Bookworm movie (2024): Everything we know so far

Bookworm is a 2024 New Zealand adventure comedy-drama film. Directed by Ant Timpson, the film debuted on July 18, 2024, at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival before it hit New Zealand on August 8, 2024.

Centered on Mildred, an 11-year-old girl on a mission to prove the existence of a legendary creature, the Canterbury Panther, the movie sets out an interesting and emotional journey.

Director Ant Timpson is renowned for his work on the 2019 black comedy Come to Daddy. Toby Harvard wrote the Bookworm script, while Elijah Wood stars in the movie alongside Nell Fisher.

The film was produced by Firefly Films and received backing from multiple organizations, including the New Zealand Film Commission. Emma Slade, Roxi Bull and others co-produced the film, making it a significant New Zealand production.

The official synopsis of the movie says:

“11-year-old Mildred's world is turned upside down when her estranged father, the washed-up magician Strawn Wise, comes to look after her and agrees to take her camping to find a mythological beast known as the Canterbury Panther.”

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All about Bookworm movie (2024): Cast, plot and more

Bookworm brings together an impressive cast. Elijah Wood takes on the role of Strawn Wise, a washed-up magician who reconnects with his daughter. Nell Fisher shines as Mildred, the curious and determined protagonist of the story.

Morgana O'Reilly plays Zo, Mildred’s mother, who gets hospitalized early in the plot. Michael Smiley, Nikki Si'ulepa and Vanessa Stacey also play key supporting roles, adding depth to the movie with their strong performances.

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Plot of the movie

Bookworm centers on the adventurous Mildred, who has always dreamt of capturing footage of the Canterbury Panther, a mythological creature. When her mother falls into a coma due to an accident, her estranged father, Strawn Wise, comes to take care of her.

Together, they set out on a camping trip in search of the creature to photograph for a cash award. They come upon hikers, danger and the wilds of New Zealand along the way. With the tough New Zealand wilderness serving as a backdrop, the film emphasizes survival, family bonding and conquering of fears.

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Filming and production

The filming of Bookworm took place in the MacKenzie Basin in the Canterbury Region, New Zealand. The production spanned two months in 2023, capturing the scenic beauty of the region. Daniel Katz has handled the cinematography, bringing out the vastness of the wilderness.

The film was produced by several entities, including Firefly Films and received funding from the New Zealand Film Commission and others. Ant Timpson's vision for the film stemmed from exploring parental insecurities, adding emotional depth to the movie’s adventurous plot.

Bookworm was a highly anticipated film, particularly due to its unique combination of humor, adventure and heartwarming family dynamics. After its premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival, the film released in New Zealand and was a major event. Along with other events, the movie showed in the September 2024 Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival.

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Viewers are transported on an engrossing trip across the New Zealand wilderness as Mildred and her father hunt the fabled Canterbury Panther. In a moving tale about family and adventure, the movie highlights Elijah Wood and Nell Fisher's talents.

Bookworm is expected to appeal to readers of all ages, thanks to its excellent performances, breathtaking images and engaging plot. The movie has established itself in the adventure-comedy genre for 2024 as it gets shown across various nations.