scenes greatly contribute to a cohesive and polished final product. Essentially, this project is Ant Timpson’s affectionate tribute to ’70s and ’80s family films, where the thrill of adventure was the main draw – think of “Swiss Family Robinson” and “The Adventures of the Wilderness Family”, but with a touch of contemporary flair.
In the story titled “Bookworm,” Mildred harbors a persistent desire for years to uncover evidence that the Canterbury Panther is real, despite it being considered a mythical creature. If she succeeds, there’s a substantial monetary reward waiting, which could significantly ease her mother’s financial hardships. This dream becomes more urgent as her mother falls ill, and a mysterious man named Daddy Strawn appears at their doorstep. Strawn was once a man chasing his own dreams of becoming a famous American illusionist, but now he’s reduced to creating balloon sculptures at celebrity parties. Time has left its mark on him, transforming him into something of a caricature with his heavy eyeliner and long hair.
It’s the perfect unlikely-couple set-up, and soon the two are forced to bond as Mildred takes command and leads the duo through the New Zealand wilderness. But it’s not the beasts of the wild they’ll need to worry about. That’s a good secret to keep for now. You’ll know when you experience it, and it sends the direction of the film in a vibrant direction, upping the stakes if not the survival of our key characters.
You can always judge a good movie by how much you end up caring about the people you’re watching on screen. To that end, Bookworm succeeds. Strawn and Mildred are easy to like and their misadventures fun to keep track of, even when the over-explaining from Mildred goes a tad too far.
A Blend of Great Acting, Scenic Thrills, Storytelling
In addition to Michael Smiley and Vanessa Stacey, Bookworm features as main characters. Arnold is played by Smiley, while Angelina is portrayed by Stacey. They join Strawn and Mildred’s journey and play significant roles. Notably, Smiley’s performance is particularly noteworthy in this production. Known for his roles in films such as The Lobster, The Other Boleyn Girl, and the popular Apple TV+ series Bad Sisters, Smiley brings his impressive comedic skills to the forefront, which are evident in classic shows like Spaced.
Regarding Wood, his captivating act seems to draw you in completely. There’s something intriguing yet unsettling about his persona, with his long hair and makeup adding to the mystery. He exudes a charm reminiscent of a gentle, illusionist like Criss Angel, yet there’s a hint of darkness in his eyes that enchants and bewilders you. Wood and Fisher make an impressive duo, and it’s worth noting that Fisher is an actress to keep your eye on. She emanates maturity beyond her years and has a radiant energy, suggesting that she could one day win major awards. Watching her felt like observing a young Maggie Smith with a touch of the girlish Cate Blanchett. Cross her at your own risk.
In this movie, New Zealand takes center stage alongside other actors, enchanting viewers in every scene and beautifully portrayed here. The film is not just a story about understanding and forgiveness, but it skilfully avoids any overly sentimental or save-the-day narratives. There’s an added intensity with the mysterious panther character weaving throughout the plot. It’s a delightful blend of adventure and emotion. If you enjoy heartfelt parent-child stories, this film is definitely worth watching. It has the power to win you over, much like films such as “Definitely, Maybe”, “Captain Fantastic”, “Eighth Grade”, and the exceptional “Little Miss Sunshine”. “Bookworm” is set to hit theaters and on-demand services on October 18 from Vertical Entertainment. It’s a film that could easily steal your heart with its fun, sharp, and spirited nature.
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2024-10-17 15:01