“Lonely Planet”: A Story of Self-Discovery and Romance in Morocco

Netflix’s latest romantic drama, “Lonely Planet,” starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth, has stirred up conversations, especially in 2024’s trend of age-gap romances between older women and younger men. But what is it about this movie that has viewers talking? Let’s dive in and explore its storyline, chemistry, and central themes that have left some critics unimpressed while others praise its emotional depth.

The Storyline

“Lonely Planet” follows Katherine Loewe (Laura Dern), a novelist who has recently endured a painful breakup and is searching for inspiration to finish her next book. She flies to a writers’ retreat in the exotic city of Marrakesh, Morocco, hoping that the change of scenery will reignite her creativity. As fate would have it, Katherine meets Owen (Liam Hemsworth), the boyfriend of a younger writer named Lily Kemp (Diana Silvers), who is also at the retreat.

At first glance, the movie may seem like another typical romance, but it delves deeper into the characters’ emotional journeys. Katherine and Owen, both dealing with their struggles, find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other. What begins as a casual encounter turns into a relationship that forces them to confront their feelings and insecurities.

The relationship is marked by tension and complexity. Katherine is an accomplished novelist but is emotionally drained and stuck in a creative rut. At the same time, Owen is seemingly caught in the shadow of his girlfriend’s success, feeling out of place in a world of writers and intellectuals. Their connection grows, but it’s more about self-discovery than a traditional love story.

Age-Gap Romance: A 2024 Trend

“Lonely Planet” is one of several films in 2024 that features a romance between an older woman and a younger man. Hollywood has long explored age-gap relationships, but usually from the perspective of older men and younger women. Films like “The Graduate” and even last year’s “May December” have touched on these themes, but now the trend is reversing. The story of an older woman finding new meaning in her life through a younger lover feels fresh but also brings unique challenges.

Laura Dern’s portrayal of Katherine adds complexity to the film, as the audience sees a middle-aged woman who is not necessarily seeking romance but finds herself unexpectedly drawn to someone much younger. Owen, played by Liam Hemsworth, represents something Katherine has lost—youthful spontaneity and the hope for something new.

While critics argue that “Lonely Planet” lacks depth in character development, especially with Owen’s character, the dynamic between Katherine and Owen reflects more than romance. It’s about self-realization and the desire for change.

The Chemistry Between Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth

One of the key aspects of any romantic drama is the chemistry between the lead characters. Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth certainly bring star power to the screen, but some critics have questioned whether they have enough spark to carry the film.

Critics like Alissa Wilkinson from The New York Times argue that while the characters are beautiful and the setting is stunning, the film lacks the depth needed to make their romance compelling. Wilkinson noted, “Beautiful people in beautiful places can be fun to look at, but you need more than just a pretty face to keep your interest over the long term.”

However, other reviewers, like Collider’s Tania Hussain, appreciated the reflective nature of the film. Hussain praised the movie for exploring the characters’ journeys of self-discovery, noting that this element sets it apart from traditional romantic dramas.

The romantic tension in “Lonely Planet” builds slowly, which might not appeal to viewers expecting a fast-paced romance with many dramatic twists. Instead, it’s more of a slow burn as the characters take time to understand their feelings for each other.

Intimacy and On-Screen Sex Scenes

Laura Dern opened up about filming intimate scenes with Liam Hemsworth, emphasizing the comfort and trust between the two actors. In an interview, Dern revealed how lucky she felt to have Hemsworth as her co-star, calling him “literally the safest person” to work with. This mutual trust, combined with the guidance of an intimacy coordinator, allowed them to approach these scenes professionally and creatively.

Hemsworth also spoke highly of their collaboration, describing the filming process as immersive. He recalled moments while filming in the bustling markets of Marrakesh, where the experience felt so natural that it was as if they were “hanging out,” and the camera happened to capture it.

While sex scenes can often feel gratuitous in romantic dramas, “Lonely Planet” approaches them with care, making them a natural extension of the emotional bond between the characters. This adds a layer of intimacy to the film, further deepening the connection between Katherine and Owen.

The Setting: Marrakesh as a Character

One of the most striking aspects of “Lonely Planet” is its setting. The beautiful and exotic city of Marrakesh plays a key role in the film, almost becoming a character itself. The vibrant colours, busy markets, and stunning landscapes provide a backdrop that adds depth to the story.

The film explores the idea of travel as a way to escape from the familiar and gain new perspectives on life. For Katherine, the trip to Morocco represents more than just a change of scenery—it’s a chance to rediscover herself. The foreign surroundings allow her to step outside of her routine and view her life with fresh eyes.

Director Susannah Grant emphasizes the importance of the setting in the film, with several scenes featuring characters discussing how travelling can lead to self-discovery. This theme resonates throughout the movie, reminding viewers that sometimes stepping out of one’s comfort zone is the first step toward personal growth.

Critic Reviews: A Mixed Reception

“Lonely Planet” has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its emotional depth while others have found it lacking. Critics like Alyssa Christian from Next Big Picture commented that the movie is “visually pleasing” and offers moments of charm, but the romantic arc feels “half-baked.”

On the other hand, fans of slow-burn romance may appreciate the film’s reflective nature and the journey of self-discovery it offers. Tania Hussain’s positive review highlights this aspect, stating that the movie’s exploration of personal growth makes it stand out from other romantic dramas.

It’s important to remember that only some movies need to have intense drama or overly complex plots to be enjoyable. Sometimes, a simple story about two people finding themselves—and each other—can be enough.

Conclusion: Is “Lonely Planet” Worth Watching?

If you’re a fan of romantic dramas exploring deeper emotional themes, “Lonely Planet” is worth watching. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the film’s focus on self-discovery and its beautiful Moroccan setting provides a unique take on the traditional romance formula.

Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth may not have the most intense on-screen chemistry, but their characters’ journeys are compelling in their own right. As they navigate their feelings and experiences in a foreign land, viewers are reminded of the transformative power of travel and love.

For those who appreciate a more thoughtful, slow-paced romance, “Lonely Planet” offers a refreshing break from the usual Hollywood fare. While it may not achieve universal acclaim, it’s an emotionally resonant film that speaks to the heart.