In one sentence: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is a magical realism film that follows a couple on an unexpected road of reflection and self-discovery.

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What would you say if your GPS asked whether you wanted to go on a big, bold, beautiful journey? Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell) say yes, catapulting both themselves and the audience into a quirky film filled with reflection, magical realism and emotional healing.

Sarah and David meet as guests at a wedding, where an immediate spark suggests something promising. They arrive having driven cars rented to them by mysterious characters played by Kevin Kline and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who introduce the film’s whimsical and fantastical edge. Despite their connection, Sarah resists David’s charm, and it soon becomes clear that both are carrying unresolved trauma that shapes how they behave as adults and how they navigate relationships.

The film subverts romantic expectations by presenting flawed protagonists rather than idealised ones. Sarah and David feel recognisably human, shaped by past experiences that continue to ripple into their present lives. While this is refreshing, the film occasionally leans into the familiar idea that singleness must be explained or fixed, rather than acknowledged as a valid choice. In this case, however, the narrative takes us through a series of literal and metaphorical doors into formative moments and memories that must be confronted if the characters are to move forward. It becomes a kind of visual therapy, inviting reflection rather than judgement.

Taking the journey together allows both Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie to showcase their emotional range and comedic instincts. Farrell even gets a chance to show off his dancing skills, perhaps not seen since his televised Boyzone audition. As with many films that blend fantasy and reality, some suspension of disbelief is required. While I largely went along with it, there were moments where the mechanics of the story pulled me out of the experience.

Initially, I was unsure about the pairing of Farrell and Robbie, but their chemistry proves convincing and their dialogue engaging, even if it may not hold everyone’s attention throughout. Despite its unconventional premise, the film ultimately follows a fairly familiar narrative path. That said, it feels less interested in surprising the audience with twists than in offering a gentle meditation on self-examination and the idea that facing what we have buried allows us to move forward and fully embrace connection with others.

Visually, the film makes thoughtful use of symbolism. Early references to liquid sunshine, rain falling beneath a clear sky, establish a tone of quiet magic and enlightenment. The recurring doors represent memories locked away or compartmentalised, while scenes set in dark spaces with isolated spotlights lend the film an almost theatrical, stage-like quality.

Overall, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey feels like a cinematic invitation to introspection. It suggests that self-discovery can be a meaningful, painful and even joyful process, particularly for those who see therapy and emotional work as valuable tools. The film will not be for everyone, but will likely to resonate with viewers who are open to reflection and personal growth.

★★★½ (3.5/5)