In “Bookworm,” seeing Elijah Wood showing the stunning views of New Zealand signals a lengthy journey. Despite the film being set in the same beautiful country as Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, it does not reach the same level of cinematic wonder.
Directed by Ant Timpson, known for the more intense Come to Daddy, Bookworm shows themes of family reconnection with a milder approach. Wood, alongside co-writer Toby Harvard, presents a tale where a father and child engage in playful teasing. While the film is more family-oriented and occasionally clever, it falls short in excitement compared to Timpson’s previous works.
The film’s journey is not without merit, and there is still enjoyment to be found as Bookworm moves towards a joyful conclusion. However, it often feels lost without the necessary energy to make it truly adventurous. The film discovers a touch of magic toward the end, adding a final spark, but the long road to this point makes it seem merely okay rather than outstanding.
What Is ‘Bookworm’ About?
The film benefits significantly from Nell Fisher’s performance as Mildred, the titular bookworm. Mildred is coping with her mother’s coma after a toaster accident. Her estranged father, Strawn Wise (played by Wood), returns to care for her.
Wise, a struggling magician who prefers to be called an illusionist, is not well-prepared to take care of a child. From the moment he arrives, Mildred is unimpressed with his amateur magic tricks and appears far more mature than he is.
She persuades him to go on an adventure into the wilderness to find the Canterbury Panther, a mythical creature believed to roam the area. Mildred hopes to capture video evidence of the creature and win a monetary prize to help pay off her mother’s debts.
Timpson’s film struggles with repetitive comedy and awkward dramatic moments. It relies heavily on magic jokes and references to famous magicians like David Blaine.
These jokes become monotonous, especially as the film stretches them out. The repetition of scenes where the duo sets up camp each day after minimal progress becomes tiresome. Despite this, Fisher’s performance serves as a saving grace.
Nell Fisher Adds Humor and Depth to ‘Bookworm’
Though Wood brings charm and humor to his role, Fisher is the film’s standout performer. Her delivery transforms mundane interactions into engaging moments, and she brings a surprising amount of emotional depth to crucial scenes.
Fisher’s performance helps Bookworm gain momentum, particularly in the middle of the film. Her ability to balance humor with emotional moments allows viewers to overlook some of the film’s earlier flaws.
Even when the adventure feels uneven and includes forced plot twists, Fisher maintains the film’s course. While the adults around her may struggle, Fisher consistently excels in every scene.
Her performance culminates in a more vibrant and magical finale. Despite the film’s occasional missteps and slow pace, Fisher’s final moments provide a rewarding conclusion.
The Film’s Overall Impact
While Bookworm has its strengths, it also has notable weaknesses. The film’s reliance on repeated jokes and slow pace can detract from its overall appeal.
However, the presence of Nell Fisher brings a significant boost to the film, making it worth watching despite its shortcomings. Fisher’s performance not only adds humor but also depth, making her the key reason to see Bookworm.
The adventure itself might not always feel thrilling or fresh, but the film’s closing moments, fueled by Fisher’s charisma, provide a satisfying end. The journey through Bookworm is a mixed experience, with moments of brilliance and others that fall flat. Still, Fisher’s role ensures that the film has enough charm to make it enjoyable.
