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Adventure drama

Bookworm (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Bookworm (2024) movie poster

Bookworm is a 2024 adventure drama directed by Ant Timpson, starring Elijah Wood as Strawn, Nell Fisher and Michael Smiley. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes and earned $552,668 worldwide. Critics gave it 64 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10.

IMDb rating
6.0/10
worldwide gross
$552.7K
Echo Score
62
Metascore
64
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Bookworm (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 43m (103 min)
Director
Ant Timpson
Genres
Adventure , Comedy , Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Bookworm About?

The premise of Bookworm without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Eleven-year-old Mildred's quiet life is disrupted when her estranged father, Strawn Wise, a former Las Vegas illusionist, unexpectedly returns. Years prior, after a magical experience with the charismatic Strawn, Mildred's mother had relocated to New Zealand. A humorous misunderstanding then leads to unforeseen circumstances and a surprising connection between father and daughter.

Bookworm Themes & Keywords

· 42 tags
  • magician
  • camping
  • american
  • new zealand
  • illusionist
  • coma
  • david copperfield
  • sarcasm
  • sarcastic girl
  • reward
  • traveler
  • toaster
+30 more
  • rain
  • father daughter relationship
  • absent father
  • mother daughter relationship
  • betrayal
  • celebrity
  • barking
  • new york
  • las vegas nevada
  • tv show
  • bug
  • party
  • wilderness
  • biological daughter meets biological father
  • braiding hair
  • crossword puzzle
  • kidnapping
  • thief
  • fire
  • fishing
  • mushrooms
  • beans
  • farting
  • sandwich
  • rope
  • carjacking
  • hallucination
  • car wreck
  • black panther
  • hospital
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Cast & crew

Bookworm Cast & Characters

Elijah Wood leads the cast as Strawn, with Nell Fisher as Mildred and Michael Smiley as Arnold. Directed by Ant Timpson.

Ratings

Bookworm Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Bookworm 64 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 62/100, strongest in art & craft (70) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

62 /100

Bookworm Echo Score Breakdown

Bookworm elicits a mixed response, with critics highlighting its enchanting New Zealand scenery and solid lead performances, while also noting uneven pacing and a predictable conclusion. Viewers echo the visual praise but many criticize forced plot elements and tone inconsistencies. The combination of strong artistic moments and notable narrative shortcomings results in a moderate overall evaluation.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from striking New Zealand locations and commendable cinematography that many reviewers describe as lush and beautiful. Some critics note occasional odd camera angles, but overall visual composition is praised. Direction and production design support the whimsical tone, though editing contributes to a sense of padding for certain viewers.

  • Character & Emotion 68

    When it comes to character and emotion, Elijah Wood and Nell Fisher receive consistent acclaim for nuanced, vulnerable performances and effective chemistry. Critics highlight strong acting as a key strength, though a few users find the characters unlikeable or forced. The emotional resonance is generally positive, offset by occasional criticism of character depth in later scenes.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Story and flow are viewed as uneven; the premise of a father‑daughter adventure is praised for originality, yet many note a padded structure and predictable resolution. Critics describe tone shifts and a "too‑cutesy" approach, while users frequently call the ending forced and the plot lacking magic. Overall, narrative engagement is mixed.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    Sensory experience receives favorable remarks, especially for the film's score and natural soundscape, which reviewers find never overbearing. Visual style, aided by vivid landscapes, is highlighted as a major asset. Minor drawbacks include occasional strange camera angles, but sound design and musical choices consistently enhance the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Rewatch factor is divided; some viewers express a desire to see the film again, citing its charm and memorable moments, while a larger portion cites forced scenes and limited appeal as barriers to repeat viewings. Critics generally see it as a modestly enjoyable adventure rather than a compelling repeat watch, resulting in a lower replay rating.

Plot

Bookworm Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Bookworm from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Mildred, Nell Fisher is a bookish 11-year-old girl living with her mother in New Zealand, and she is deeply fascinated by the legend of the Canterbury panther. Her world tilts when a freak accident—an exploding toaster—puts her mother into a coma, thrusting Mildred into a difficult new reality where she must navigate care, fear, and a restless curiosity about the unknown.

Full summary

The whole story of Bookworm, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Bookworm Box Office

Bookworm grossed $552,668 worldwide. $9,446 came from the US and Canada and $543,222 (98%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$552.7K

US & Canada
$9.4K
International
$543.2K
US & Canada 2% Rest of the world 98%
Videos

Bookworm Trailers & Videos

6 videos: 2 trailers and 4 clips.

All 6 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Bookworm | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical
  • Clip "Is This Your Card?"
  • Clip "It's Magic"
  • Clip "Creepy Sound"
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Bookworm?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the 11‑year‑old protagonist?

Details

Bookworm Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “Mọt Sách” and “Mildred i mityczna pantera”.

Also known as
  • Mọt Sách
  • Mildred i mityczna pantera
  • 밀드레드의 환상 여정
  • תולעת ספרים
  • Фантастическое путешествие
  • 小书虫爱野营
  • Bookworm - Una mitica avventura
  • Born To Be Wild - Die Jagd nach dem schwarzen Panther
  • Книжковий хробак
  • Knjiški moljac
  • Dobrodružství knihomolky
  • Bookworm: El misterio de la pantera

Seen Bookworm?

FAQ

Bookworm FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Bookworm, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Bookworm?

Bookworm runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).

When was Bookworm released?

Bookworm was released on October 18, 2024.

Who directed Bookworm?

Bookworm was directed by Ant Timpson.

More films by Ant Timpson

Who is in the cast of Bookworm?

Bookworm stars Elijah Wood as Strawn, Nell Fisher as Mildred and Michael Smiley as Arnold.

How much did Bookworm make at the box office?

Bookworm grossed $552,668 worldwide ($9,446 domestic, $543,222 international).

How is Bookworm rated?

Bookworm has 6.0/10 on IMDb and 64 on Metacritic.

Does Bookworm have a post-credit scene?

No. Bookworm has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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