Heather Preston

Loved it. Very realistic portrayal of a family dealing with the trauma of the accident. The story of how a baby magpie who fell from a tree helps Sam recover her spirit after her own life-changing fall. Several scenes made me teary. Several scenes made me laugh. Naomi Watts is entirely believable in the role; as are the other family members. So much so that you almost forget this is a movie not a documentary. Support female cast are fabulous, including Jacqui Weaver as Sam’s mum and Rachel House as the quick-witted kayaking trainer who helps Sam recover her spunk. The latter was brutal as a detention guard in the brilliant SBS drama Stateless; so the fact that she provides the comic relief in this role is testimony to her versatility. The story of Penguin and Sam’s mutually beneficial relationship is heartwarming and memorable.