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A delightful journey through New Zealand’s landscapes: “Bookworm” review
A charming adventure with a touch of maturity
Ant Timpson’s “Bookworm” is a delightful father-daughter adventure that captures the essence of New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes. This film, reminiscent of Taika Waititi’s “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” blends childlike wonder with grown-up themes, creating a unique cinematic experience. Imagine a mix of “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” “Up,” and a dash of “Indiana Jones,” and you’ll have a sense of what “Bookworm” offers.
The heart of the story: Mildred and her journey
At the core of “Bookworm” is 11-year-old Mildred, portrayed by the breakout star Nell Fisher. Mildred is a precocious tween living modestly in Canterbury with her single mother, who juggles multiple jobs to make ends meet. In cinema, precocious children can sometimes come off as cringeworthy, but Fisher’s portrayal of Mildred is both believable and endearing. The script, penned by Toby Harvard and based on a story by him and Timpson, allows Fisher to balance Mildred’s sophisticated wit with her youthful innocence.
Reuniting with a familiar face
Timpson reunites with Elijah Wood, who starred in his previous film “Come to Daddy,” to play Strawn Wise, Mildred’s estranged American father. When a freak accident leaves Mildred’s mother in a coma, Strawn steps in to care for his daughter, despite never having met her before. Strawn, a down-on-his-luck magician who prefers the title “illusionist,” is far from the ideal father figure. However, Mildred, a lonely and voracious reader, reluctantly teams up with him on a camping trip to find a legendary local panther and claim a $50,000 prize.
A journey of discovery and bonding
As the mismatched duo embarks on their quest, the film’s humor shines through Mildred’s advanced vocabulary and Strawn’s less-than-worldly existence. Strawn’s attempts to impress his daughter with magic tricks often fall flat, leading to plenty of embarrassing dad jokes and tween eye-rolling. However, as they navigate the scenic lakes and perilous situations of New Zealand, their bond deepens.
Unexpected dangers and heartfelt moments
The journey takes a turn when they encounter a seemingly harmless couple, Arnold and Angelina, played by Michael Smiley and Vanessa Stacey. Initially, the couple appears to be a fun detour, but their true intentions soon become clear. These scenes, filled with both humor and suspense, highlight Strawn’s growing love for his daughter. Wood’s performance is particularly compelling, capturing Strawn’s vulnerability and his rise to the occasion of parenthood.
Cinematic brilliance and visual storytelling
Cinematographer Daniel Katz’s observant camera work enhances the film’s emotional depth, capturing the delicate connection between Strawn and Mildred against the backdrop of New Zealand’s grand scenery. The film starts with a boxed aspect ratio, expanding as the characters venture into the wild, symbolizing the film’s larger ambitions both visually and emotionally.
A small film with big ambitions
“Bookworm” is a deceptively small film that dares to look and feel big. It’s a charming escapade that entertains and warms the heart, proving that sometimes the most intimate stories can have the grandest impact.
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