Hidden Gems - Penelope (2006)

Penelope (2006) is a modern fairy-tale of a young heiress born with the face of a pig. Starring Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O’Hara, and Peter Dinklage, this is a charming film that I remember came and went at the time that I was just starting to pay attention to the film industry. I finally saw it a few years later and instantly fell in love with it, and not just because I’m a huge Narnia fan and it features both Mr. Tumnus and Trumpkin. Overall, it’s a very charming and funny film that I feel deserves a little more attention, even after over ten years. The film is about the titular character (Christina Ricci), who is born with a pig’s nose (and ears, which are only seen in a few scenes) because of a family curse, which can only be broken if she is accepted by one of her own kind til death do they part. She’s hidden away her entire life and as she enters adulthood, her mother (Catherine O’Hara) tries to match her up with a Blue Blood bachelor to break the curse. This goes nowhere until she meets Max (James McAvoy), a down-on-his-luck gambler who encourages her to break free from her confined life. The film in many ways acts as a conventional fairy tale in its structure. Yet unlike a lot of fairy tales, it does have several twists that add a sense of unpredictability. While some might see some of the twists coming, it still adds to the film’s sense of freshness. At the heart of the story, it has a very positive message that fits with the fairy tale theme. The film is very funny, serving just as much as a comedy as it does a fairy tale fantasy. The script takes full advantage of the curse, creating some funny pig-related puns and jokes. A lot of the comedy doesn’t just come from the lines themselves, but the deliveries and the simply funny actions, some of which might not be noticed in the first viewing. The comedic standout is Peter Dinklage, who plays Lemon, a reporter, to perfection, adding so many moving and comedic layers to his character. He is by far the most quotable character of the film for sure. Richard E. Grant is also very funny as Penelope’s father, and Reese Witherspoon, who also produced the film, also adds a sense of comedic charm. Catherine O’Hara also uses her comedic chops wonderfully in portraying a mother you love to hate. Penelope was shot in England and features some English flare, but it not in a way to potentially alienate some American viewers. There are no very heavy accents so the dialogue is easy to understand. The production and costume design also has a unique look that helps the film stand out. The film in general, with its direction and editing, also has a very unique style to it. The soundtrack is also pretty good, with Schuyler Fisk’s “Waking Life” being a highlight. The score has a charming whimsy to it that’s very pleasant to listen to. The movie isn’t entirely without flaws. There are some plot holes and it’s definitely a film the Youtube channel CinemaSins could have fun with. The second half can be a little too fast-paced at times. There are also a couple of crude jokes, especially one line in particular that’s likely to go over children’s heads. Overall, I absolutely love Penelope and I highly recommend you check it out. It is currently free on Youtube here: http://y2u.be/tOVy12Gcp7Y. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it’s a very charming film that’s a fun watch. And as we’re dealing with COVID-19, it’s by far the perfect quarantine film because it’s about a young woman who’s locked inside and has to wear a scarf when she’s outside, which is how a lot of us feel right now.