A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Movie Review: Magic realism meets romance in a slow, reflective ride

Story: Two strangers rent cars from the same car rental agency. The vehicle’s mysterious GPS takes them on a fantastical journey together, making them relive moments from their pasts that have shaped their present, defined their personalities, and charted the course of their futures.Review: Auteur Kogonada sets the whimsical tone right from the first act. The car rental agency that David (Colin Farrell) hires his ride from for a wedding is run by two oddballs (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a foul-mouthed cashier and Kevin Kline as the mechanic), who insist he take their GPS in case his phone ‘craps out.’ David is introduced to Sarah (Margot Robbie) at the wedding, and when her car breaks down, the two embark on a surreal journey where they enter mysterious doors that take them into their past. They revisit defining moments of their lives that have made them commitment-phobic. These include a lighthouse where David waits for an epiphany that never occurs, the hospital where he was born, an art gallery that Sarah’s deceased mother loved, and her home where the two share a heart-to-heart conversation, among others. While some of these episodes are profound, others seem too abstract — like David appearing as a 52-year-old and Sarah as a 12-year-old, while they’re both in their prime.While magic realism makes the film's premise intriguing, the fantastical locations and vivid palette give it a dreamlike vibe. The surreal narrative is a perfect fit for the stunning visuals. The movie explores themes such as facing your fears, forgiving yourself, and introspection. While poignant, when woven into a story (by Seth Reiss), these make the narrative heavier despite being a romantasy. The movie’s theme turns it into more of a slow travelogue than an adventurous ride, making narrative languid in many instances.Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell share an electrifying on-screen chemistry that’s charming, intense, and layered with vulnerability all at once. Two strangers opening their hearts, sharing secrets, and lowering their defences make for compelling viewing. The actors deliver impressive performances and look just as smashing. However, despite the allegorical journey, the characters feel somewhat underdeveloped.On the whole, it’s a visually stunning film with a unique premise, but some viewers may find it a bit slow.