As one of the biggest card carrying, She Society bookworms, I was thrilled when asked to review the new heartwarming film, ‘Bookworm’. I love a family movie and here we find a film to entertain both children and adults alike. Bookworm is a heart filled adventure for the young and young at heart that will hold you mesmerised as you watch the adventure and family bonds develop.
Director, Ant Timpson’s latest venture is a joyous celebration of family, the natural world and the power of persistence.
The Story
Mildred (Nell Fisher) is a precocious 11-year-old New Zealander, an only child raised by a single mother. She escapes her humdrum existence by poring over books. Her long dreamed of quest is to capture proof that the mythical beast known as the Canterbury Panther exists, proof that would result in a substantial cash reward.
When an accident leaves her mother hospitalised, her long absent father and washed-up American illusionist Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood – Lord of the Rings Trilogy) flies down to look after Mildred, whom he’s never met.
This unlikely pair agree to go camping together while Mum recuperates. A child who has read every outdoor guide but never been camping, and a magician more comfortable inside Las Vegas bars, are thrown together in the ultimate test of bonding in the lush New Zealand wilderness.
Though there is still simmering resentment from Mildred towards her father, these two banter their way across a stunning landscape in search of the mythological beast. Will they find it and who or what will they encounter along the way? Dangerous situations and a need to rely on each other for survival strengthen the father/ daughter relationship.
Bookworm is a coming-of-age comedy/ drama told from both an adult and child’s perspective. With the anxious adult having to step up in times of trouble and the precocious child having to step outside of their safe home life and literary bubble. It taps into the fears of any single parent and shows the need to look out for each other, especially when faced with extreme circumstances.
I was surprised to see that there really is a myth of the Canterbury Panther, a big cat which roams New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a great premise for a story and paired with the lush New Zealand scenery this film is a feast for the eyes. Watch out for the news footage at the end! But it is really the wonderful acting and script which sets this one apart.
With the innocent eyes of Elijah Wood who grows up and into a dad before our very eyes and a mesmering performance from Nell Hunter as his daughter, we watch on as their relationship moves from trust to respect. This aspect was lovely and really believable. Both were very good in their roles. I can’t wait to see what they both do next.
The script never talks down to kids and there are many great lines and conversations between the two actors which will make you think or nod along. I laughed when they thought they were bonding over David Copperfield and some of their conversations about honesty, fear, courage and trust were beautifully written.
The action scenes will keep kids enthralled. I jumped three times during the movie and found myself holding my breath in parts. I know my own boys would have enjoyed watching this one growing up.
It’s a while since I’ve seen a movie like this one and it did have the feel of some of the 70’s family movies that we all knew and loved. This lovely movie is an honest and thoughtful film with a wonderful script, engaging characters and an entertaining adventure story. Bookworm is in cinemas from August 29. One for all the family!
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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