Is Liam Hemsworth's "Lonely Planet" a Must-Watch on Netflix?
Netflix is known for releasing films featuring well-known actors without much fanfare, and their latest offering, Lonely Planet , is no exception. Starring Liam Hemsworth, who is soon to take on the role of Geralt of Rivia in the popular series The Witcher , alongside the talented Laura Dern, this film raises a question: is it worth your time? Unfortunately, the consensus appears to lean toward “no.”
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Critics have not been kind, with Lonely Planet currently holding a mere 36% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This score is disheartening, especially considering it’s the lowest rating for a Netflix original film since the critically panned Uglies , which came out just weeks ago. While audience scores are yet to surface, the film currently holds a modest 6/10 on IMDb. Directed and written by Susannah Grant, known for her work on Erin Brockovich and the acclaimed series Unbelievable , expectations were high.
The plot revolves around a reclusive novelist who arrives at a prestigious writer’s retreat in Morocco, seeking inspiration to break through her writer's block. During her stay, she meets a much younger man, played by Hemsworth, and what begins as a simple acquaintance morphs into a passionate and transformative love affair. With a significant age difference—Hemsworth being 34 and Dern at 57—this film touches on themes of romance across generational divides.
Critics, however, have panned the film for its lackluster execution. One review from The Hollywood Reporter describes it as “neither dull enough to be painful nor fun enough to be engaging; it’s simply too bland to make much of an impression at all.” Meanwhile, The New York Times comments on the weak story, stating, “At least the leads are hot. That’s not enough to make Lonely Planet a good film, but it might be enough to get through all 94 minutes without clicking on something else instead.” However, it’s not all doom and gloom— The Guardian offered a glimmer of hope, acknowledging that the film is “better, more grounded, and self-aware than expected,” successfully overcoming some clichés with its exploration of the romantic relationship between the leads.
As part of a growing trend of films exploring relationships with age gaps, Lonely Planet might appeal to viewers interested in narratives featuring older women as complex, desirable characters. While the film does have its moments, the general consensus indicates that it falls short compared to Netflix’s recent hits.
In a world where streaming services continually churn out content, Lonely Planet may not stand out as a must-see. Still, every viewer's tastes vary, so if you find the premise intriguing, it might be worth giving it a shot. After all, as the saying goes, you won’t know unless you watch. Lonely Planet is now available on Netflix, and only you can determine if it deserves a spot on your watchlist.
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