This trip gets my literary criticism.
The new Netflix romance “Lonely Planet” has likable chemistry between Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth, but it has no story to elevate on that. It basically goes through the same motions regarding their own personal lives, which are often presented as negative and unhappy. There’s nothing really wrong with that in general, but there are times when you need to tell people to get a grip. At least we’re glad these two are able to have fun when they’re together on screen.
The story takes place at a writer’s retreat in Morocco, where two strangers who have an age difference and aren’t very interested in the trip come together. Dern plays author Katherine Loewe, who on the trip to finish writing a book which she can’t finish at home, while Hemsworth plays the financial businessman Owen Brophy, who is on this trip to support his writer girlfriend Lily Kemp (Diana Silvers) while dealing with an important business deal.
So, it’s clear that neither Katherine or Owen is having a fun time where they’re at, especially since the airplanes lost her luggage and he can barely get reception for his business calls. So, why not make these two find a way to fall in love? That’s the concept for the movie, which is run of the mill.
Lily has become a writer ever since reading Katherine’s book “Not Here, Not Anywhere,” which she responds: “Well, for that, I apologize” and “I’m sure you would have found your way with or without the book.” That’s a sign of cynicism, which bounces off Lily in the rubber and glue analogy.
And while Lily is celebrating and getting drunk off of her work, Owen and Katherine are able to have some fun together exploring the country a bit, while acknowledging each other’s lives. In fact, he decides to read one of her books, considering that he has never heard of her before their first encounter, but she tells him “No.”
“Lonely Planet” was written and directed by Susannah Grant, whose writing credits include “Erin Brochovich,” “Pocahontas,” and “Catch and Release” (which she also directed). She has her two leads using their tone and emotions with reservations, but she doesn’t write a story to warm our hearts. In fact, it tends to be boring and meandering.
A few months ago, I enjoyed the romantic drama “It Ends With Us,” which became a bit hit with fans of the book and even those who never read it. But it had more challenges and greater interest than what “Lonely Planet” represents.
For example, there’s a scene when a thief steals Katherine’s laptop, which has her unfinished book on it. I suppose the movie wants to give out a message about whether or not her newly discovered romance was a distraction, but it seems so forced and typical like the film has to, somehow, make these two go their separate ways. I know it sounds like a spoiler alert, but you’re not missing much.
I’m sure this movie will win streamers over on Netflix, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give our literary criticism on it. I’m sure Katherine’s books are more exhilarating and passionate than what’s written for “Lonely Planet.” You can add attractive people as the leads, and they both do a good job, but that’s not enough to sell the movie.
A better movie about two strangers in a different country-and one of them is a writer-is “Roman Holiday,” which I often reference in some of my reviews. If a whole new generation of movie fans haven’t seen or heard of it, I suggest you do, because it’s a classic. “Lonely Planet” is not.
Streaming on Netflix