Set in Argentina at the very cusp of the tumultuous 1976 military coup, The Penguin Lessons is a tender, offbeat comedy‑drama starring Steve Coogan as Tom Michell, a weary British teacher dispatched to an elite boys’ boarding school in Buenos Aires. Expecting a straightforward gig, Tom instead finds himself surrounded by unmotivated students, an eccentric faculty (including Jonathan Pryce’s stern headmaster), and a nation on edge .

Everything changes when Tom, during a weekend trip to Uruguay, rescues a small Magellanic penguin coated in oil. He cleans the bird in his hotel bathtub—only to discover it’s determined to stick by his side. Smuggling the penguin—affectionately named Juan Salvador—back to school, Tom is initially reprimanded. But soon the bird’s irresistible charm sparks joy, compassion, and connection among the students. Lessons in empathy, poetry, and perspective unfold as the quirky penguin wobbles into the classroom—and straight into the hearts of everyone present.

As Argentina’s Dirty War casts a looming shadow—with protests, disappearances, and state brutality—Tom’s bond with Juan becomes a quiet act of resistance. Observing real human courage through the eyes of a seemingly inconsequential penguin, the film explores how even the smallest acts of kindness can illuminate hope.

Directed by Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) and adapted from Tom Michell’s memoir by Jeff Pope, The Penguin Lessons masterfully blends dry humor and heartfelt warmth. Steve Coogan brings his signature blend of wit and vulnerability, while real penguins (plus a trusty robot double) lend authentic sweetness to every scene. It’s a celebration of unexpected friendships, personal redemption, the poetry of the ordinary—and courage in the face of darkness.

Perfect for fans of Dead Poets Society with a charming, bird‑flippered twist—watch The Penguin Lessons and discover how one penguin’s gentle presence can teach us all to stand a little taller.