“Sometimes we have to perform to get to the truth”
This one’s for the hopeful romantics. Yes I said hopeful, because there is absolutely nothing hopeless about the bravery it takes to try falling in love again.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey tells the story of David (Colin Farrell) and Sarah (Margot Robbie), who go on a journey together which takes them through different doors that get them to relive important moments from their past. Lets get this out of the way: the mixed reviews are very valid. There is so much about this Kogonada film that works but yet, the most important part just misses the mark. I hate to say it, but it’s the chemistry. On paper Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell should work but it just doesn’t capture on film. Now granted, they are each wonderful in their own respective journeys but the moment you are meant to want them together, you struggle to believe that they’ve put in the work necessary to believe in their love.
The film feels poetic as it tries its best to make you feel something, but the dialogue doesn’t do it any favors. It’s mostly full of cheesy one liners meant to illicit some sort of emotional response but it ends up falling flat. What ends up saving the film is that you can tell this is a project that was made with love and you absolutely feel it in the smaller moments.
Kogonada thrives when he has to frame two characters amidst gorgeous scenery and that in particular excels in this film. It’s wide shot after wide shot that come straight out of a storybook, which all helps to tell this endearing story because let me be clear: the story is full of hope and though I didn’t buy into it the entire time, I sure did have a blast going on the journey.
Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Sarah’s self discovery is moving and gut-wrenching. Unfortunately, it does fall apart when she has to be the other romantic lead but she plays complicated Sarah with a softness that makes you root for her even when you realize just how flawed the character is. This is what we need more of; complicated women with baggage who are still absolutely worth loving. For that journey alone, I feel like this film is worth watching.
“Julie, your bias is showing.”
The thrill of it is in the Colin Farrell of it all. I have been waiting for Colin Farrell to portray a role like this and he dove heart first into David. The heart on the sleeve, nervous to dance in public persona that exists within this film should be celebrated. If I watch the High School scene one more time, I may never experience depression again. He sings, he dances, he cries when he has a conversation with the younger version of himself; I was locked into David immediately. Colin’s vulnerability is the major selling point in this film and my hope is that he leans into more roles like this.
All this to say, though not perfect, this film still felt healing. It felt like all the broken pieces are still worth loving and sometimes you just need that gentle reminder. I can confirm that this film is still a worthy trip to the movie theater and I encourage all of you to explore with Kogonada and give his movie a bit of your time.
I must check it out 😍