Penguin Bloom, the Naomi Watts led drama directed by Glendyn Ivin, has been acquired by Netflix in key territories. The streamer will release the film in North America, the U.K., France, and select countries in Asia on January 27.
Watts will star in the real-life story of Samantha Bloom, and active and vibrant Australian mom who is paralyzed from the chest down while on holiday with her family. Her struggle to forge ahead is aided by a wounded baby magpie her children take in, named Penguin.
Ivin directs the script written by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps. The story is based on the book by Bloom’s husband Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive. The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln, Moana’s Rachel House and Silver Linings Playbook’s Jacki Weaver are also set to star in the film alongside Watts.
The film has been a passion project for Watts, who is producing the film through her Jam Tart Films label alongside Emma Cooper. Made Up Stories’ Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Jodi Matterson will also produce.
“We all fell in love with the life-affirming nature of Sam’s story and her undeniable spirit,” said the producers in a joint statement. “The emotional journey she and her family go on after Penguin enters their lives is unforgettable. We have a wonderful partner in Netflix and we’re delighted they will be bringing ‘Penguin Bloom’ to audiences around the world.”
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