Movie Review: “Lonely Planet”:Netflix Drama Won’t Make You Fall in Love but Might Make You Crave a Vacation

Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth in ‘Lonely Planet.’ Anne Marie Fox/Netflix

“Lonely Planet” – A Bland Romantic Journey in Morocco

In “Lonely Planet,” Owen (Liam Hemsworth) confesses to Katherine (Laura Dern) early in their acquaintance that he’s not particularly fond of travel. “People always say it’s going to be this transformative experience. Go to a new, exotic place, meet the new, exotic you,” he remarks. “But you get there and you’re not new or exotic. You’re just you.”

While Owen’s skepticism about travel seems to be proven wrong as their trip to Morocco leads to a whirlwind romance, the experience of watching the film itself is disappointingly mundane. It lacks the emotional depth to be engaging, falling into a bland routine that fails to leave a lasting impression.

Stunning Visuals vs. Lackluster Plot

Writer-director Susannah Grant, known for her Oscar-nominated work on “Erin Brockovich,” effectively showcases Morocco as a dream vacation destination. From the moment Katherine arrives at her writers’ retreat, viewers are treated to breathtaking visuals: luxurious rooms adorned with vibrant silks, majestic ruins steeped in history, and picturesque streets painted in watercolor blue. The views from the kasbah outside Marrakech are stunning, with fellow attendee Lily (Diana Silvers) exclaiming, “You can see forever.”

Despite the occasional setbacks, like car troubles and a bout of food poisoning, these obstacles feel more like clumsy narrative devices than genuine conflicts. The film misses an opportunity to explore deeper themes, instead opting for predictable romantic tropes.

A Lack of Chemistry and Depth

As Katherine struggles to finish her novel, she is forced out of her room when the faucet malfunctions, leading her to cross paths with Owen, who is there to support Lily. Their instant attraction feels more like a necessity of the plot rather than a genuine connection, especially since they are surrounded by a cast of unsympathetic characters, including the self-absorbed Lily.

The film attempts to satirize elite authors, but it lacks the humor and sharpness to make this effective. Instead, these writers are portrayed as pretentious and unkind, with Owen being ridiculed for not recalling a character from “Great Expectations.” Katherine is the only one who treats him with any respect, highlighting the film’s failure to develop its characters meaningfully.

Though Dern brings an earthy charm to Katherine, Owen remains a poorly defined character—merely a vessel for Katherine’s desires. Hemsworth’s performance doesn’t elevate the role, making it feel interchangeable with any other handsome leading man in Hollywood.

Mild Romance and Missed Opportunities

The chemistry between Owen and Katherine remains mild and inconsistent, lacking the passion one would expect from a romantic narrative. Their climactic love scenes feel less stimulating, buried under shadowy lighting and choppy editing that detracts from the intimacy. At times, the actors appear so airbrushed that they seem almost unreal.

The film makes little effort to explore Katherine and Owen’s lives outside of their vacation romance. We don’t see their homes or interactions with friends, and Katherine’s writer’s block—which catalyzes the entire adventure—remains vaguely defined. Although we know her books are critically acclaimed, we never discover their nature.

“Lonely Planet” fits into this year’s trend of older woman-younger man romances, reminiscent of films like “The Idea of You” and “A Family Affair.” While the film touches on the allure of being with a younger partner who understands you, it ultimately sells a fantasy of travel: the idea of becoming a “new and exotic” person without the burdens of everyday life.

Conclusion

Ultimately, “Lonely Planet” presents a superficial take on romance and travel, offering a fantasy of endless vacation bliss in beautiful Morocco without addressing the realities of life back home. It’s a missed opportunity for a deeper exploration of character and connection, leaving viewers with little more than a series of pretty visuals and a forgettable story.

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