Introduction: Lonely Planet (2024) stands as a refreshing contribution to the romantic drama genre, exploring life, love, and self-discovery through an unconventional love story. Directed by Susannah Grant, the film follows the journey of Katherine (Laura Dern), a novelist struggling with writer’s block, and Owen (Liam Hemsworth), a younger man reevaluating his life choices. Their paths cross at a writers’ retreat in Morocco, where their connection deepens amidst their personal challenges and the picturesque surroundings.
In a world where age-gap romances are becoming more normalized in cinema, Lonely Planet takes a more thoughtful approach, offering a subtle, intimate exploration of complex emotions, rather than leaning into sensationalism.
Plot Overview: Katherine, a middle-aged novelist fresh from a tumultuous breakup, embarks on a trip to Morocco to reignite her creative spark. However, the retreat doesn’t start off smoothly—lost luggage, faulty accommodations, and the presence of her ex Ugo (Adriano Giannini) only add to her frustrations.
Meanwhile, Owen, a thirty-something private equity professional accompanying his girlfriend Lily (Diana Silvers), finds himself questioning his life decisions. The retreat is meant to be a getaway for Lily, a rising literary star, but it soon becomes clear that their relationship is on shaky ground. As Katherine and Owen spend more time together exploring the vibrant Moroccan marketplaces and discussing their struggles, a mutual attraction builds.
Rather than a whirlwind romance, the film takes its time to flesh out the characters’ emotional journeys. The connection between Katherine and Owen feels organic and rooted in their shared desire to escape their current realities.
Character Analysis:
Katherine (Laura Dern): Laura Dern delivers a masterclass in portraying the complexity of Katherine—a woman grappling with the intersections of personal failure, career pressure, and aging. Dern effortlessly captures Katherine’s vulnerability while maintaining a sense of strength. As a woman past society’s prime of “desirability,” Katherine’s internal struggle speaks to broader themes of self-worth and reinvention.
Owen (Liam Hemsworth): While Owen’s character isn’t as nuanced as Katherine’s, Hemsworth does a commendable job bringing life to a man caught in an existential crisis. Owen’s disillusionment with his job and his strained relationship with Lily create a believable emotional arc, though his role largely serves as a foil to Katherine’s personal awakening.
Visuals and Cinematography: The Moroccan setting is the film’s visual anchor. From bustling markets to serene desert landscapes, the film capitalizes on Morocco’s natural beauty, immersing the audience in its vibrant culture. Cinematographer Mandy Walker brings a sense of warmth and vibrancy to every shot, using natural light to highlight the sun-soaked locations.
However, some of the technical choices, such as occasional poorly executed visual effects, detract from the film’s overall polish. Day-for-night shots feel out of place in an otherwise visually compelling film.
Themes and Messages: The central theme of Lonely Planet is the search for self in the midst of life’s upheavals. Both Katherine and Owen are at turning points in their lives, and their connection provides them with a mirror to reassess their own paths. The film explores the complexities of age-gap relationships without moralizing, instead focusing on how these two characters help each other grow.
At its core, the film asks important questions about personal fulfillment, emotional authenticity, and the role of relationships in shaping our sense of self. While the romance between Katherine and Owen is central, the film’s most poignant moments are those that focus on their individual journeys.
Comparing to Similar Films: In the context of recent films like The Idea of You (2023), Lonely Planet takes a more mature, understated approach to age-gap romance. Where The Idea of You relies on a more conventional romantic arc, Lonely Planet is less concerned with the novelty of the age difference and more focused on the emotional landscapes of its characters.
The film also draws comparisons to Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), with its themes of self-discovery and travel as a metaphor for personal transformation. However, Lonely Planet feels more grounded, avoiding the overly sentimental pitfalls of similar romantic dramas.
Direction and Pacing: Susannah Grant, known for her work on Erin Brockovich and Unbelievable, directs the film with a quiet, contemplative tone. Grant is more interested in the characters’ emotional interiors than in flashy romance, which gives the film a refreshing authenticity. However, the pacing can feel slow at times, particularly in the middle act where the narrative meanders.
Personal Opinion: Lonely Planet excels in creating a nuanced, character-driven narrative, but it is not without its flaws. While the chemistry between Dern and Hemsworth is palpable, the film’s third act feels rushed, with an abrupt ending that leaves some character arcs unresolved. Still, the film’s exploration of complex themes like age, desire, and self-worth makes it a standout in the genre.
The film’s quiet moments—where Katherine and Owen simply talk, share a meal, or explore the markets—are where it shines the most. It’s not a grand love story, but rather a portrait of two people at crossroads in their lives, finding solace in one another.
Final Verdict and Recommendation: Lonely Planet is a subtle, emotionally rich film that may not appeal to those looking for a typical romantic drama. However, for viewers interested in character-driven storytelling and a more reflective take on love and life, it’s a worthwhile watch. Laura Dern’s performance alone makes it a film worth seeing.
If you enjoyed films like The Idea of You or Under the Tuscan Sun, Lonely Planet will likely resonate with you. Though imperfect, it’s a refreshing entry in the age-gap romance genre and is worth checking out on Netflix.
Watch Now: Where to watch Lonely Planet (2024)
Feeling inspired by Katherine’s journey of self-discovery? Tune in to Lonely Planet on Netflix now and dive into the emotional, sun-soaked landscapes of Morocco. And if you’re looking for more top-rated movies, don’t miss out on our curated list of best-rated films.
For a sneak peek, check out the official trailer here.
