It’s 1976 and Argentina is gripped by political turmoil – but Tom Michell (Steve Coogan), a newly arrived and disillusioned English teacher at a stuffy private school, finds it hard to care about any of this. During a trip to the beach, he inadvertently rescues an oil-covered Magellan penguin, which latches onto him and won’t leave him alone. Tom reluctantly adopts the bird, whose presence brings unexpected joy and connection both at the school and in his life, helping Tom find his compassion and voice as the country teeters on the brink of a military coup.

Adapted from Michell’s autobiographical book, The Penguin Lessons counters any inspirational teacher cliches with a heartwarming tale which strikes the balance between fluffy sentimentality and hard-edged politics. Steve Coogan performs admirably, but it’s his penguin co-star who steals the show.

In 1970s Melbourne, young Grace Pudel (Sarah Snook) is a solitary misfit with a fascination for ornamental snails and an all-consuming love for literature. But Grace's world is fractured when she’s separated from her twin brother (Kodi Smit-McPhee) and sent to Canberra (of all places!). Plunged into anxiety and angst, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of Pinky (Jackie Weaver), an eccentric elderly woman brimming with resilience and a zest for life. Their unlikely friendship becomes a lifeline for Grace, guiding her on a poignant and often hilarious journey of self-discovery.

Weird in the best way, this uniquely charming and darkly funny Oscar-nominated Australian animated film is the latest from Adam Elliot (Mary and Max). A heartfelt fable about appreciating life’s imperfections, Memoir of a Snail is an ambitious, compelling character study which belies its medium’s inherent innocence.