Netflix has proven many times that a movie doesn’t have to be good to be popular, and the new release Lonely Planet is another prime example. Starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth, the romantic drama skipped straight to the top of the Netflix global movie chart, but drew plenty of criticism in the process.
Lonely Planet focuses on Katherine (Dern), a novelist who makes a trip to Morocco to try and shake off a bout of writers’ block – don’t we all. Instead of honing her writing skills, Katherine ends up falling in love with a younger man (Hemsworth) and embarks on a love affair that changes her life. If the whole thing sounds a little contrived and well-worn, that is exactly how it has been received by both audiences and critics, leading it to become another chart-topping “rotten” movie.
Currently, the movie holds a 38% Tomatometer and slightly better 45% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes. In both sets of reviews, the same complaints that plague many new Netflix releases have come to the fore; bad writing, weak chemistry between leads, and a completely forgettable experience. The Hollywood Reporter’s Angie Han summed up the crux of the movie, saying, “Neither dull enough to be painful nor fun enough to be engaging. It’s simply too bland to make much of an impression at all.” However, a viewer review from Suzanne S was much more clear in their dislike for the film, commenting, “The script was like something a 5th grader could have written! The actors had no chemistry at all!”
What Drew Lonely Planet’s Stars to the Netflix Movie?
Every movie has its supporters, even if they are in the minority. While the scores for Lonely Planet are not great, there are some who have appreciated the pairing of Dern and Hemsworth. Speaking to Netflix, Dern explained exactly why she connected with Erin Brockovich creator Susannah Grant’s new project. She said:
“What drew me to the story was the exploration of identity and self-worth within relationships, especially in a world as intellectually charged as the literary scene. The dynamic between the younger man and the older, established writer intrigued me because it’s not just about romance — it’s about finding someone who truly sees and understands you, which is something deeply human and relatable.”
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Grant herself was very happy to have Dern and Hemsworth lead the movie. In her own statement for the streamer, she heaped praise on the pair, saying:
“Laura and Liam both brought the profound commitment to character and storytelling to this film that’s familiar to everyone who’s seen their tremendous work over the years. They were both so deeply trusting of each other and the material — watching them collaborate to build the relationship between Katherine and Owen was a front-row seat to two top-tier actors working in total support and harmony, encouraging and surprising each other in every scene.”
While it seems that many viewers have not quite agreed with that sentiment, the movie is currently having the modern version of Andy Warhol’s 15 minutes of fame atop the Netflix chart until the next fleeting hit comes along to replace it soon.
Lonely Planet (2024)
A reclusive novelist attends a Moroccan writer’s retreat to conquer her writer’s block. There, she meets a young man, and what begins as a simple connection soon blossoms into a powerful, life-changing romance.
- Release Date
- October 11, 2024