Some friendships survive distance, heartbreak, and Europe's cobblestones-but for Cherry and Noon, Dear Galileo proves that the heaviest truths often fall like stones, revealing who we really are.
The story follows Cherry, weighed down by the consequences of academic dishonesty, and Noon, recovering from heartbreak. Together, they embark on a backpacking trip through England, France, and Italy, escaping what they left behind while searching for meaning ahead. The film's recurring metaphor of "gravity"-through the image of stones dropped from bridges-echoes the pull of home, responsibility, and the inevitability of facing one's own flaws.
What makes the film compelling is its blend of youthful energy and quiet introspection. The friendships and fleeting encounters along the way add warmth, while scenes like reconnecting with fellow Thais abroad highlight the comfort of shared roots even in distant places. Cherry's rediscovery of her artistic passion offers the most resonant arc, contrasting with Noon's gentler, reflective growth.
Yet the film is not without flaws. Its two-hour runtime sometimes lingers too long on postcard-like scenery, and specific moral questions-about working illegally, facing consequences, or navigating cultural barriers-remain underexplored. The resolution leans on neat closure when deeper tension could have elevated the drama.
Still, Dear Galileo succeeds in capturing the turbulence of early adulthood: mistakes, regrets, resilience, and the quiet realization that escape is only temporary.
Rating: 7/10.
Summary: A heartfelt, visually rich tale of friendship and self-discovery that resonates despite its uneven pacing.
