A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is not a classic romcom nor is it an emotion fuelled drama. I’m not entirely sure how to classify this movie – which is something I feel audiences will struggle with.
However, if you can suspend your preconceived notions of what it should be, it is a unique film that leans into the surreal. If we can believe in ghosts and witches, I don’t see why we can’t take two hours to go on this mystical road trip with Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell.
The premise is fairly straightforward: two singles, David (Farrell) and Sarah (Robbie) find themselves invited on a Big Beautiful Journey. By their car’s magical GPS.
As they obediently follow each direction, they find a soliltary door which leads them to a defining life event. Think Back to the Future but without the repercussions of talking to your past selves. Each door offers an exploration of the grief and trauma that shaped their lives, while giving the protagonists closure.
It is an intriguing concept that does not lend itself to the typical linear plot a romcom offers. However, the jumps back and forth in time do remind us of the power of single events to shape one’s existence.
The big takeaway of this film is that we all have emotional baggage that can hinder our relationships. However, with the right sidekick, perhaps we can exorcise our demons and find our happy ending.
While the messaging is crystal clear, I feel like it could have used more volume. It almost seems restrained against the big, bold cinematic shots of the countryside and deeply saturated colour palette.
There were certainly some emotional moments through each door but I couldn’t feel enough of an emotional connection between Sarah and David. It is much easier to believe the doors exist than whatever their relationship is.
It is a shame as both actors play their roles well. We just needed more moments for their chemistry to develop.
Nevertheless, if you appreciate films that don’t operate within the status quo, A Big Beautiful Journey ticks the boxes. However, go in with a clear mind as in lieu of the big emotional moments, you’ll need to sit back and drink in the quiet realisations.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is now showing in cinemas nationwide.