Watch Penelope

Penelope is a beautifully crafted modern-day fairy tale that tells the story of Penelope Wilhern (Christina Ricci), a young woman born into a wealthy family who is under a strange curse. Penelope is born with the face of a pig due to a curse put on her family by a vengeful witch to punish them for their elitism. The curse states that Penelope will only break it when she marries a blue-blooded man, a condition that is nearly impossible to meet given her appearance. As a result, Penelope is hidden away from the public by her parents, who are desperate to protect her from the cruel world outside. The curse also affects any man who sets eyes on her face, causing them to recoil in disgust.

Desperate to find a way to break the curse and finally be free of her hiding, Penelope's parents - Jessica and Franklin Wilhern (Catherine O'Hara and Richard E. Grant) - turn to an ambitious young reporter named Lemon (Peter Dinklage) who is hungry for a juicy story. Lemon offers a $25,000 reward to anyone who can provide proof of Penelope's existence, thus setting off a media frenzy that attracts a series of unsuitable suitors, including Edward Vanderman (Simon Woods) who initially agrees to meet her but then flees upon seeing Penelope.

Despairing to finally break the curse, Penelope decides to take matters into her own hands and leave home to explore the outside world. It is while out on her own that she meets Max (James McAvoy), a kind-hearted man who is initially hired by Lemon to get a picture of Penelope but eventually ends up falling in love with her.

Penelope finds kindred spirits in Max, a musician with a troubled past, and Annie (Reese Witherspoon), a bike courier who becomes her confidant and protector. Both characters show Penelope the world that she has never experienced before, exploring the city and experiencing small moments of joy.

One of the most compelling themes of the movie is the struggle to find oneself and gain acceptance from others. Penelope's journey is a metaphor for accepting oneself for who they are, where the idea of beauty is not based on appearance but genuinely existing beyond one's facade. McAvoy and Ricci's magnetic chemistry provides a soft edge to the film filled with rage, love, acceptance, and redemption.

Penelope is a film with a big heart that deserves to be watched by anyone who loves romantic comedies with a hint of fantasy. The beautifully-crafted sets, the stunning cinematography, and the endearing dialogue elevate the movie, making it a true gem in the genre. The performances are top-notch, with every actor delivering a nuanced and convincing performance that captures the heart of the characters.

In conclusion, Penelope is an enchanting film that charms its viewers with its fantastical story, delightful romance, and imaginative visual style. The film is an excellent recommendation for anyone looking for a lighthearted movie that can captivate their imagination and touch their hearts while delivering a powerful message of true beauty.

Penelope is a 2007 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 48.