A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, starring Margot Robbie (Barbie) and Colin Farrell (The Penguin), lives up to its title in both style and spirit. The cinematography is stunning with its use of striking color, light, and shapes that make nearly every frame look like a painting. But underneath the spectacle, this is a film about people. Specifically, two quirky characters navigating a surreal, cinematic form of therapy disguised as a road trip.

The film is written/directed by Kogonada, whose previous works, Columbus (2017) and After Yang (2021), explored memory, identity, and emotional connection through equally precise and lyrical visuals. Fans of his earlier films will recognize his signature: a meditative pacing, a fascination with architecture and space, as well as a quiet focus on how people connect in extraordinary ways. Here, he applies those instincts to a brighter, more whimsical palette, layering his introspective style over a surreal road trip.

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When we first meet Robbie and Farrell’s characters, both are on their way to the same wedding, each renting from the same car company. A playful game of cat-and-mouse ensues, setting the stage for their shared “journey.”

Throughout A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, each door they open transports them to a personal, formative moment from their past. They’re forced to face these moments, work through them, and emerge with new understanding. It’s a fascinating premise: a therapy session disguised as a whimsical, emotional road trip.

But does it fully work? Not quite. About an hour in, I found myself losing interest despite the film’s relatively short length. What saves it are the exquisite performances. Without Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, this movie could easily collapse under its own weight. Their chemistry is electric, and they make their characters both engaging and surprisingly lovable. Who knew apathy and avoidance could be so charming? 

Ultimately, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey may not be as profound as it sets out to be. Still, thanks to its dazzling visuals and two powerhouse leads, it offers an experience that feels both playful and quietly moving. That said, I left the theater content.

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