The Penguin Lessons
2024 · Movie · PG-13 · 111 min · ★ 7.1 · 65% critics
In 1976, an English teacher arrives at a prestigious boarding school near Buenos Aires as the country grows increasingly unstable. After rescuing an oil-covered penguin, he’s pulled into an unlikely bond that softens his hardened outlook and nudges him toward compassion amid rising tension around him.
Where to watch
Streaming on Netflix.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 2024
- Release date
- 2025-03-27
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Max quality
- UHD
- Critic score
- 65/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.1/10 (156 votes)
- Box office
- $14,235,885
About
If you enjoy warm, fact-based comedy-dramas with a gentle edge and an odd-couple bond, this should land well; Not for you if you want nonstop action or a purely light romp like Philomena.
Pros: heartfelt true-story warmth; funny, sweet penguin moments; uplifting personal growth | Cons: slow opening stretch; sentiment can feel light; some characters underused
Themes
- 1970s
- american football coach
- sarcasm
- penguin
- based on true story
- argentina
- based on memoir or autobiography
- school teacher
- dramedy
- animal human friendship
Cast & crew
Steve Coogan
as Tom Michell
Jonathan Pryce
as Headmaster Buckle
- VJ
Vivian El Jaber
as Maria
Björn Gustafsson
as Tapio
Alfonsina Carrocio
as Sofia
David Herrero
as Diego
Micaela Breque
as Carina
Tomás Pozzi
as Bursar
Ramiro Blas
as Márquez
Juan Barreiro
as Uruguayan Police Officer
Directed by Peter Cattaneo