Bookworm

Summary

Bookworm follows 11-year-old Mildred, an intelligent, imaginative girl whose life is thrown into uncertainty when her mother is hospitalized. With no one else readily available to care for her, Mildred is placed in the charge of her estranged father, Strawn Wise, an American magician whose flamboyant confidence masks a complicated history and a distinct lack of experience as a parent. Strawn attempts to connect with his bookish daughter by taking her camping in New Zealand’s rugged wilderness. Their unlikely adventure centers on the legendary Canterbury Panther, a mysterious beast that has become the subject of local folklore and Mildred’s fascination. What begins as an ambitious quest quickly becomes a demanding test of their ability to cooperate, survive the outdoors, and understand one another. Mildred is resourceful, observant, and more prepared for the expedition than her father expects, while Strawn is impulsive, theatrical, and often out of his depth. Their contrasting personalities create much of the film’s comedy, but also give the story its emotional foundation. As they navigate the challenges of the wilderness, the pair gradually confront the distance between them and the painful circumstances that kept Strawn away from Mildred’s life. Blending family adventure, offbeat humor, and a touch of myth, Bookworm is ultimately less concerned with whether the Canterbury Panther exists than with what people are willing to believe in. The film explores imagination as a source of comfort and courage, while also considering the responsibilities of parenthood, the possibility of repairing damaged relationships, and the resilience required to face change. Against the spectacular New Zealand landscape, Mildred and Strawn’s strange expedition becomes an entertaining and heartfelt journey toward a better understanding of family.