Introduction to Romance
Romantic movies come in all shapes and sizes, from cheesy straight-to-streaming films to grand, sweeping Oscar-worthy dramas. With so many romances and romantic comedies out there, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for a movie to stand out from the crowd and depict a relationship that feels fresh and unique.
A Unique Take on Romance
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey manages to do just that by emulating films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie tells the story of David, played by Colin Farrell, who rents a car from a strange company called The Car Rental Company to travel to a friend’s wedding. There, he meets Sarah, played by Margot Robbie, and they have an instant connection. However, both characters are their own worst enemies when it comes to relationships.
An Unconventional Adventure
The two are brought together by a seemingly sentient GPS system in their matching Saturn cars, which convinces them to go on "a big bold beautiful journey." Instead of sightseeing, they are taken to a series of doors in various peculiar locations, most of which lead to memories from their past. The universe seems to want them to be together, but neither of them can get out of their own way. This unconventional adventure allows the characters to explore their past and figure out what went wrong in their previous relationships.
Authentic Characters and Dialogue
The scenes from their respective pasts that they visit are about more than just trying to figure out what went wrong with past boyfriends and girlfriends. They are an exploration into the people and events that shaped their lives, and also a way to provide exposition to the audience in a way that seems natural despite the unnatural settings. Many romantic films have dialogue that feels stilted, but the upfront nature of both characters makes them come off as authentic. The film’s director, Kogonada, and writer, Seth Reiss, have done an excellent job of creating characters that feel real and relatable.
A Touch of Comedy
Kogonada and Reiss also treat the film less seriously than you might expect. The film features a number of comedic moments and characters, starting with car rental employees played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Kevin Kline. Their strange, funny, and profane banter sets the tone for what to expect from the film as a whole. David and Sarah are fully aware of the off-the-wall nature of the journey they’re on, and this knowledge keeps the film from tipping too much in the art film direction.
Chemistry and Supporting Characters
While it takes a bit of suspension of disbelief to think that people who look like Farrell and Robbie would still be hunting for a partner, each of the Oscar-nominated actors has the chops to sell even an idea as far-fetched as that. They also, more importantly, have great chemistry together, setting up each stage of the romance in almost the perfect way. Waller-Bridge, Kline, Hamish Linklater, and Lily Rabe also do well in key supporting parts.
Conclusion
For those willing to give themselves over to a slightly bizarre romance, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is a film that hits all the right marks. Effective romances are in short supply in recent years, and one that works as well as this should be embraced despite its odd trappings. With its unique take on romance, authentic characters, and touch of comedy, this film is sure to captivate audiences and leave them feeling satisfied. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey opens in theaters on September 19, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
