The Penguin Lessons

In 1976, a disillusioned educator named Tom Michell arrives at St. George’s College, a prestigious boys’ school situated in Argentina, with the intent to teach English and coach the rugby team. Upon settling in, he quickly develops a friendship with his housekeeper, Maria, and her politically active granddaughter, Sofia, who is deeply involved in protests against the escalating Argentine coup d’état. Michell also connects with St. George’s dedicated science teacher, Tapio. Despite Headmaster Buckle’s complete trust in Michell’s background and abilities, he finds himself grappling with the challenge of keeping his students attentive and well-disciplined in a turbulent environment.

The situation takes a turn when a bombing occurs in the city, prompting the school to send students home for a week. Seizing the opportunity, Michell and Tapio embark on a journey to Uruguay. During their trip, Michell meets a woman named Carina at a local dance club. An unexpected encounter at the beach leads them to discover an oil slick that has tragically claimed the lives of several Magellanic penguins. However, one lone penguin survives, and Michell, along with Carina, takes it back to his hotel. In an endearing sequence, they clean the penguin in the bathtub together. However, their budding connection is cut short when Carina, who is already married, amicably declines Michell’s advances.

With determination to help the penguin, Michell attempts to release it into the ocean, only to have it return to him. Given no other option, he discreetly brings the penguin back to St. George’s and reaches out to a local zoo. Upon discovering the appalling conditions presented by the zoo, Michell resolves to adopt the penguin, whom he names Juan Salvador. As Juan Salvador becomes a part of St. George’s, both Maria and Sofia find joy in the penguin’s company, inspiring Michell to introduce Juan Salvador to his students. This gesture proves to be transformative, capturing the students’ attention and motivating them to perform better academically. The bond between Michell and his students flourishes as they secretly feed Juan Salvador fish, hiding his presence from Headmaster Buckle. Even Tapio finds a way to connect with the penguin during their own personal interaction.

However, a darker cloud looms over their newfound happiness when Michell witnesses the abduction of Sofia by Argentine authorities due to her activism. Back at Maria’s home, he learns of her plans to protest for Sofia’s release. The strength of their familial bond strikes a chord with Michell, who shares his own tragic story of losing his teenage daughter in a car accident—a loss that led to a rift in his marriage. Burdened by guilt for not intervening during Sofia’s kidnapping, Michell grapples with his conscience.

Headmaster Buckle, upon discovering the existence of Juan Salvador, implements strict rules that result in Michell being asked to leave St. George’s. In a climactic confrontation, Michell faces the aggressors responsible for Sofia’s kidnapping and demands her release, only to find himself arrested and assaulted. Thankfully, Tapio intervenes and bails Michell out. Following this ordeal, Buckle reconsiders his decision, admitting that Juan Salvador’s presence has had a positive influence on both staff and students, even engaging in a personal conversation with the penguin himself and allowing it a swim in the school’s swimming pool.

Tragedy strikes when Juan Salvador unexpectedly dies. Heartbroken, Michell gives the beloved penguin a final resting place on the St. George’s campus, under a tree near the rugby field. During a heartfelt eulogy to the staff and students, Michell is met with a surprising turn of events—Sofia, who has endured her own trials, returns, culminating in an emotional reunion between Maria and her granddaughter. This bittersweet moment highlights the enduring themes of loss, connection, and resilience, set against the backdrop of a turbulent time.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04