A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
When two strangers meet at a mutual friend’s wedding, they never expect their chance encounter to lead them on a fantastical road trip through their past. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025), directed by Kogonada and written by Seth Reiss, is a romance drama that blends whimsy, nostalgia, and emotional exploration. With a star-studded cast led by Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, this movie promised to be a soulful ride through memory, love, and second chances.
But did it deliver on its “big, bold, and beautiful” promise—or did it stumble under the weight of its ambitions? Let’s dive into a detailed review, where to watch it, and whether it’s worth adding to your streaming queue.
Plot Overview
At the center of the story are Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell), two single strangers who meet during a wedding. Their connection is instantaneous but awkwardly rushed—sparking romance within just hours of knowing each other. Soon, through a twist of fate, they are transported into surreal adventures where they relive pivotal moments of their pasts. These doors into memory serve as both literal and metaphorical pathways, forcing them to confront unresolved traumas, missed opportunities, and what it means to move forward in life.
Their journey is whimsical, fantastical, and, at times, frustratingly inconsistent. It’s a romance, but also a reflection on regret, identity, and the possibility of rewriting one’s destiny.
Performances: Robbie and Farrell Carry the Weight
Margot Robbie channels an older, slightly jaded version of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl archetype, mixing charm with emotional vulnerability. Her performance shines in quieter moments of self-reflection but occasionally dips into over-acted territory—especially in scenes where her character’s quick attachment to David feels unearned.
Colin Farrell, meanwhile, portrays David as a man stuck between grief, midlife crisis, and longing for meaning. His performance is soulful, though often weighed down by writing that doesn’t give his character enough depth beyond melancholy.
Together, Robbie and Farrell have on-screen chemistry that flickers in and out. At best, their connection feels heartfelt, especially in moments of humor or shared pain. At worst, their romance comes across as platonic or rushed, leaving audiences unconvinced of their supposed epic bond.
Supporting performances from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Lily Rabe, and Hamish Linklater add occasional sparks of wit and warmth, though their roles feel underutilized.
Cinematography, Visuals, and Soundtrack
If there’s one area where Kogonada never falters, it’s visuals. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is a feast for the eyes, with lush cinematography, striking use of color, and dreamlike set design. The recurring motif of doors—appearing as freestanding frames, background details, and portals to memories—adds symbolic depth, even if the execution sometimes feels surface-level.
The soundtrack is another highlight. Joe Hisaishi’s score combines with modern voices like Laufey and Mitski, creating a rich auditory palette that elevates otherwise underdeveloped scenes. The whimsical music balances nostalgia and melancholy, making even slower sequences emotionally engaging.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
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Stunning cinematography and color grading
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Thoughtful, haunting score by Joe Hisaishi
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Strong lead performances by Robbie and Farrell
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Creative concept of traveling through past memories
Weaknesses:
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Rushed and sometimes unbelievable romance
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Script struggles with pacing and narrative cohesion
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Overuse of dialogue that explains rather than shows
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Themes often feel underdeveloped and repetitive
In short, the movie has all the components of a great romantic fantasy, but its writing prevents it from achieving lasting resonance.
Audience Reactions: Polarizing Responses
Early reactions to A Big Bold Beautiful Journey have been mixed. Some viewers found it charming, heartfelt, and visually stunning, while others called it underwhelming, predictable, and even cringeworthy in parts.
Many noted the lack of believable chemistry between Robbie and Farrell, while others criticized the film’s overreliance on metaphors and whimsical detours that don’t always pay off. Still, even critical viewers acknowledged the movie’s beauty, cinematography, and score as standout qualities.
This duality makes it the kind of film you either love for its ambition or leave feeling frustrated by its flaws.
Where to Watch A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Online
As of September 2025, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is not yet available on streaming platforms or digital rental services. The film is currently exclusive to theatrical release.
However, based on typical distribution patterns for films of this size, here’s what you can expect:
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Likely streaming platforms in the U.S.: Netflix, Max, or Peacock (often hosting new drama/romance releases).
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Possible digital rental options: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google TV, and Vudu.
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Blu-ray/DVD release: Expected in early 2026, likely followed by wider streaming availability.
Keep track of availability here: Check A Big Bold Beautiful Journey on JustWatch
Official movie website: Visit A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
Final Verdict
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is a film with beautiful intentions and mesmerizing aesthetics but flawed execution. It wants to be profound, romantic, and whimsical all at once, but too often stumbles into predictability and awkward pacing.
Still, if you love visually stunning romance dramas that experiment with memory and time, this movie is worth at least one watch—especially for fans of Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. Just temper your expectations, as the “big” and “bold” might not feel as impactful as the “beautiful.”
If you’re curious about A Big Bold Beautiful Journey and want to see how it resonates with you, check back frequently on JustWatch for streaming updates. In the meantime, visit the official movie website for trailers, cast interviews, and news.
Have you seen the film in theaters? Share your thoughts in the comments—was it truly a bold and beautiful journey, or did it leave you underwhelmed?
