"A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" (2025) Film Review-Taking a risk to love and trust again via fantastical, shared paths

Strangers in a crowd, exchanging glances, looking away, continually managing to run into each other then part ways, end up at the same diner, find they’ve rented the exact same vehicles, and are then made to travel together to learn once more whether they can both find genuine adoration and companionship again. This really does, in so many words, sum up the foundational gist of of this new feature film from writer Seth Reiss (“The Menu“) and director Kogonada (“The Acolyte“, “After Yang“). Yet, it’s all only the set-up for the REAL wonder of everything that happens before, during, and in the aftermath of a magical, meaningful journey.

The story follows David (Colin Farrell) and Sarah (Margo Robbie), two completely beautiful people, that meet by chance, connect, separate, then end up on a mutually traveled journey of self-discovery that will test every notion either has about themselves, their tendencies when it comes to love, and all the elements from their pasts that have shaped it. Admittedly, this is not only straight drama, as there is some humor thrown in at given times, but it is also a fantasy tale, which is really what provides the film with a truly charming and enchanting air, emotional appeal, and ultimately stirring portrait of our faults and virtues.

Now, mind you, this does all come about with that methodical, slowly building intent that allows for everything to be fleshed out to dynamic and, this critic felt, necessary magnitudes, though some might find the proceedings a tad plodding if not possessing the patience for it. It is another mainstream effort that really carries that more indie film feel, and while it could also be said that one might quickly surmise how the narrative will end up for David and Sarah, honestly, you probably won’t care, since the real delight is in watching them REACH it. Let’s face it, I am a TOTAL sucker for films of this general genre, ie: “Winter’s Tale“.

Visually, the film is actually quite lush, and the myriad of literal doorways the pair must each navigate through, based on what segment of their journey they’ve arrived at, provides the fantasy facets of events, a unique manner in which to address what’s in the past with artistically creative, revealing intelligence. Think of it as a SLIGHTLY similar notion to the doorway to Narnia through a wardrobe, only this time it is random doorways found in nature. Who put them there, who knows? And, again, who cares? That’s the excellence of fantasy stories is it not?

There is SOME hint, perhaps, about who IS behind David and Sarah’s adventure, and I will only say it involves one of THE most hilariously eccentric car rental agencies….EVER. But otherwise, we are simply along to be witness to those aspects of life being explored that ALL of us can somehow relate to, and that is also why this film is a worthwhile watch. You engage with David and Sarah, are most certainly rooting for them to find the answers they’re now seeking, while also gleaning so many nuggets about our own existence in the midst of it.

The film is most assuredly buoyed by having two of Hollywood’s biggest overall stars making the main characters just like they need to be for a story such as this, and there’s no denying Farrell and Robbie deliver with genuine style yet accessible depth. Farrell’s David is a man clearly confident and strong, yet haunted by the fact his ability to keep wrecking relationships when he may believe they’re initially great but then won’t stay that way. The reminders of this that lead to his liberation are very entertaining as well as heartening.

Robbie’s Sarah is the illustration of a woman scorned….by her own actions when she finds that her penchant for self-sabotage in the area of love leaves her extremely guarded but also vulnerable in her actual loneliness, even when she insists she SHOULD be single. The instances she must experience in order to be shown she could be free of this hit her hard, but will her ingrained stubbornness to take a chance and let go for the sake of contentment FIRST, then allowing things to grow, keep her from real happiness? And can David be the new voice of reason that can vanquish the cycle of hurt she has both endured and dished out?

Some memorable supporting appearances come from Hamish Linklater, Kevin Kline, Phoebe Waller-Bridge (who is a scene stealer!), Jennifer Grant, and Lily Rabe. So, while some might find it sappy/just too saccharine and predictable or even too sluggish, this critic would still say to please give this film an opportunity to showcase the beauty of two people finding themselves again through an enchanted way, facing their shortcomings, admitting their mistakes, and then coming into a new, refreshed comprehension that there ARE risks worth taking to see love and trust restored, even when the future in itself is uncertain.