Bookworm follows 11-year-old Mildred (Nella Fisher), whose life takes a wild turn when her estranged father Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood), a washed-up Las Vegas illusionist, suddenly reappears. Years ago, after a magical encounter with the once charming Strawn, Mildred’s mum moved back to New Zealand. Now, a comical misadventure forces Strawn to take care of Mildred while her mom is in the hospital. Their first adventure? Camping to hunt the mythological Canterbury Panther. As this mismatched duo navigates the wilderness, magic tricks, and unusual quests, hilarity ensues, and they just might find a way to reunite their family.