Introduction:
The movie Lonely Planet is trending due to its recent release on 11 October 2024 on Netflix. Starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth, the film is a romantic drama set at a writers’ retreat in Morocco. The plot centers on Catherine Lowe (played by Dern), a reclusive novelist, and her unlikely relationship with a younger man, Owen Brophy (Hemsworth). As their relationship develops, the film explores themes of love, self-discovery, and intimacy in a serene yet exotic setting.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of why Lonely Planet is trending:
1. Releases and Platforms
Lonely Planet released on Netflix on October 11, 2024. The release on a major streaming platform drew immediate attention, especially with Netflix’s track record of popular romantic dramas.
2. Plot overview
The film is set at a writers’ retreat in Morocco. Laura Dern plays Kathryn Lowe, a novelist experiencing writer’s block who develops a romantic relationship with a younger man, Owen Brophy, played by Liam Hemsworth. Their romance blossoms, leading to emotional exploration and self-discovery.
3. Star cast and performances
Laura Dern, an Academy Award-winning actress, and Liam Hemsworth, known for his roles in action and romance, lead the film. Their unlikely pairing in the romantic film created interest. The two actors have spoken highly of working together, with Dern calling Hemsworth “magic” and Hemsworth praising Dern’s ability to create intimate, authentic scenes.
4. Cinematography and setting
The film is set against the natural backdrop of Morocco, providing a visually rich environment. While the location is appealing, some critics feel that it was underutilized in the narrative.
5. Critical reception
Reviews of the film have been mixed. While some viewers praised the performances and intimate storytelling, others criticized the film for lacking strong chemistry between the leads and underutilizing the Moroccan setting.6. Netflix’s romantic drama lineup
Lonely Planet is part of Netflix’s 2024 romantic drama lineup. The platform had seen success earlier in the year with other titles, such as Irish Wish and Family Affair, which helped build hope for Lonely Planet.This combination of star power, a romantic narrative, and Netflix’s promotional strategy has driven the film’s trend across social media and various entertainment platforms.
what is the controversy with the movie lonely planet?
The controversy surrounding The Lonely Planet stems from a few key issues that have sparked debate among critics and audiences:
1. The age gap in the main romance
One of the main points of conflict is the significant age difference between the main characters, Catherine (played by Laura Dern) and Owen (Liam Hemsworth). Catherine is an older woman who develops a romantic relationship with a much younger man, and while this is nothing new in animated cinema, some viewers felt uncomfortable with how it was portrayed.
Critics have noted that there was an imbalance in how the relationship developed with a lack of on-screen chemistry, leading to awkward moments rather than the romantic tension expected in such films.
2. Cultural representation
Another aspect that has been criticized is the portrayal of Morocco. Some critics say the film’s setting in Morocco, a country rich in culture and history, was underused.
- Instead of deeply integrating the local culture or presenting Moroccan life in a meaningful way, the film only offers brief glimpses of the country’s beauty.
- Local characters were also considered peripheral and marginalized, leading to accusations of turning Morocco into a mere “foreign backdrop” for the Western narrative.
3. Writing and directing
- Character development, particularly that of the supporting cast, was considered shallow and inconsistent, further fueling debate about missed opportunities in the story.
