Penelope Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pig-nosed heiress needs to marry a blue-blood to break a curse, but discovers true love (and a real nose) comes from self-acceptance, which is just a fancy way of saying she needed better self-esteem all along.

🍿 Penelope: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Wilhern Curse

Generations ago, a scorned witch cursed the Wilhern family, decreeing that the next daughter born would bear the face of a pig. This curse manifests in Penelope Wilhern, born to wealthy but reclusive parents, Jessica and Franklin. They desperately try to find a way to break the curse.

Seclusion and Suitors

Penelope is hidden away from the world in her family’s mansion, and her parents arrange meetings with eligible bachelors in hopes that one of them will love her enough to break the curse. However, each suitor is horrified by her appearance and flees in terror, reinforcing Penelope’s isolation and her parents’ desperation.

Max and the Tabloid Scheme

A down-on-his-luck gambler named Max is hired by Lemon, a tabloid reporter, to infiltrate the Wilhern household and obtain a photograph of Penelope. Posing as a suitor, Max begins to connect with Penelope through a one-way mirror, drawn to her wit and intelligence. Despite his initial intentions, Max finds himself developing genuine feelings for her.

Penelope’s Escape

Disheartened by Max’s eventual betrayal and her parents’ controlling behavior, Penelope decides to break free from her sheltered life and venture into the world on her own. She covers her face with a scarf and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, making new friends and experiencing life beyond the walls of her mansion.

Finding Herself

In the outside world, Penelope befriends Annie, a delivery girl who helps her navigate the city and experience new things. She grapples with her identity and learns to embrace her unique qualities, even as the media frenzy surrounding her intensifies. She considers selling her photograph to the press to gain some financial stability.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Penelope Wilhern (Christina Ricci): Born under a curse that gives her the face of a pig, Penelope embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
• Johnny Martin (James McAvoy): Initially hired to photograph Penelope, Johnny is a down-on-his-luck gambler who develops genuine feelings for her.
• Annie (Reese Witherspoon): Annie is Penelope’s first friend and introduces her to the world outside her sheltered upbringing.
• Jessica Wilhern (Catherine O’Hara): Penelope’s overprotective mother is desperate to break the curse and find a suitable husband for her daughter.
• Lemon (Peter Dinklage): A tabloid reporter, Lemon seeks to expose Penelope and exact revenge on her family.
• Edward Vanderman (Simon Woods): Edward is a snobbish aristocrat who initially pursues Penelope to redeem his reputation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Penelope: “I like myself the way I am.” – Penelope declares this when she refuses to marry Edward, realizing she doesn’t need to change for anyone, which breaks the curse.
• Penelope: “What if I don’t want to be normal?” – Penelope questions her mother’s relentless pursuit of breaking the curse and fitting in.
• Penelope: “It’s not the power of the curse, it’s the power you give the curse.” – A student says this at the end of the movie, about having power over the curse.
• Penelope: “I’m used to it. It’s my face.” – Penelope explains this when Johnny says that he is sorry she has a pig nose and that he cannot break the curse.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,011,996
• Worldwide Gross: $21,156,270

💥 Penelope Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved “Penelope”! From the very beginning, I was drawn into this quirky, colorful world. Christina Ricci was perfect as Penelope, capturing both her vulnerability and her strength. The scenes where she ventures out into the city for the first time were so inspiring. Seeing her find friendship and self-acceptance made me feel all warm inside. Sure, it’s a bit predictable, but sometimes you just need a feel-good movie that leaves you smiling. Definitely recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of fairytale-inspired stories”
  • “Viewers who enjoy romantic comedies with a twist”
  • “Those seeking uplifting messages about self-acceptance”
  • “Admirers of Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, and Reese Witherspoon”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some thematic elements involving prejudice and self-image”
  • “Brief scenes of peril”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “”Penelope” charms with its whimsical style and Christina Ricci’s heartfelt performance. The movie delivers a positive message about self-acceptance, though it occasionally treads into predictable territory. O’Hara’s performance and the support from Dinklage create a unique viewing experience. The film presents a sweet, fairytale-like experience, with a moral about self-love.
• Empire Magazine: “A modern fairytale that is visually appealing and packed with heart. “Penelope” explores themes of identity and acceptance, but the narrative can feel somewhat predictable. Ricci shines as Penelope, but the supporting cast, with the exception of Dinklage, are mostly wasted. A film that’s easy to enjoy, but falls short of greatness.
• Variety: “”Penelope” is a visually interesting take on classic fairy tales, though its moral is somewhat conventional. Ricci’s performance is engaging, but the pacing issues keep the movie from fully realizing its potential. The quirky style and strong supporting cast make it worth a watch, but don’t expect a groundbreaking story. It entertains, but does little more.

Audience Reactions

The movie has heartwarming messages about inner beauty, love, friendship, and acceptance.: Viewers praised the enchanting and positive fairy tale-like elements of the film.

Christina Ricci’s acting was amazing in this film and her emotions shown in the film are top tier.: Fans really appreciated Christina Ricci’s perfect preformance and her realistic emotions.

Overall Consensus: “Penelope” is a heartwarming and visually appealing modern fairy tale, but it may not be for everyone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Christina Ricci was approached by Producer Reese Witherspoon for the role, and did not have to audition.”
• “About 20 minutes were cut from the film for its US release, and some other minor edits were made, mostly to eliminate some mild usage of profanity. This was most likely done to secure a PG rating.”
• “Filming locations included 56 Holland Park, Holland Park, London, England, UK, which was used for Edward Vanderman’s house exterior.”

🖥️ How to Watch Penelope?

Penelope is available for streaming or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability and rental or purchase options. Keep an eye out for special deals and discounts on these platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Penelope, you might like these similar films:

• Ella Enchanted (2004): Both films feature a young woman under a magical condition that affects her life, and explores themes of self-acceptance and breaking free from external expectations.
• Shrek (2001): Deals with themes of inner beauty and accepting oneself despite physical differences, challenging conventional fairy tale tropes.
• Edward Scissorhands (1990): Both films explore the theme of accepting those who are different and finding beauty in the unconventional.
• Stardust (2007): A fantasy romance with a whimsical tone and a focus on true love and adventure.

🛒 Penelope Related Products

• Penelope Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original movie poster. Perfect for fans of the film and collectors of movie memorabilia.
• Penelope Blu-ray: Experience the magical story in high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast.
• Penelope-Inspired Pig Snout Mask: A fun, high-quality mask inspired by Penelope’s pig snout. Perfect for Halloween or cosplay events.
• “Beauty is on the Inside” Quote Wall Art: An inspirational quote from Penelope in a beautifully designed wooden sign, adding a touch of whimsy and wisdom to any space. It reminds everyone to look past appearances and embrace their inner beauty.

🎧 Soundtrack

Penelope features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Walking in Paris” – performed by Nigel Jenkins

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Penelope: Man and Wife – SNL

Ever met someone who just *has* to be better than everyone else? This SNL sketch with Kristen Wiig hilariously nails that type of person! It’s so relatable, you’ll probably recognize someone you know!

Penélope Cruz’s HILARIOUS Mix-Up!💀 #Shorts

OMG, you HAVE to hear this story about Penélope Cruz’s early English struggles! It’s so funny and makes you realize even superstars have embarrassing moments. It’s so heartwarming and silly.

✨ Rate