Directed by Kogonada, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey takes audiences on a ride of exploration. Venturing into the past to affect the present, it’s a film that urges imagination and art to transport us to the darker aspects of life, hand in hand.
The film follows two singles, Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell), after they meet at a mutual friend’s wedding. Through twists of the imagination, the two end up on a fantastical, sweeping adventure where they learn about each other’s most vulnerable moments. Through their trips to the past, they’re able to connect major events to their present behaviors.
As I’ve often had to do this year, this film has to be filed in the “misleading trailer” section. It’s not as bad as other films (Poor Things being the worst), but it wasn’t entirely accurate. Is it a feel-good movie? Yes, but you only get glimpses of that during your 100+ minute therapy session. Your reward for completing therapy (the movie) is getting the ending that everyone wants.
To make it through this film, you’ll have to use your imagination. There’s a lot that isn’t explained, so don’t rattle your brain trying to figure out the “why” behind anything. The doors were symbolic and represented a “door to the past”. As they walk through these doorways, they speak to their past selves, addressing tough moments with family and friends that formed who they are in the present.
The Car Rental Agency scene was whacky and vulgar, with some parts feeling forced. After a weird twist of fate, where David walks out to a booted car with an ad for a rental agency within eyesight, he ends up in a ’94 Saturn. Once he reaches the rental agency, he’s probed with personal questions before getting upsold on a special GPS for his car. The agreement to all that’s presented kicks off a chain of events that will change his life forever.
The cinematography, cars from the 90s, and the sample of Pachabel’s Canon combined for the perfect blend of nostalgia. There are only two hang-ups with this film. The first is the love interest. Colin Farrell doesn’t even look like he’s in the same age group as Margot Robbie. His beard is thin and scrappy, and it’s not lined up or well-kept (if you zoom in on the cover picture, his lips are practically invisible). Because of this, they look more like friends who met at the same job who just happen to have an age difference. It didn’t feel right at all. And again, the film felt far too long. With the plodding pace, it’s a film that shouldn’t be seen after 7:00 PM.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey gets an 8.5 out of 10. Even with its missteps, the film has character, humor, and Lily Rabe (because everyone loves Lily Rabe). It’s a movie where you can truly relax and enjoy a story with some creativity and imagination. The performances by Farrell and Robbie were fantastic, but they didn’t belong together. The visual is awkward, but their onscreen chemistry as friends is beautiful. After watching everyone work through their trauma, you might get the urge to call your parents or an ex. Sometimes it’s difficult to put real-life onscreen, but Kogonada and the gang did a fantastic job.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey premieres in theatres on Friday, Sept. 19.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
Rating: R
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: September 19, 2025