Lonely Planet

Susannah Grant returns to directing, bringing to life the script she wrote for Netflix in this romantic drama about writers, Morocco and age differences.

Laura Dern, the lead actress, gives us a nice character that transports us to the talent of the actress who at this stage of her career can afford to give us even these romantic dramas where she does not have to play the best role of her career, but she makes us fall in love with a love story that fits her like a glove in her most mature stage. Being a recognized writer who falls in love with the always gallant Liam Hemsworth who provides a correct character with whom we can sympathize and at times identify. The couple is not overwhelmed by complete chemistry, but they allow us to validate their moments of romance and their interesting dialogues that are the great strength of the film.

The story has its highs and lows, but I think it balances out in its final summary, giving us a drama that we spend a pleasant time with, without any major demands and without having any major expectations of what it ends up delivering. It helps a lot that its director knows how to keep the pace and capture this world of writers looking for inspiration or finding themselves. As it usually happens, it supplies itself with certain simplistic clichés, but in the end they end up being more of a contribution than a disaster, which ends up benefiting the overall result of the film.

It is a romantic drama that is good for a weekend for couples or for those who enjoy this genre, it delivers, has good moments, and gives us a story that is believable. It is still a movie that we have seen before, with a correct result, without any major daring, with effective dialogues and a romance that will leave everyone happy.

Netflix's Journey Through Morocco will please fans of the genre, will leave those looking for something more novel wanting more, and will leave those who detest simplicity hating it. In short, a Netflix-style film, for Netflix and by Netflix, which is what you already know you'll find when you decide to watch it.

There is a retreat of sorts in Morocco for writers, many of the attendees are acclaimed authors, some have won prestigious awards. One attendee is Laura Dern (mid 50s) as Katherine Loewe. Being well known in this situation works to her disadvantage, she needs to finish a manuscript, she has her laptop to work on, but she has difficulty finding quiet time.

Liam Hemsworth (early 30s) is Owen Brophy who is NOT a writer. In fact he rarely if ever reads fiction. He doesn't know who the well-known authors are and when he is sucked into an evening social game with authors, with his clue of "PIP", all he can think of is the old singing group, "Gladys Knight and the Pips."

He is there because his fiancée, one of the successful writers, has brought him along. He is miserable there but finds solace in meeting Katherine and having meaningful conversations. They both recognize the 23-years age gap is unusual and are hesitant but their friendship deepens.

Fans of action movies would likely find this movie to be overly dull but my wife and I found it interesting and entertaining. The beautiful and unusual scenery in Morocco was a good addition. Plus an event, during a road excursion which resulted in Katherine and Owen in an unplanned visit to the home of a Moroccan family, was an interesting addition. Things that happened in Morocco had positive effects on both of them and, after going their separate ways, were reunited some time later in New York City.

We watched it at home, streaming. With 2.7K votes the median rating is a clear "6" which puts it just above the 5.5 midpoint of IMDb's 1 to 10 rating scale.

I found this movie to be quite beautiful. I love the simplicity and unlikeliness of the love story. It has a "quietness and simplicity", which a lot of people will confuse for "boring" or "slow" which leads to a great love story and a feel good vibe. Never expected Liam Hemsworth and Laura Dern to have such good chemistry but it really makes me want to find whatever they have because I am the same type of "quiet, solitary" person and it makes me feel like there someone out there for everyone and that the universe guides you, whether you want to or not, in the right direction. You should definitely watch it if you're in a "deep" state of mind and are looking for a beautiful escape :)

Lonely Planet

Of course I was expecting so much from Laura Dern. And she didn't really disappoint me, it's just the script that's not giving her much space to show the depth of her character, if there's any. She tried so hard though.

I like the first part of the film, the slow burn, the getting to know each other part. They got a lot of help by the beautiful scenery and background of Morocco. It's definitely not a lonely planet with repeated scenes of crowded markets.

Then it turned to just another basic Hollywood love story. I don't mind the chemistry and the age gap. They could stay as good friends who support each other going through hardships, it won't change the story (but probably it won't sell). Even the s3x scene was unnecessary and awkward.

The girlfriend is so annoying, if it's because of the script then she succeeded in her role. She could tone down her screeching voice though.

The film went downhill afterward.

A famous writer who didn't back up her 2 years worth of writing? In this age and time? She's using MacBook, everything should be in iCloud anyway. They're not doing a very good job in convincing us. And again in the cringey reunion scene.

Watch it if you want a Morocco (and Liam Hemsworth's body) virtual tour. You won't miss much if you don't watch it either.

I understand that this movie may not be everyone's cup of tea but it sure does resonate with me. It has a coherent story that's very relevant with today's time.

We rarely get to see a young man older woman love stories but most of such stories looses logic at some point in the narrative. That's exactly where this movie shines. If a love story like this has to happen, it should happen like the narrative of the movie.

I am a book lover and may be that's why I enjoyed the movie so much. Also, as I mentioned before, this may not be a cup of tea for everyone as there's no major twists and turns in the story but are very subtle ones that are interwoven into the narrative.

My suggestion is to go in with a calm and relaxed mind and you will enjoy it.