Lonely Planet Review: Leaving Home to Discover Yourself

 

Lonely Planet Released on October 11, 2024, by Netflix., Lonely Planet promises to be a thoughtful romantic drama set against the exotic backdrop of Morocco. Directed and written by Susannah Grant, the film features an impressive cast, including Laura Dern, Liam Hemsworth, and Diana Silvers, raising expectations for an emotionally resonant journey. However, while the premise is intriguing, Lonely Planet struggles to deliver the depth, chemistry, and aesthetic impact one might hope for in such a setting.

Plot Summary: A Quest for Inspiration and Connection

The film centers on Katherine (played by Laura Dern), a reclusive and aging novelist seeking creative inspiration at a writers' retreat in Morocco. Grappling with writer’s block and personal isolation, Katherine hopes that the exotic locale will reignite her passion for writing. Enter Owen (Liam Hemsworth), a younger man also attending the retreat, whose own creative journey intertwines with Katherine's in unexpected ways. Their relationship begins as a casual acquaintance, but soon blossoms into something more intimate, challenging both characters to confront their vulnerabilities and desires.

While the storyline lays the foundation for a rich exploration of loneliness and love across age barriers, the film underplays these elements, leaving the emotional connection feeling underdeveloped.

A Love Story Lacking Chemistry

One of the film's most significant shortcomings is the lack of chemistry between its two leads. Despite the talent of Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth, their interactions often feel stilted and emotionally disconnected, which hampers the believability of their romance. Though Dern’s portrayal of Katherine is nuanced and layered—showcasing the vulnerability and depth expected from a seasoned actress—there’s an emotional distance between her and Hemsworth that undermines the central relationship.

Critics like Monica Castillo from RogerEbert.com have pointed out that the film misses one of the essential elements of a romantic drama: the "magnetic tension when eyes meet and can’t look away from each other." This missing spark leads key romantic moments to fall flat, and what could have been a transformative relationship instead feels like a plot device used to move the story along.

The absence of chemistry between the leads doesn't just affect the romance but detracts from the film's emotional core. The characters' internal journeys—particularly Katherine’s—are compelling on paper, but the lack of an emotional anchor makes it hard for the audience to invest fully in their relationship.

Underused Moroccan Setting

Another missed opportunity in Lonely Planet is its underutilization of the stunning Moroccan landscape. Set in Chefchaouen, known for its breathtaking blue-washed buildings, the city’s picturesque beauty is barely explored. While there are fleeting shots of the city’s iconic streets, they often serve as little more than a passive backdrop to the story, rather than as an integral part of the characters' experiences.

Cinematographer Ben Smithard captures some beautiful moments of the Moroccan landscape, but they are too sporadic to leave a lasting impact. The setting had the potential to mirror Katherine’s internal emotional state—rich, layered, and complex—but instead, it feels like a missed opportunity. Incorporating more of Morocco’s cultural and historical significance into the narrative could have given the story more depth and resonance.

For example, Katherine’s journey as an artist struggling with creative block could have been paralleled with the city’s unique artistic heritage, but this connection is never fully explored. Morocco remains largely a postcard, rather than a living, breathing element of the story.

Direction and Writing: A Faltering Pace

Susannah Grant, known for Erin Brockovich and The 5th Wave, brings an introspective style to the film, but the pacing struggles to keep the audience engaged. While there are moments of quiet reflection and beauty, they are often undermined by a lack of narrative urgency. Katherine’s personal conflict is intriguing, but it lacks the emotional intensity or stakes needed to sustain interest over the course of the film.

The script touches on important themes—such as the dynamics of age, creativity, and vulnerability—but doesn’t delve deep enough into these ideas to leave a lasting impact. For instance, while Katherine’s loneliness and creative struggles are central to the plot, they often feel more like surface-level dilemmas rather than profound emotional arcs. This lack of depth leaves the audience wanting more from both the character and the story.

Critics have pointed out that the film’s pacing, particularly in the second half, becomes tedious. There is little buildup of tension or emotional payoff, making it difficult to stay fully immersed in Katherine’s journey. Moments that should be charged with introspection or emotion often meander, losing momentum.

Performances: Laura Dern Shines, But Is Let Down by the Material

Laura Dern is a standout in Lonely Planet, delivering a strong performance as Katherine. She brings emotional nuance to the role, effectively portraying Katherine’s internal struggle with isolation and creative stagnation. Dern’s ability to communicate her character’s vulnerability with subtlety is one of the film’s highlights. However, despite her efforts, the material she’s given often doesn’t fully explore Katherine’s complexities, leaving her performance to carry more weight than it should.

Liam Hemsworth’s portrayal of Owen, while serviceable, feels underdeveloped. His character lacks the emotional depth needed to match Dern’s performance, and as a result, his journey doesn’t resonate as deeply. The film sets up Owen as a potential catalyst for Katherine’s growth, but the script never fully realizes his role in her transformation. Diana Silvers, who plays another writer at the retreat, is similarly underused, despite the potential for her character to add an additional layer to the story.

Conclusion: A Film That Falls Short of Its Potential

Lonely Planet is a film with a promising premise and a talented cast, but it falls short of delivering the emotional depth and romantic chemistry one might expect. Laura Dern’s performance and the picturesque Moroccan backdrop are among the film’s few redeeming qualities, but they are not enough to elevate it beyond mediocrity. The lack of chemistry between the leads, underutilization of the setting, and uneven pacing all contribute to a film that feels more like a missed opportunity than a memorable romance.

For viewers who enjoy slow, introspective character studies or are fans of Laura Dern, there may still be elements to appreciate. However, for those seeking an emotionally engaging and visually rich love story, Lonely Planet is likely to leave them feeling adrift, its potential largely untapped.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)