Lonely Planet Review: Exploring the Romance and the Exotic World of Netflix’s Latest Film
If you’ve been keeping an eye on Netflix’s recent offerings, you might have noticed the influx of unconventional romances. And, let’s face it there’s something intriguing about stories that delve into the idea of older women navigating new, sometimes forbidden love. Susannah Grant’s Lonely Planet is one such film that touches on age-gap relationships, personal rediscovery, and the allure of the exotic.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Morocco, this film invites you on a journey, not just through physical landscapes but through the emotional labyrinths of its characters. Laura Dern’s portrayal of Catherine Lowe, a novelist facing a midlife crisis, feels poignant, relatable, and a bit raw. Opposite her is Liam Hemsworth as Owen, the younger man who somehow complicates her journey of self-realization.
The Storyline: A Quick Breakdown
In Lonely Planet, Catherine Lowe (played by Laura Dern) is a successful but emotionally detached novelist. She’s battling creative stagnation, personal rejection, and the uncertainties of midlife after a divorce. To escape her everyday struggles, Catherine decides to attend a writer’s retreat in Morocco a setting that promises inspiration, new connections, and maybe, just maybe, a romantic detour.
It’s here that Catherine crosses paths with Owen, played by Liam Hemsworth. Owen, younger by decades, is the handsome and disillusioned boyfriend of another writer attending the retreat. As their story unfolds, what begins as casual disinterest blossoms into something deeper. But will this relationship be the creative spark Catherine needs, or is it just another distraction from the novel she can’t seem to finish?
Age Gap Romance: The New “Norm” in Cinema?
It seems Hollywood has been flirting with the idea of unconventional relationships, particularly those involving older women and younger men. Lonely Planet sits comfortably within this emerging trend. Films like The Idea of You, A Family Affair, and Babygirl have all played with this theme, exploring what it means for women over 40 to engage in relationships society often raises an eyebrow at.
What makes Lonely Planet stand out, however, is the depth of Catherine’s character. She’s not just a woman seeking attention from a younger man. Instead, her journey is about rediscovering who she is beyond societal expectations of age, value, and sexuality. Catherine’s attraction to Owen may be unorthodox, but it’s also a testament to her desire for new experiences, even as she navigates the complex emotions tied to her past.
Catherine Lowe: A Woman in Transition
Catherine is a character with layers many of which are torn apart and rebuilt throughout the movie. She’s a woman grappling with the typical “midlife crisis” but without the clichés we often see in cinema. Divorce has left her vulnerable, and professional rejections have pushed her into a creative corner. So, when she finds herself in Morocco, at a writers’ retreat of all places, she’s not just searching for a story she’s searching for herself.
The movie carefully paints Catherine as someone who isn’t immediately drawn to Owen. At first glance, he’s just a charming, handsome man eye candy, nothing more. But as the two grow closer, you start to see their connection isn’t just about physical attraction. There’s a meeting of minds and emotions, a chemistry that evolves naturally. Catherine’s journey, then, becomes one of personal renewal rather than a predictable love story.
Owen: The “Younger Man” With More Depth
Let’s talk about Owen. If you think he’s just the stereotypical younger man there to stroke Catherine’s ego, think again. Liam Hemsworth brings more to the table, playing a character who is both disillusioned with his own life and intrigued by Catherine’s detachment from his world. Owen isn’t just a love interest; he’s a catalyst for change in Catherine’s otherwise rigid routine.
Owen’s character also highlights an important theme of the movie the conflict between ambition and personal fulfilment. His relationship with his girlfriend, Lily (Diana Silvers), is strained by her ambitions. In contrast, he’s drawn to Catherine’s more solitary, work-driven life, even if it’s not glamorous or exciting. Owen becomes the mirror through which Catherine re-examines her priorities.
Morocco: More Than Just a Backdrop
The setting of Lonely Planet is almost a character in itself. Morocco is depicted with stunning visual appeal majestic kasbahs, blue-walled streets, and luxury retreats that make it look like a dream destination. But more than just a touristy backdrop, Morocco represents the “exotic” in both the literal and figurative sense.
As Catherine and Owen explore the physical landscapes, they’re also exploring new emotional territories. The film smartly contrasts Morocco’s exotic allure with the internal struggles of its characters. While the destination seems to promise transformation and renewal, it ultimately forces the characters to confront their deepest selves. It’s a reminder that, no matter how far you travel, you can’t escape who you are.
The Supporting Cast: More Than Side Characters
Every good romance needs tension, and in Lonely Planet, that tension comes in the form of Lily, Owen’s girlfriend. Played by Diana Silvers, Lily is a young, beautiful, and successful author a stark contrast to Catherine. While she admires Catherine, their interactions are laced with jealousy and awkwardness. Lily’s character serves as a subtle reminder of what Catherine used to be a fresh, ambitious writer on the cusp of success.
Yet, while Lily’s presence complicates the romance between Owen and Catherine, it also helps to highlight the central themes of the movie: ambition, insecurity, and the inevitable comparisons that come with aging. In many ways, Lily is a foil to Catherine representing youth and the opportunities that come with it, while Catherine represents experience and the wisdom that comes only with time.
Themes Explored in Lonely Planet
- Midlife Crisis and Reinvention
The idea of personal reinvention is central to Lonely Planet. Catherine’s character is at a crossroads divorce, creative struggles, and the fear of becoming irrelevant. Her relationship with Owen is less about romance and more about rediscovering her own identity, something many viewers, particularly those over 40, will find relatable. - Age and Desire
Lonely Planet explores the complicated dynamics of aging and desire, especially when the woman is older. Catherine’s romance with Owen challenges societal norms about what’s deemed “appropriate,” but it also reaffirms that desire doesn’t have an expiration date. - The Exoticism of Travel
The allure of Morocco plays a significant role in the film, symbolizing the “new and exotic” life Catherine is searching for. Yet, the movie also questions the idea that travel can fundamentally change who we are. Can you really become a different person just by going somewhere new? - Work-Life Balance
Through Catherine, Owen, and Lily, the film touches on the tension between work and personal life. Catherine’s obsession with her unfinished novel, Owen’s dissatisfaction with his corporate job, and Lily’s rise to literary fame all highlight the struggles that come with balancing ambition and fulfilment.
Is Lonely Planet Worth Watching?
Lonely Planet isn’t your typical Netflix romance. It’s a movie with layers complex characters, stunning visuals, and deeper themes that elevate it above the standard rom-com fare. While the romance between Catherine and Owen is central to the story, the film is really about one woman’s journey to rediscover herself amidst the pressures of aging, creativity, and societal expectations.
The movie may not be groundbreaking, but it’s certainly a refreshing take on the midlife romance genre. If you’re looking for something that’s both thought-provoking and visually stunning, Lonely Planet is worth a watch.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the central theme of Lonely Planet?
A: The film explores personal reinvention, aging, and the complexities of age-gap romance, all set against the stunning backdrop of Morocco.
Q: How does Lonely Planet differ from other romantic films?
A: Lonely Planet delves into deeper themes such as midlife crises, the tension between work and personal fulfilment, and the exoticism of travel, making it more than just a typical romance.
Q: Who are the main characters in the movie?
A: The film stars Laura Dern as Catherine Lowe, a novelist facing a midlife crisis, and Liam Hemsworth as Owen, a younger man who becomes romantically involved with her during a writers’ retreat in Morocco.
Q: Is Lonely Planet part of a recent trend in Hollywood?
A: Yes, the film is part of a growing trend in Hollywood that explores relationships between older women and younger men, challenging traditional norms around age and desire.
Q: Is Morocco an important part of the movie?
A: Absolutely. The setting of Morocco is almost a character in itself, symbolizing the allure of the exotic and playing a pivotal role in the characters’ personal journeys.
