A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Movie Review: Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell shine in an uneven romantic tale

Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell star in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey

'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,' directed by Kogonada, was released in theatres on 19th September and stars Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie, Jennifer Grant, Hamish Linklater, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Kevin Kline.

A promising start that falters

‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ arrives with a promise of romance and magic, but it delivers a mixed experience. Directed by Kogonada (known for 'Pachinko') and starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, the film is visually appealing and creative, yet it often struggles to make the emotions feel real. There are moments of charm, but they are often lost in over-explained dialogue and uneven pacing. The film aims to explore memory, love, and chance encounters, but style sometimes overshadows story, leaving viewers appreciating the look more than the heart of the movie. Its ambition is clear, and in certain scenes, the dreamlike quality feels almost hypnotic, though the emotional resonance often falls short of what a strong review might expect.

A journey through memory

The story follows Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell), who meet at a wedding and then go on an unusual journey guided by a mysterious GPS device. Each stop takes them through memories—childhood regrets, missed opportunities, and brief romances—that shaped who they are. The plot is made of short, carefully framed episodes. While this allows for interesting visuals, it sometimes feels like the movie is ticking off emotional boxes instead of letting feelings grow naturally. Some scenes are touching, like glimpses into youthful mistakes or heartfelt regrets, but others feel predictable, and it rarely manages to avoid the criticisms a thoughtful review might raise. The pacing also shifts abruptly, sometimes rushing through important emotional beats and at other times lingering too long on frivolous moments.

Beauty over emotion

The film’s strongest points are its visuals and ideas. The camera work is careful, with vibrant colours and smooth transitions that give the film a dreamy feel. Some scenes, like revisiting old homes or quiet museums, stay with you. The soundtrack complements the visuals, adding a layer of emotion, though it sometimes tries to push feelings too hard. Production design, costume, and lighting often enhance the surreal, almost magical quality of the journey. Yet the screenplay often explains too much, telling the audience what the characters feel instead of letting it unfold naturally. The mix of fantasy, romance, and reflection sometimes feels inconsistent, which makes the story harder to connect with.

Talent constrained by the script

The acting is a mixed bag. Robbie gives Sarah a smart and witty personality, though the writing limits her depth. Farrell as David is quieter, with moments that show his skill, but the chemistry between the two leads is uneven, which weakens the romance. The supporting cast fills small roles well but doesn’t make the world feel fully lived-in. Occasionally, small details—like a glance or a gesture—shine through and remind viewers of the actors’ talent. Some supporting characters are quirky and memorable, adding brief insight, but their presence is often fleeting. Overall, the actors try their best, but the story and tone make it harder for them to shine consistently.

Also Read: Jolly LLB 3 Movie Review: With Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi in form, Saurabh Shukla still remains the franchise’s soul

High ambition, mixed payoff

‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ is a film with both highs and lows. Its creative visuals, imaginative sequences, and thoughtful ideas are impressive, but its emotions and story don’t always land. Viewers who like slow, thoughtful, and visually stylish films may enjoy parts of it, but those looking for strong romance, chemistry, or compelling drama might feel disappointed. The film has small, fleeting moments of charm, but the overall journey is uneven. While ambitious and well-intentioned, it shows that beautiful imagery and clever ideas alone cannot fully carry a story. In the end, the film aims to be both a fable and a deep emotional study, but a balanced review would sum it up as uneven, though not without merit.

Rating: 2.5/5