Romantic relationships are challenging. When emotional baggage is involved, this further complicates matters. Writer Seth Reiss and director Kogonada (Columbus, After Yang) tackle this problem with a film that uses surreal fantasy to pair a couple of people who have struggled to have a good, solid, romantic relationship. The movie has many inspired ideas that, although not entirely original, are intriguing enough to evoke empathy and longing for the best possible outcome for the protagonists. Overall, I was mainly charmed by the film, but better writing would have made this movie an all-time classic.
Two strangers, David (Colin Farrell) and Sarah (Margot Robbie), must rent cars for a trip to the same wedding. After renting cars from the same unusual agency, the two fatefully meet at the wedding, where they instantly connect and spark a strong interest in each other after some conversation. After the festivities have concluded, another “twist of fate” allows the two to share a ride in David’s rental car back home. However, their bizarre GPS gives them another option to share a big, bold, beautiful journey into each other’s past lives. This fantastical experience allows them to get to know each other better than they would normally allow themselves to do. However, the respective emotional problems of their pasts are challenges they must overcome to find true love.
I went into this movie blindly. I had never watched any trailers or any promotional materials for the film. After following these characters on their journey, I was initially captivated and sometimes emotionally moved. Reiss and Kogonada start off the story very well, but definitely struggle and stumble with the final act and resolution. There is a certain predictability that comes with this type of movie, and so the film ends as expected, but it fails to stick the landing in a very satisfying way.
The movie has its hiccups throughout, but the one element that kept me primarily invested is the acting of Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie. These two actors have natural charisma that charmed the hell out of me. While they aren’t exactly the most interesting characters in cinema, their genuine pain, traumas, and hearts are amplified by both Farrell and Robbie. I was also somewhat amused and entertained by both Kevin Kline and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who portray the agents at the rental car company that send this troubled couple on their journey.
There are some laughs to be had, along with truly affecting moments that could evoke emotions in audiences, as well as the longing of seeing a problematic couple find something beautiful together in their lives. However, the movie does have its obvious weaknesses. I recommend A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, but not as a theatrical must-see. This film is often lovely and sometimes beautiful, making it best enjoyed at home.