Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell have been everywhere lately, hopping from one city to another for the press tour of their new romantic fantasy, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.
From dazzling red carpets to Margot’s much-talked-about fashion choices, the pair has been working overtime to bring attention to their big-screen love story.
But despite all the glitz, the critics aren’t holding back — and the film’s reception has been anything but kind.
A Love Story with a Twist
The movie follows Sarah and David, two strangers who meet at a wedding before being swept into a magical journey that lets them relive their past milestone moments.
It’s a mix of romance and fantasy, with an ambitious concept that promised to be heartwarming and visually stunning.
Unfortunately, while audiences were meant to swoon, many reviewers are calling the film underwhelming.
Rotten Scores Roll In
On review aggregator sites, the numbers tell the story.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey has pulled in a lukewarm 56 percent “rotten” score on Rotten Tomatoes and an even harsher 39 on Metacritic, where it’s labeled as “generally unfavorable.”
For director Kogonada, who once earned glowing praise for Columbus and After Yang, this new blockbuster attempt seems to have fallen flat.
Critics Pull No Punches
The critiques range from disappointed sighs to outright brutal takedowns.
One reviewer labeled it “a big, bold, beautiful bore,” while Indiewire’s Ryan Lattanzio said the film was “miscalculated as a romance and a fantasy.”
The Wrap’s William Bibbiani didn’t mince words either, writing that while Robbie and Farrell are magnetic stars, “you did have to give them something meaningful to perform.
Otherwise they’re just standing on screen, trying to make the most of a trifle.”
Variety’s Tomris Laffly added that despite “pretty lens flares and cutesy needle drops,” the film ultimately lands as “an unfortunate bore.”
A Handsome Pair, But an Overly Sweet Story
Even critics who praised Robbie and Farrell’s undeniable chemistry weren’t impressed with the film overall.
Screendaily’s Nikki Baughan summed it up by saying: “They make a handsome pairing, but this high-concept feature tries so hard to charm that it becomes an exercise in wading through sickly sweet treacle.”
Margot’s Return After Barbie
This movie is an important one for Margot. Not only is it her first project since producing and starring in the billion-dollar Barbie phenomenon, but it’s also her first role since welcoming her first child last year.
Speaking about the project, she explained: “The script was exquisite and felt very original, magical and romantic, and I wanted to do a love story.”
With a cheeky grin, she added, “I would obviously love to do a love story with Colin Farrell.”
Colin, for his part, was equally enthusiastic, saying working with Margot “was a dream from start to finish.”
What’s Next for the Stars
Despite the critical reception, both actors have plenty to look forward to.
Margot will soon be back in the spotlight promoting Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, set for release in February.
Meanwhile, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey officially hits theaters on September 19, giving audiences the final say on whether they’ll fall for this romantic fantasy or side with the critics.