Bookworm

The life of Mildred, an eleven-year-old girl, takes an unexpected turn when her mother is admitted to the hospital and her distant father, the American magician Strawn Wise, arrives to take care of her. Although they don't have a close relationship, Strawn, in his attempt to connect with his daughter and entertain her, decides to take her camping in the stunning and wild nature of New Zealand, a destination known for its rough terrain and unexplored environment.

Strawn’s decision to take Mildred on this challenging journey is not only an attempt to get closer to her but also an opportunity to strengthen the family bond that both have lost over time. The journey, far from the comforts of the city, becomes a story of discovery and growth, where they face both the elements of nature and the challenges of their father-daughter relationship.

What begins as a trip to improve their connection quickly turns into an exciting adventure when Strawn reveals to Mildred that his true purpose on the trip is to find a mythical creature: the feared and legendary Canterbury Puma. This creature has been part of local legends for generations, but it has never been seen in person, making the search an even greater challenge.

As the story progresses, both Strawn and Mildred must confront their own fears and expectations. For Strawn, the adventure represents an opportunity to reconnect with his daughter, while for Mildred, it’s a challenge that forces her to step out of her comfort zone and question her perception of the world and her father. Throughout the journey, moments of tension arise, but also moments of understanding, where both learn to trust each other.

Director: Ant Timpson

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family

Cast: Elijah Wood, Michael Smiley, Millen Baird, Morgana O'Reilly, Nell Fisher, Nikki Si'ulepa, Theo Shakes, Vanessa Stacey