Do you want to go on a big bold beautiful journey? That’s the question posed to our focal characters—David (Colin Farrell) and Sarah (Margot Robbie)—in the latest film from director Kogonada. What follows is a beautifully crafted space for introspection, but does it work as a film? Let’s dive in.
As A Big Bold Beautiful Journey opens, David is on his way to a wedding. He stops at a unique car rental spot. The two workers (Kevin Kline and Phoebe Waller-Bridge) ask a lot of probing questions. They also only have a 1994 Saturn sedan available. David takes it and takes the GPS, beginning an adventure.
At the wedding, which proceeds outside despite torrential rain, he’s introduced to Sarah, a fellow guest who lives in the same town as David. They hit it off, sort of. But their interactions lead to little more than some flirting. The next day, David heads off to return the car. Along the way, the GPS poses a question—does he want to go on a big, bold, beautiful journey?
David accepts, and soon learns that Sarah has used the same rental car agency and agreed to the same question. He’s directed to pick her up outside a fast food restaurant and they head out. The GPS lays out a series of stops, each recalling something from David or Sarah’s past. It forces them to confront their lives and ask what they really want.
An emotional journey in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
This is the third feature film from Kogonada. His first two films—Columbus and After Yang—have drawn fans due to their style, characters, and emotional depth. I was excited to see this film in part because of how much his last film, which also starred Farrell, spoke to me. But I wasn’t sure what to expect.
This is a film about asking hard questions about life, love, relationships, and the events that help form us as young people. Farrell and Robbie are strong in the lead roles and have good on-screen chemistry. You can’t help but root for David and Sarah as they take this journey, and root for them to find a deeper revelation.
Perhaps the best aspect of the film is the stunning visuals. There are some breathtaking sequences in the film. The way the scenes are crafted really draw you in and the contrasting colors and images really stand out. The craft from Kogonada in telling this story is exceptional, even when the story itself doesn’t always work.
That’s my biggest complaint about the film is the shortcoming of the story. The script comes from Seth Reiss, who previously scripted The Menu. The film has some delightful humor and some really strong emotional sequences. It’s reaching for something deep and profound, but it doesn’t quite come together.
Despite some good moments and performances, the film falls short of its potential. It’s a gorgeous watch and at times a profound watch, but it doesn’t live up to the potential in its concept.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is now playing in theaters nationwide.
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