Bookworm, directed by Ant Timpson, delivers a charming and heartfelt adventure that manages to blend quirky humor, family dynamics, and a touch of magic in an unexpectedly delightful package. Set against the backdrop of New Zealand's lush landscapes, the film tells the story of Mildred, brilliantly portrayed by Nell Fisher (Evil Dead Rise), a clever and guarded girl on a mission to find the mythological Canterbury Panther. The stakes are personal: her mother is in the hospital, and Mildred hopes that a picture of the elusive beast will help her claim a reward large enough to cover the medical bills.
Enter her estranged father, Strawn Wise, played with warmth and awkward charm by Elijah Wood. Strawn, a magician by trade, hasn't been around for years, and his sudden reappearance in Mildred’s life adds tension and comedic friction. Fisher and Wood create an irresistible dynamic; Mildred's cynicism and sharp wit frequently clash with Strawn's bumbling attempts at rekindling a father-daughter relationship, resulting in genuinely funny and touching moments.
The film’s plot takes off when Strawn reluctantly joins Mildred on her panther hunt, using this shared adventure as his only way to reconnect with her. The mismatched duo’s journey is full of unexpected encounters, blending the absurd with the emotional in a way reminiscent of Hunt for the Wilderpeople. The humor is quintessentially New Zealand, sharp and offbeat, with dialogue that teeters between perfectly uncomfortable and laugh-out-loud funny. Some of the smallest roles deliver memorable lines, adding to the film's oddball charm.
Timpson, known for more outlandish genre films like Turbo Kid and The Greasy Strangler, surprises here with a family-friendly story that still carries his signature style. There’s a bit of everything in Bookworm: magic, eccentric characters, and even moments that feel Wes Anderson-esque in their presentation. The variety of aspect ratios used in the film is more than just a visual gimmick; it adds a layer of whimsy that complements the fantastical elements of the story.
Elijah Wood’s portrayal of Strawn, an amalgamation of magicians like Criss Angel and Burt Wonderstone, is pitch-perfect, balancing between a man desperately trying to connect with his daughter and a performer overwhelmed by the absurdity of the situation. Wood and Timpson clearly have an undeniable creative chemistry, and Bookworm feels like a natural extension of their past collaborations. Can these two just make movies together forever?
The film’s only real stumble is the CGI panther, which, while serviceable for most of the film, looks a bit rough when it moves. However, this minor flaw doesn’t detract from the heart of the story, which is the growing bond between a father and daughter.
At its core, Bookworm is a celebration of family and the magic of reconnecting with loved ones. Mildred’s journey with her father is not just about finding a mythical creature but also about finding a sense of trust and understanding with each other. The film’s conclusion may come out of left field, but it’s hilarious and fitting for such an offbeat tale.
Whether you’re watching for the humor, the heartfelt performances, or just to see Frodo on yet another journey, Bookworm is a must-see for all ages. It’s light-hearted and touching, with plenty of moments that showcase the power of shared adventures between parents and children.
Jessie Hobson