BOOKWORM (2024)

Genre: Adventure
Director: Ant Timpson
Cast: Elijah Wood, Michael Smiley, Nell Fisher, Vanessa Stacey, Morgana O'Reilly, Millen Baird
Runtime: 1 hr 44 mins
Rating: NC16 (Some Drug Use)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 31 October 2024

Synopsis: Mildred (Nell Fisher, EVIL DEAD RISE) is a precocious 11yr old Kiwi, an only - child raised by a solo mother, who escapes her humdrum existence by immersing into literary adventures. Her long - dreamed quest is to capture proof that the mythological beast know n as The Canterbury Panther exists, proof that would result in a substantial cash reward. When an accident occurs leaving her mother hospitalised, her long absent father and washed up illusionist Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood, YELLOWJACKETS) flys down to look after Mildred who he’s never met. This unlikely pair agree to go camping together while mum recuperates. A child who has read every outdoor guide but never been camping and a magician more comfortable inside Las Vegas bars are thrown together in the ultimate test of family bonding in the New Zealand wilderness.

Movie Review:

The best thing we can say about ‘Bookworm’ is that it is amiable, although in truth, we’re not sure if that’s enough reason to step into the cinema for this very slight New Zealand family drama.

The equivalent of an American road trip movie, ‘Bookworm’ sets an estranged father-daughter pair on a camping trip into the New Zealand wilderness. When her mother is left in a coma after an accident with the kitchen toaster, the precocious 11-year-old Mildred (Nell Fisher) comes face to face with her long-absent father, Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood).

Though not quite her first choice, Mildred settles for Strawn as her companion to brave the rugged south island in search of the legendary Canterbury Panther, whose video proof is worth a cool $50,000. As you can expect, the journey allows both father and daughter to rediscover their bond, amidst danger and setbacks.

Besides unexpected run-ins with the said Canterbury Panther, the pair have to contend with a sinister backpacker couple, who end up robbing them after befriending them. Otherwise though, there is nothing much in particular that happens on their trip that is noteworthy of mention; instead, director Ant Timpson and writer Toby Harvard let the duo engage in plenty of heart-to-heart talk to catch up on the years in between, their feelings towards each other, and ultimately to rekindle a heartwarming bond.

Thanks to heartfelt performances from Fisher and Wood, the relationship between Mildred and Strawn never feels contrived or over-orchestrated; rather, both are genuinely likeable in their own ways, and you’ll eventually get a warm, fuzzy feeling when they put aside the past to move on together as father and daughter. It is earnest all right, but like we said, that is as much praise we can shower on this otherwise tame and not quite engaging picture.

As the opening film for the Fantasia Fest 2024, ‘Bookworm’ comes across, more than anything, as a safe choice. It is a genteel love letter to ‘80s kid cinema, told with utter sincerity and absolutely no condescension. Is it worth your time in the cinema though? Sadly, we think many will probably think not, especially when there are just as, if not more, engaging family fare on streaming. So unless you’re a cinephile, ‘Bookworm’ is probably best enjoyed on your TV screen at home.

Movie Rating:

(Amiable is about as much praise we can shower on this gentle family drama that is sincere, heartfelt, but not quite very engaging)

Review by Gabriel Chong