I feel both blessed and cursed to have the opportunity to watch so many movies. Some of the best experiences come from films where you don’t have much knowledge or expectations going in, and those tend to be incredibly enjoyable.
I took a step I didn’t think I could manage; after seeing trailers that suggested it was a chick flick, I reserved a late-night showing. I thought to myself, “Surely I won’t stay awake through this.” Boy, was I wrong.
‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ is a 2025 American romantic fantasy film directed by Kogonada and written by Seth Reiss. It stars Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell.
Given the names Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, I should have known better. Not only did I stay awake until the early hours of the morning, but I also thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Despite the mixed reviews, I stand firmly with those who loved it.
The premise revolves around a fantasy world where a rental car’s GPS system connects two people, David and Sarah, played brilliantly by Farrell and Robbie. After attending a wedding several hours away, the GPS voice becomes a guiding force, leading them on an unforgettable journey home. Along the way, they encounter doors that they must walk through to see what lies beyond. Often, these doors lead to memories, experiences, and people who were significant in their lives.
Though this is a fantasy, it serves as a metaphor for the doors we encounter in our own lives, prompting questions such as “What if this?” or “What if that?” A love story emerges that evoked the same feelings I had after watching ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ all those years ago; it simply felt good.
The story cleverly explores how the GPS voice acts like a guiding presence, akin to a deity, directing their lives. Both the voice and the viewer understand the possibilities, but do the characters truly grasp what they mean, and how will they respond? The impact of their decisions doesn’t affect just themselves; it has ramifications for another person as well. Though they have free will to say no to the voice, there are moments when the voice pleads with them to choose differently. This internal struggle, paired with external challenges, ultimately leads to personal decision-making.
In matters of love, some of us just know what we want, while others must learn to embrace it. Poor choices or past experiences, even diagnoses, can complicate the journey. However, are we willing to make sacrifices for love? These decisions can be difficult, but love often guides choices for the benefit of the relationship rather than selfish reasons.
This movie presents these concepts in a way that keeps your attention, making you root for the characters. This is where Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell truly shine. They transform into their roles in such a way that feels authentic, channeling their characters without overacting.
I adored this film from start to finish and would gladly pay to see it again; it was that good for me. On a scale of 1 to 10, while it may not be perfect, I believe it has lasting appeal. It may take some time for many to discover it through streaming, but once they do, it will be unforgettable. In a time when we need films that focus on love, this one nearly hits the mark perfectly, so I’m giving it a high score of 9.
If you’re in a relationship, take your loved one to see this film. If you’re going solo, it will evoke reflections on your past and how it has shaped who you are today.
