Urban legends seem to be a real mainstay of Kiwi culture. Whether it’s the eccentric neighbor down the road who supposedly was involved in some kind of espionage or a certain place on the edge of town that you shouldn’t enter after dark because of some spooky goings on, we love a good yarn in New Zealand. And director Ant Timpson has grabbed that Kiwi sensibility with both hands and infused it in his new film Bookworm. While the pacing isn’t always consistent, Bookworm is a solid family film that explores complicated parent child dynamics with a cracking adventure to boot. 

 

Mildred's life is turned upside down when her mother lands in hospital and her father, Strawn Wise, a washed up American illusionist comes to look after her. Strawn takes Mildred deep into the rugged New Zealand wilderness in search of a mythical black panther which will be the ultimate test of family bonding.

 

The story itself is pretty standard family friendly flick material which explores the complicated bond between Strawn and his daughter Mildred. Having never seen her before in his life, this adds a tension as they begin to get to know each other. Here, Ant Timpson manages to capture the awkwardness of it all while allowing tenderness and connection to develop too. This is where Bookworm is at its finest. 

 

All of this is set with the backdrop of adventure and sweeping New Zealand scenery and while it does have its enthralling moments, the pacing sometimes feels a little disjointed. However, the discovery of the panther is done quite brilliantly in the most Kiwi-esque way possible. 

 

While the pacing isn’t always consistent, Bookworm is a solid family film that explores complicated parent child dynamics with a cracking adventure to boot.