Critics Slam A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Rotten Tomatoes Score Plummets

The romantic fantasy film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey has faced a wave of criticism from film reviewers, resulting in a lackluster 45% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Kogonada, known for his work on Columbus, the film features a cast that includes Margot Robbie as Sarah and Colin Farrell as David, alongside notable actors such as Kevin Kline, Lily Rabe, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Hamish Linklater, and Jodie Turner-Smith. The film’s script was penned by Seth Reiss, recognized for his contributions to The Menu.

Critics have largely expressed disappointment regarding the film’s execution. In a review for Variety, Tomris Laffly described the film as lacking excitement, stating that “the only destination A Big Bold Beautiful Journey approaches in the end is an unfortunate bore.” Similarly, Nick Schager from The Daily Beast characterized the film as a “wannabe winsome fairy tale about confronting fears, atoning for sins, and forgiving oneself,” ultimately labeling it “a pile-up of preciousness.”

Anzhe Zhang from Slant Magazine criticized the film’s character development, noting that “even when we learn that he survived a heart condition and she misses her mother, it’s impossible to be moved by their journey.” Kevin Maher of The Times remarked on the film’s “leaden” script and “saccharine” direction, suggesting that viewers may never want to see another performance from Robbie or Farrell again.

Despite the negative feedback, not all voices are critical. ComingSoon reviewer Jonathan Sim gave the film a 9 out of 10, asserting, “This is the most emotional movie of the year. It’s sweet, tender, and oh so romantic.” Such contrasting opinions reflect the polarized reception the film has garnered.

As of now, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey holds a 45% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 56 reviews. This figure may fluctuate as the film is set to be released in US theaters on September 19, 2025. Given the mixed reviews, the film’s performance at the box office remains uncertain, with many anticipating how broader audiences will respond once it hits screens.

The film’s early reception underscores the challenges faced by romantic fantasy narratives in captivating both critics and audiences alike, raising questions about storytelling approaches in contemporary cinema. With such varied reviews, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion in the weeks following its release.