“Lonely Planet” is a movie starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth. It is written and directed by Susannah Grant.
Romantic comedies set in exotic locations are a bit like holiday celebrations: they all share a similar structure with minor variations, yet somehow, year after year, they manage to keep us coming back for more. We find ourselves repeatedly indulging in the same familiar formula, film after film.
“Lonely Planet” fits this mold perfectly. It’s one of those movies that, due to its repetitive nature, won’t linger in our memories much beyond the viewing experience. It’s entirely formulaic, adhering faithfully to the conventions of the genre, featuring two well-known actors in a picturesque setting.
Let’s be honest: this formula has been repeated so many times that it has been refined to the point where it’s almost impossible to say anything new about it.
The plot transports us to a writers’ retreat, where a weary and somewhat unsociable author (played by Laura Dern) crosses paths with a banker who feels out of place among the literary crowd (portrayed by Liam Hemsworth). Amid the boredom, the charm of the locals, and the allure of the exotic landscape, a spark of attraction begins to flicker between these two opposites.
“Lonely Planet” boasts characters who, while moderately convincing, fit neatly into the generic framework typical of such productions. The actors share undeniable chemistry and deliver competent performances. The script is well-crafted, effectively pacing the narrative as required. Everything is executed proficiently.
However, does it surprise us, grab our attention, or make us want to watch it again? Not at all. “Lonely Planet” becomes yet another addition to the ever-growing list of exotic romantic comedies. It worked for William Wyler in “Roman Holiday” (1953), and the formula has been repeated and refined ever since.
As is often the case with the streaming platform, there’s a message here too: age doesn’t matter. This time, the message is relatively conventional and aligns with the social ethos of the platform and its target audience.
As a film, “Lonely Planet” offers little to the genre and even less to cinema as a whole, ultimately becoming another disposable piece of entertainment, quickly consumed and even more swiftly forgotten.
Enjoy it, if you will, because even its runtime is formulaic: a mere ninety minutes.
Where to Watch “Lonely Planet”