Before you think “Lonely Planet” is some wild sci-fi romp set on Mars or Jupiter, let me clarify: this film is quite based in reality.
This Netflix romance, directed by Susannah Grant (renowned for her work on “Unbelievable”), explores the transformational experiences of love and self-discovery.
Laura Dern portrays Katherine, a successful novelist on a lovely writer’s retreat in Morocco.
yearning for inspiration and perhaps some healing, she meets Owen (Liam Hemsworth), a younger man yearning for his life’s purpose.
Owen’s hilarious skepticism about travel characterizes their interaction. He informs Katherine, “Everyone says it’s going to be a transforming experience. Go to a new, exotic destination and meet your new, exotic self.”
However, as fate would have it, this adventure transforms them both in unexpected ways.
The film’s strongest point is the chemistry between Dern and Hemsworth. Katherine is a complex character who handles her emotional burden gracefully. When she begins to warm up to Owen, it feels like a genuine bond.
Both characters have hurts and vulnerabilities, which they gradually reveal to one other. As they tell their stories, you can’t help but cheer for them. The battle to be seen and understood is immensely relatable.
One of my fave scenarios occurs during a group game of charades. Owen had a humiliating moment that reflects the awkwardness we all experience at times.
Katherine’s concern for him displays her caring side, and their conversation flows naturally from there. It’s in these moments that you understand their relationship is more than just a fling; it’s an opportunity for both to rediscover themselves in the midst of their own personal turbulence.
Hemsworth plays a gentle soul who exudes charm. Meanwhile, Dern provides a sense of maturity that anchors the plot. By the time they fall in love, there is a palpable tension in the air.
While the leads are interesting, the plot feels somewhat predictable. There is comfort in the usual romance cliches, and Grant does not avoid them.
At its core, “Lonely Planet” is about discovering love and meaning in unexpected places. It’s about accepting change, even if it scares you. Although the film may not revolutionize the romantic drama genre, it does provide enough heart and warmth to keep you interested.
