Penelope – Film Review

Born with the snout of a pig, young Penelope Wilhern spends life a virtual prisoner in her home. Believing that the only way to break the curse is to marry one of her own kind, she meets a number of suitors, but all reject her. Two devious men, one with a grudge against the family, hire a man to pose as a suitor, but complications arise when he begins to fall in love with Penelope, and she makes a bid for freedom.

Penelope is a delightful film directed by Mark Palansky that seamlessly blends romance, fantasy, and a touch of whimsy. Set in a modern-day fairytale world, the movie takes viewers on an enchanting journey through themes of self-acceptance and true love. With an engaging storyline, compelling characters, and visually stunning cinematography, Penelope is a captivating cinematic experience that will leave audiences both entertained and uplifted.

The film introduces us to the eponymous Penelope, played by Christina Ricci, a young woman born with a pig-like snout due to a family curse. Hidden away from the public eye by her wealthy and aristocratic family, Penelope yearns for the freedom to live a normal life and find love. The movie starts by highlighting the oppressive atmosphere created by her mother, played brilliantly by Catherine O’Hara, who is desperate to break the curse and restore her family’s reputation.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its imaginative world-building. The set design and costume choices create a whimsical aesthetic that mirrors the fairytale nature of the story. From Penelope’s extravagant Victorian-era mansion to the vibrant and eclectic fashion choices of the characters, every detail contributes to the film’s visual charm.

The movie’s plot takes an intriguing turn when a young reporter named Lemon, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, offers a hefty sum of money to a down-on-his-luck gambler, Max, played by James McAvoy, to secretly photograph Penelope. Lemon believes that capturing an image of Penelope will make him famous and help him escape his own mundane existence. However, as Max enters Penelope’s life, the story evolves into a heartfelt exploration of identity and self-acceptance.

Christina Ricci delivers a captivating performance as Penelope, skillfully portraying the character’s innocence, vulnerability, and determination. Ricci’s expressive eyes convey Penelope’s longing to break free from the confines of her appearance and experience the world like any other person. Her chemistry with James McAvoy’s character is palpable, and their evolving relationship forms the emotional core of the film.

Speaking of James McAvoy, his portrayal of Max is one of the film’s highlights. He brings a mix of charm, wit, and vulnerability to the character, creating a believable and endearing love interest for Penelope. McAvoy’s comedic timing shines, adding levity to the film’s more dramatic moments. His character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story, learning valuable lessons about self-worth and the true meaning of beauty.

The supporting cast also deserves praise for their performances. Catherine O’Hara brings depth and complexity to Penelope’s mother, Jessica, embodying both the overbearing nature of a concerned parent and the underlying love she has for her daughter. Peter Dinklage shines in the role of Lemon, infusing the character with a mix of eccentricity and hidden vulnerability.

In addition to its strong performances, Penelope is elevated by its thought-provoking themes. The film explores the detrimental effects of societal beauty standards and the importance of self-acceptance. It delivers a powerful message about embracing one’s uniqueness and challenging the superficial judgments imposed by others. While the story is undeniably rooted in fantasy, its underlying themes resonate with audiences on a deeper level, making it a truly meaningful experience.

Visually, Penelope is a feast for the eyes. The film’s color palette is vibrant and playful, with each scene exuding a dream-like quality. The whimsical aesthetics are further enhanced by the meticulous attention to detail in the production design. From Penelope’s colorful wardrobe to the magical charm of her room, every frame is visually stunning and contributes to the film’s enchanting atmosphere.

Despite its many strengths, Penelope does have a few minor flaws. The pacing of the film occasionally feels uneven, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary, while others could have been explored in more depth. Additionally, some of the secondary characters could have been further developed to provide a richer narrative experience.

Furthermore, while the film’s conclusion is satisfying and wraps up the story neatly, it feels somewhat predictable and lacks a sense of surprise. A more nuanced and unexpected resolution could have added an extra layer of depth to the overall narrative.

However, these flaws are overshadowed by the film’s many strengths. Mark Palansky’s direction is masterful, bringing together the various elements of the story to create a cohesive and engaging film. The screenplay, written by Leslie Caveny, strikes a balance between light-hearted humor and poignant moments, resulting in a script that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The film’s soundtrack deserves special mention, as it perfectly complements the whimsical and romantic atmosphere of the story. The music, composed by Joby Talbot, enhances the emotional impact of each scene, heightening the film’s charm and creating an immersive experience for the audience.

In conclusion, Penelope is a captivating and heartwarming film that successfully blends fantasy, romance, and self-discovery. Mark Palansky’s direction, coupled with strong performances from Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, and the supporting cast, brings the story to life and creates a magical cinematic experience. While it has a few minor flaws in terms of pacing and predictability, the film’s imaginative world-building, visual aesthetics, and powerful themes of self-acceptance make it a worthwhile watch. Penelope reminds us of the importance of embracing our true selves, challenging societal norms, and finding love and acceptance in unexpected places. Overall, it is a delightful film that leaves a lasting impression and is sure to enchant audiences of all ages.