Penelope has a nose like that of a pig, thanks to a family curse that can be broken only if she weds her true love. To protect their daughter from ridicule and mockery, Penelope’s parents confine the girl to their home. She immerses herself in music and books and dreaming of the day when her Prince Charming will come by and free her from the brutal curse. Eager to find her daughter a match, Penelope’s mother brings home every eligible bachelor. But one look at her and every one of them leave.

Just when she thinks she’ll never find her man, along comes Max – disheveled and unkempt, but with something about him that attracts Penelope. And what ensues is Penelope’s experiences with love and self discovery.

Chritina Ricci plays Penelope and sports the man-repellant pig nose with finesse, one must say! Through the course of the movie you get accustomed to the look, and eventually you find it even charming. Though at times it seems contrived, Penelope’s honey sweet character surfaces through Christina’s acting.

McAvoy as Max, is absolutely delightful! He looks great and carries of the witty quips with ease. With a disarming smile, it’s quite natural that he makes Penelope’s heart jump up each time he flashes it on her!

As Penelope’s eccentric yet well meaning mother we have Catherine O’Hara. Playing the over anxious mother comes naturally to her. Other artistes who have done a commendable job include Richard E Grant, Simon Wood and Peter Dinklage.

Penelope is essentially set in a fairytale alternate universe and director Mark Palansky guides us through this world on the wings of a brilliant narrative. And because it’s happening in that fairy land, we must allow him some liberties!

Penelope tells us to get comfortable with ourselves and that happy endings are made by our own efforts!