Starring Liam Hemsworth and Laura Dern, Lonely Planet aired on Netflix on October 11. Directed by Susannah Grant, the film follows disgruntled novelist Katherine Loewe trying to find inspiration for her next book post-divorce on a writer’s retreat in Morocco. Along the way, she meets an unlikely friend, Owen Brophy, and the two begin a slow-burn romance.
Thus far, the film’s critics reviews are astonishingly low, with a 39% critics review on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic even wrote, “Beautiful people in beautiful places can be fun to look at, but you need more than just a pretty face to keep your interest over the long term (or a feature-length film).”
Most critics complain about the pacing of the film and perceive a lack of chemistry between Dern and Hemsworth. Though they may be right that the pair don’t have a crazy-passionate romance, there is something incredibly charming about the way the two come together.
Both Dern and Hemsworth’s characters are deeply unsatisfied for different reasons, and though they are of different age groups and backgrounds, they are grounded in each other’s company. It may not be the most exciting, but it’s a sweet exploration of a brewing connection between two people who are somewhat lost.
Despite the criticism, this film is enjoyable for the average viewer: it’s sweet and comforting, and explores unexpected connections, both with another and with oneself. Anchored in self-discovery and introspection, Lonely Planet is much less about the romance itself, but rather what can be gleaned from new connections.
Unlike most age-gap romances, the film doesn’t dwell on the obvious age disparity between Owen and Katherine, which is somewhat refreshing.
Lonely Planet may not be the most enthralling romance you’ll see, but perhaps what some critics may have viewed as “dull” could instead be viewed as realistic. Not every romance is a whirlwind of fiery passion, sometimes love develops in simplicity and mutual kinship, as it does between Owen and Katherine.
This film surely could have taken strides to be more if it wanted — the characters are sort of loosely defined, as are their desires — but is still charming enough as-is. Maybe it’s not the blazing movie romance everyone longs for, but it’s a very sweet exploration of a softer kind of love.
Lonely Planet is available to stream on Netflix.
Sweet and reflective
Charming characters and setting
Age-gap romance
Occasionally dull
Relatively unimaginative plot
Slow-moving
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