REVIEW: “Lonely Planet” (2024)

As a cinephile with over four decades of film-watching under my belt, I must confess that “Lonely Planet” left me feeling as lonely as the titular travel guidebook itself. Having witnessed the evolution of romantic dramas from their beginnings, I can say that this film is akin to a stale croissant – visually appealing but lacking in substance.


The movie titled “Lonely Planet” is the second directorial project from Susannah Grant, following her initial effort in 2006 with “Catch and Release”. Notably, Susannah Grant is recognized as an Oscar-nominated screenwriter for the film “Erin Brockovich” (2000). In this movie, she serves both as writer and director. “Lonely Planet” is a romantic drama that takes place in picturesque Morocco, but despite its beautiful setting, it lacks the expected sparkle.

In the story, Laura Dern plays Katherine Loewe, a prolific author struggling to complete her new book. Her troubled marriage and resulting writer’s block have put her in a predicament with her publisher, who is growing impatient as the deadline nears. To escape this pressure, she travels to Morocco and stays at a plush countryside resort belonging to an old acquaintance, Fatema (Rachida Brakni).

REVIEW: “Lonely Planet” (2024)

What Katherine yearns for is a tranquil environment suitable for writing, but achieving this serenity becomes challenging since the resort accommodates an International Writers’ Conference as well. Among the notable participants are Lily Kemp, played by Diana Silvers, and her partner Owen Brophy, portrayed by Liam Hemsworth. Lily has gained significant acclaim following the success of her debut novel. Although she hasn’t published anything yet, she became an instant best-seller, landing her a spot at the conference. Owen is accompanying her for support.

Initially confident yet apprehensive, Lily swiftly forms bonds with fellow authors, whereas Owen invests most of his effort into securing a major financial agreement. However, as Lily immerses herself deeper into the literary circle, she starts to feel out of place. As events unfold, Katherine and Owen, both disheartened, frequently meet. Following an icy initial interaction, they unexpectedly forge connections with each other.

REVIEW: “Lonely Planet” (2024)

It’s quite straightforward to understand the direction the plot is heading. The narrative relies heavily on familiar themes, leading us towards the anticipated romance, the tension that might jeopardize it, and the foreseeable happy conclusion. The actors, Dern and Hemsworth, deliver convincing performances in their parts, contributing to their age-gap love story as best they can. However, the romantic connection between them feels more like a friendship over drinks than a newfound passion.

Titled “Lonely Planet,” this film showcases stunning landscapes, offering a glimpse into Moroccan culture at times feeling disjointed. Despite its visual appeal, it’s light on depth and emotion, with the narrative focusing heavily on reaching romance rather than immersing in it. As a result, the audience finds themselves less engaged and invested in the relationship or their future prospects. Currently streaming on Netflix.

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2024-10-15 17:56