During the time of the government coup in the Capital City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, The St. George’s school needed a new English teacher to help teach the children of the area. Violence broke out in town, but did manage to stay away from the college. This was a time of turmoil in Argentina, allowing many soldiers and government officials to take individuals off the streets if they showed any opposition to the new government. As for the school it specialized as a boarding school for all age groups, but mostly, it was a preparatory school for the younger students and did advance into the college level.
When coincidentally a British English Professor is hired to teach at the St. George’s school in 1976, their world goes upside down. During the attempted coup violence wreaks havoc on their community causing an interruption at the school, but they manage to keep a sense of education continuing on. Being the new man on campus and not knowing what to expect, Tom Michell (Steve Coogan), British Professor of English, finds life very different from what he was used to back in Sussex. Inheriting a nice room in the teacher’s dorm, he reluctantly makes new friends with Maria (Vivian El Jaber), the housekeeper/maid, and his new neighbor Tapio (Björn Gustafsson), a science teacher from Finland. 
Timothy Buckle (Jonathan Pryce) Headmaster of St. George’s school is trying to keep the students and teachers out of harm’s way and distancing them all from the crazy uprisings of the government. He finds it becomes more and more difficult as the problems begin to show up on the college’s doorstep. When an opportunity arises to have some time off and go to the beach in Uruguay, Tom and Tapio go see if they can meet some ladies and have some fun dancing. Here Tom meets a woman (Romina Cocca), and they decide to go walking on the beach. This is where they both discover a penguin that is full of sludge and almost dead. After cleaning him up and rescuing him from certain death, the penguin does not want to leave Tom. Now in a predicament, Tom is now forced to unintentionally bring his new friend back to the school, and it eventually affects everyone’s lives by re-energizing their spirits. 
This delightful tale that is inspired by a true story, during a time of turmoil is presented well from director Peter Cattaneo. Demonstrating the military presence during the tough time in Argentina’s history was well preserved and delivered. Peter also conveyed what the feelings of the residents endured as they were constantly frightened by government kidnappings and strange disappearances. He also showed the families of the imprisoned protesting and trying to fight the system to get their loved ones back. Cattaneo introduced what the experiences were during this time and created an environment that was shown from the existence of this wonderful new character, the Penguin.
A fun and enjoyable storyline that brings you through the tough times in Argentina and that delivers a light at the end of the tunnel, is definitely worth seeing. This narrative is a magnificent journey for all ages and will entertain you throughout the film. 
Final Comment: I based my grade on the excellent storyline and marvelous performance from the cast. 
Stars 3.75 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Steve Coogan, Jonathan Pryce, Vivian El Jaber, Björn Gustafsson, Alfonsina Carrocio, Micaela Breque, David Herrero, Aimar Miranda, and Hugo Fuertes.
Directed by: Peter Cattaneo
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for strong language, some sexual references and thematic elements.
Running Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Release Date: March 28. 2025
Distributed By: Sony Pictures Classics
Release In: Standard