Where Was “Penguin Bloom” Filmed?
Adore the film and are wondering: where was “Penguin Bloom” filmed? In 2021, “Penguin Bloom” charmed audiences in Australia and beyond with its touching depiction of resilience after hardship.
The story follows a woman named Sam Bloom, played by Naomi Watts, who suffers an accident that leaves her without the use of her legs. She learns to persevere and find comfort in the world by nurturing an injured magpie, named Penguin. Also starring is Andrew Lincoln, known for playing Rick Grimes in “The Walking Dead”, as Sam’s husband.
Upon its release in Australia, the film quickly took to the number-one spot, followed by an international release on Netflix that garnered even more positive acclaim. Part of the appeal of the story is the setting of Sydney’s Northern beaches. It provides a stunning backdrop for the drama.
While the story unfolds, it’s easy to get lost in the scenery and ask yourself: where was “Penguin Bloom” filmed? We’re going to answer that question today. We’ll also share how Peerspace can help you find your own “Penguin Bloom”-inspired filming locations. Let’s get started!
Did they actually film “Penguin Bloom” in Australia?
The story of “Penguin Bloom” takes place in Newport, a suburb close to the capital city of Australia, Sydney. Known for its beautiful beaches and surf scene, the suburb was a natural place for the protagonist of the film, Sam Bloom, to live and indulge in her love of watersports.
However, many movies aren’t actually filmed in the place where they take place, since not every location has proper filming infrastructure. This, along with seeing the world through Sam’s eyes begs the question of the viewer: where was “Penguin Bloom” filmed?
According to Oprah Daily, not only was the film shot in Newport, it was shot in the Blooms’ actual home. Getting the feeling of Sam’s isolation was an important part of Naomi Watts’ performance. She is quoted in the same article: “The beaches were her entire youth. Every imaginable water sport took place there. It was all a horrific reminder of what she couldn’t exist in anymore,”
Those who have seen the movie or read the book know that eventually, Sam Bloom was able to get back into watersports. She even represented Australia in the 2015 para canoeing championship, held in Italy. Around the time of the movie’s release, she was competing as a member of the Australian Adaptive Surf Team.
As for the Bloom’s home, they still reside in Newport and their address remains hidden for privacy reasons. Fans of the movie will have to settle for rewatching it or taking a trip to one of the beaches featured in the film.
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