A rotten new arrival starring leads with no chemistry is somehow sitting comfortably in the #1 spot on Netflix

It’s always interesting when a film manages to dominate streaming charts despite poor critical reception, and Lonely Planet is a perfect example of that phenomenon. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Lonely Planet: The Unexpected Success

1. Current Streaming Success:
   • Despite its 39% Rotten Tomatoes score and lackluster reviews, Lonely Planet has climbed to the top of Netflix’s global streaming charts. This paradox has left many scratching their heads, wondering how a film deemed subpar can captivate a vast audience.
2. The Plot:
   • The film, featuring Liam Hemsworth and Laura Dern, tells the story of Katherine Loewe, a reclusive novelist, and Owen Brophy, a finance manager, who meet at a writer’s retreat in Morocco. It’s marketed as a romantic drama, but many viewers have noted a lack of genuine chemistry between the leads.
3. Critics’ Take:
   • Critics have uniformly pointed out the weak romantic connection, with descriptors like “low-temperature romance” and comparisons to awkward encounters instead of passionate love affairs. The reviews collectively echo disappointment over the film’s failure to deliver an engaging narrative or compelling romance.

Possible Reasons for Its Popularity

1. Curiosity Factor:
   • The film’s reception might stem from a combination of curiosity and the “so bad it’s good” allure that often draws viewers in. People may be tuning in just to see if the film is as bad as the reviews suggest, leading to a spike in viewership.
2. Star Power:
   • The presence of well-known actors like Hemsworth and Dern can draw audiences, even if the chemistry is lacking. Their star power might encourage viewers to give the film a chance, especially given their previous work.
3. Exotic Locations:
   • The film’s setting in picturesque Morocco may also entice viewers. Sometimes, beautiful locales can distract from a lackluster plot and make for enjoyable viewing, even if the romantic storyline doesn’t deliver.
4. Accessibility:
   • With Netflix’s global reach, the film may have found an audience among viewers looking for light entertainment. Sometimes, people prefer to watch something easy-going rather than challenging, leading to a broader viewership.

While Lonely Planet might not be the romantic drama viewers hoped for, its unexpected rise in the streaming charts reflects a broader trend of audiences embracing films that might not meet critical standards but still provide a certain level of entertainment. The takeaway here is that even films that stumble can find an audience, especially when viewers are looking for something light and easy to consume.

And who knows? Maybe there’s a lesson in there for aspiring filmmakers: sometimes, it’s not about crafting a masterpiece but creating something that captures attention—perhaps with the right cast, even if the script leaves much to be desired!