In the screenplay by Kristen Lazarian and Paulina Lagudi Ulrich, fisherman João has suffered a devastating loss at the beginning of the film, making the penguin’s surprise arrival all the more poignant. Jean Reno delivers a vulnerable, moving portrayal of João, a simple man broken by tragedy and transformed by the excitement of this unexpected connection. He shows a wide range here, from grief to joy to a mischievous sense of playfulness, and his candor is captivating. And as João’s wife Maria, Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza is a strong anchor, a constant source of calm no matter the highs and lows. She, too, is initially none too thrilled to hear a penguin stomping around the kitchen of their modest beach bungalow.

But DinDim is just too cute. That’s what a little girl in the village calls the penguin, and the name sticks. And what makes the film so incredible is that it features real penguins, not animatronics or CGI creations. The press notes inform us that we see real penguins 80 percent of the time, with some wire-operated puppets and digital effects. The result is an incredibly engaging sense of intimacy and authenticity. Working with the great cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, with whom Danny Boyle frequently works, Schurmann shoots much of the film from low angles and from the penguin’s perspective. This gives the film an exuberant sense of childlike wonder, especially when DinDim gets up to mischief.

It’s a great example of how My Penguin Friend works on multiple levels for different audiences. Kids will love the silly energy, while adults will appreciate the craftsmanship behind the chaos. From glowing sunsets to endless ocean vistas to quiet moments in the family kitchen, Dod Mantle continues to provide wondrous imagery that sweeps the film along.

That’s why it’s so disappointing when My Penguin Friend deviates from this heartwarming story and returns to Patagonia to see what the researchers are doing there. Alexia Moyano, Nicolás Francella and Rocio Hernández play the scientists who study these cuddly animals, noting their migration patterns and activities in Argentina. DinDim stands out for his kindness and curiosity, although Francella’s one-dimensional character is a consistent naysayer who doesn’t believe this particular penguin is special.