It is hard to find a decent family adventure film these days.
It is all comic book films, big blockbuster sequels and animations. Quite honestly, the art of creating decently written films with heart are few and far between. Thankfully, after the massive success of his directorial debut feature with Come to Daddy, Ant Timpson has returned with a fantastic new film, Bookworm. I was lucky to catch this release at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), with Timpson himself in attendance.
This new adventure comedy drama is based on the screenplay by Toby Harvard which follows a young girl named Mildred (Nell Fisher) as she sets out on an adventure to capture proof of the ever-elusive Canterbury Panther. Mildred had planned to embark on a camping trip to find the mysterious big-cat with her mother, however, due to unforeseen circumstances she ends up with an unlikely partner, her estranged, American biological father, Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood).
Mildred is unlike many 11-year-old’s, she’s well-spoken beyond her years, loves her books and has a passion for animals and a burning desire for adventure. Whereas Wise is the complete opposite, a Magician, sorry, Illusionist, and far from the adventure type. He’s narcissistic but is also willing to put in the work to help his daughter. As the pair seek out the mysterious Panther, they end up experiencing more than they bargained for!
I can honestly say that I have not seen a film like Bookworm in a very long time. It is packed with fun, excitement, thrills and comedy. A film well suited for young audiences that returns to a classic film style that we haven’t seen for a while. Kids movies these days are all flash and no substance, whilst Bookworm is not afraid to throw in some scary moments and even a decent villainous twist to keep you on the edge of your seat. Bookworm is also full of heart and runs headfirst into the emotional trauma that an absent parent, in this case, a father, can impose on a child.
Elijah Wood’s portrayal of the washed-up illusionist and father that is desperate for his daughter’s acceptance and affection is perfection. The character of Strawn Wise is quite a pathetic one. He’s weak and broken by his past failures and has absolutely no idea how to be a parent, thinking that flashy ‘magic’, sorry, illusions would impress his daughter. However, Mildred is far too smart for that, and Wise ends up in an almost reversed role of being the child in the father-daughter relationship. Wood’s chemistry with the young Nell Fisher is incredible to watch, almost as if the pair had known each other their entire lives.
And what can I say about Nell Fisher but wow! What an absolute superstar. Fisher is wise and mature beyond her years. Her skills as an actor would even put many seasoned professionals to shame and she’s the perfect choice for the role of Mildred. Fisher has a quick wit, is naturally funny and incredibly well spoken. She can also turn on the drama and exudes heartbreak and disappointment in her character that will pull at your heart strings. Plus, her work with Elijah Wood is flawless. Honestly the perfect pairing.
Other performances in the film are equally as good. Morgana O’Reilly as Mildred’s mother, Zo, although short in the film, leaves a lasting impression of love and admiration for her daughter. Michael Smiley and Vanessa Stacey as Jethro and Angelina respectively play the unlikely villains that play off the pushover weak individual that is Strawn Wise.
The film is set and shot on location in New Zealand’s deep south in the stunning wilderness. Daniel Katz’s cinematography perfectly captures the wonders of the location and is the perfect picture-postcard for the region. Although, I was curious as to why the first part of the film was presented in a classic 4:3 ratio.
Thankfully, at the end of the showing, Ant Timpson answered some questions from the audience, and I was lucky enough to ask him about it. He explained how the classic ratio was an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ moment and was used to reflect Mildred’s enclosed life and emotions within her bedroom. It eventually expanded into full widescreen as she steps out into the wilderness, reflecting not only her emotional release and thirst for adventure, but to capture the beauty that is New Zealand itself. I really appreciated this directorial choice. It is one thing to use the dialogue, acting and music to portray mood and emotion, but to do it by switching aspect ratios is a stroke of genius.
This leads into the music of the film and it is perfect. With the music by Karyn Rachtman and Karl Steven, it follows a classic Country Western vibe, complete with the whistling trope from the classic films of old. From walking across wide open fields and hiking through the forest to the encounters with the Panther and the Villains, the score is exquisitely composed, only enhancing the emotion and excitement of the film.
Honestly, Ant Timpson has done it again! It is hard to believe that Bookworm is only his second feature film, but Timpson has a winning recipe and this film delivers in spades. I had so much fun experiencing this film, and I could tell the diverse family crowd around me enjoyed it just as much. It was made even clearer at the end when so many of the young audience had fantastic questions for Timpson after the film during the Q&A. The film captivated and engaged them, a feat not easily achieved in the comic-book rinse and repeat industry that we live in now.
Bookworm is easily one of the best films that I have seen all year. It’s funny, exciting and packed full of heart. After Come to Daddy being in my top films of 2019, it has become clear that Ant Timpson is one of my favourite directors. That’s two for two and I cannot wait for whatever he brings out next.
Bookworm was recently screening as part of the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival and will have its general release from August 29.