When something happens to one member of the family, it affects everyone. We see this firsthand in “Penguin Bloom,” inspired by the real life Bloom family. They were on holiday in Thailand, in 2013, when an accident left the mom paralyzed from the chest down.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts stars as Samantha Bloom in the film version — a lifelong outdoorswoman, surfer, and traveler — who was unrecognizable to herself, and spent long months in a depression that made her question who she could be in the world and in her own family. The walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln stars alongside her as husband Cameron.
A year later, back at their home in Australia, their three children brought home a wounded baby magpie they found. Warily eyeing the black-and-white bird the kids affectionately named “Penguin,” Sam bonded with the household’s new member, beginning a process of emotional healing that surprised everyone
We talked with the duo about this amazing true story, the photographic book that showcases their journey, and finding hope again.
PENGUIN BLOOM streams January 27 on Netflix
