The Penguin Lessons

In 1976, disillusioned educator Tom Michell arrives at the exclusive boys school, St. George's College in Argentina, to teach English and coach rugby. Upon his arrival, he faces the challenge of engaging a group of disinterested students, despite the headmaster's confidence in his abilities.

During his time at the school, Tom befriends Maria, his housekeeper, and her politically active granddaughter Sofia. He also develops a rapport with Tapio, the science teacher, who, like Tom, is navigating the challenges of the Argentine political climate.

A bombing in the city prompts the school to send students home for a week, leading Michell and Tapio to take a much-needed trip to Uruguay. This trip turns out to be an important turning point in Michell’s life.

While at a dance club in Uruguay, Michell meets Carina and they discover an oil slick on the beach that has decimated many Magellanic penguins. Out of the few surviving penguins, they choose one to rescue and clean in Michell’s hotel bathtub.

After rescuing the penguin, Michell and Carina share an intimate moment in the hotel room. However, Carina, who is married, amicably rejects Michell’s advances, leaving him introspective about his own life and choices.

As Michell attempts to return the penguin, it keeps returning to him. Realizing the dire conditions at the zoo, he decides to adopt the penguin, naming it Juan Salvador and sneaking it back to St. George's College.

Michell introduces Juan Salvador to his class, and the penguin quickly captures the students' attention, leading to improved behavior and academic performance. This newfound engagement helps Michell bond with his students more deeply.

One day, Michell witnesses Sofia being taken away by Argentine authorities due to her activism. This shocking event deeply troubles him and catalyzes his sense of responsibility towards his students and his community.

After Sofia's kidnapping, Michell visits a grieving Maria, who is determined to protest for her granddaughter's release. Sharing his own loss, Michell empathizes with her and reflects on the pain caused by political violence.

Once Buckle learns about Juan Salvador, he enforces strict policies and threatens Michell's position at the school. This conflict escalates when Michell confronts the authorities responsible for Sofia's kidnapping, resulting in his arrest.

Following Michell's arrest, Buckle reevaluates his stance on Michell and acknowledges the positive impact Juan Salvador has had on the students and staff. The penguin is even allowed to swim in the school's pool, highlighting its significance.

Shortly after gaining acceptance, Juan Salvador dies unexpectedly, leaving Michell devastated. He feels a profound sense of loss that resonates deeply with both his personal experiences and his role as a teacher.

Michell gives Juan Salvador a heartfelt burial under a tree near the rugby field at St. George's College. He delivers a moving eulogy that resonates with both students and staff, who gather to pay their respects.

As Michell concludes his eulogy, a beaten Sofia returns to the campus, reuniting with her grandmother Maria. This emotional reunion symbolizes resilience and hope amid the backdrop of political turmoil.