Bookworm

Ant Timpson's Bookworm is a refreshingly intimate take on the family adventure film, deftly blending humor with the dangers of the wilderness. Set against the backdrop of New Zealand's breathtaking Canterbury Plains, the film offers more than just a picturesque ride; it invites audiences into a heartfelt exploration of parental separation and childhood resilience. Elijah Wood and Nell Fisher form a mismatched father-daughter duo, Strawn Wise and Mildred, each delivering a performance balanced between wit and vulnerability.

Bookworm is a character study wrapped in an adventure story. Mildred, played with sharp wit by Nell Fisher, is no ordinary eleven-year-old. A self-proclaimed bookworm, she's precociously intelligent and brimming with unvarnished honesty - a combination that endears her to viewers while isolating her from her peers. When her single mother Zo (Morgana O'Reilly) falls into a coma following a cooking accident, Mildred's life takes an unexpected turn when her absent father, Strawn Wise, returns to the spotlight.

Strawn Wise, played by Elijah Wood, is an inspired creation: a scruffy illusionist whose flamboyant personality hides a litany of insecurities and failures. From his failed Vegas magician aesthetic to his paltry attempts to reconnect with his daughter, Strawn Wise is an example of arrested development. Yet Eliijah Wood imbues him with a palpable humanity, making it impossible not to root for him as he stumbles through his paternal beginnings.

The plot kicks into high gear when Mildred manipulates her father Strawn into fulfilling his dream of hunting the mythical Canterbury panther - a journey that serves as both an escape from his suffocating reality and a quest to prove his worth. The father-daughter journey unfolds with a mixture of comic misadventures and poignant revelations. Mildred's bookish pragmatism and Strawn's bumbling optimism create a dynamic that is at once hilarious, awkward and deeply moving.

Timpson's directorial choices reinforce the emotional resonance of the story. The change of format, from the confined spaces of Mildred's home to the vast wilderness, reflects her psychological liberation. Cinematographer Daniel Katz captures New Zealand's natural grandeur in vast, golden-hued landscapes that become characters in their own right. Yet the film remains down-to-earth, using its visual splendor to underscore the isolation and vulnerability of its protagonists.

What sets Bookworm apart from conventional family films is its complex tone. Ant Timpson and screenwriter Toby Harvard aren't afraid to inject darker elements into the narrative, from tense encounters with suspicious strangers (Michael Smiley and Vanessa Stacey deliver memorable performances as ominous fellow travelers) to genuine moments of life-threatening peril. These issues add a layer of authenticity to the adventure, reminding viewers that growth often comes through adversity.

The heart of the film lies in the depiction of the evolving relationship between Strawn and Mildred. At first, their interactions are fraught with sarcasm and misunderstanding, but as they face external and internal challenges, they begin to bridge the emotional gap between them. Toby Harvard's script doesn't rush this process; on the contrary, it allows their bond to grow organically through shared vulnerability and mutual respect. As the couple confronts the literal and metaphorical panther, their transformation seems deserved.

The performances of Neil Fisher and Elijah Wood anchor this emotional journey. Neil Fisher is a true revelation, his sharp wit and piercing intelligence tempered by moments of genuine childlike vulnerability. Elihah Wood, meanwhile, deftly navigates the comedic and dramatic aspects of his role, portraying Strawn as a man desperate to redeem himself, but unsure how to go about it. Their chemistry is electric, infusing the film with warmth and authenticity. While the adventure plot provides a familiar framework, the film really focuses on character development and thematic depth. Themes of trust, resilience and the redemptive power of connection resonate throughout, making the story as emotionally rewarding as it is entertaining.

Bookworm is an undeniable success that refuses to pander to its audience. It celebrates the messiness of relationships and the beauty of imperfection, offering a tale both timeless and singularly contemporary. With its flawless performances, stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, Bookworm stands out as a modern classic in the family adventure genre, a film that lingers long after the credits roll, reminding us of the magic that emerges from the most unlikely bonds.

Bookworm
Directed by Ant Timpson
Written by Toby Harvard
Story by Toby Harvard, Ant Timpson
Produced by Emma Slade, Roxi Bull, Victoria Dabbs, Mette-Marie Kongsved, Laura Turnstall
Starring Elijah Wood, Michael Smiley, Nell Fisher
Cinematography : Daniel Katz
Edited by Daniel Kircher
Music by Karyn Rachtman, Karl Steven
Production companies : New Zealand Film Commission, Talon Entertainment Finance, Orogen Entertainment, Mister Smith Entertainment, Kiwibank, Firefly Films
Distributed by : Rialto Distribution, Mister Smith Entertainment (international), Vertical (United States)
Release dates : 18 July 2024 (Fantasia), 8 August 2024 (New Zealand), October 18, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 96 minutes

Seen December 8, 2024 at Max Linder Panorama

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