Netflix’s smartest new sci-fi film and a ‘Madame Web’ cohort are no match for streaming’s new favorite rom-com

The trope of older women falling for younger men (and vice versa) has been a staple in romantic comedies for ages, with classic films like Rushmore, The Reader, The Graduate, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s leading the way. However, it seems that streaming platforms have only recently jumped on this bandwagon, sometimes with mixed results.

Take The Idea of You on Prime Video, which offered a fresh spin on the subgenre. In contrast, Netflix has struggled to replicate that success. The film A Family Affair missed the mark by failing to focus on the right characters, and now they have another misfire on their hands. As is typical with weaker rom-coms, this latest offering is somehow still climbing the charts.

According to FlixPatrol, on October 15, Lonely Planet soared to the top of Netflix’s global film rankings. The movie stars Laura Dern as Katherine Loewe, a successful writer navigating a breakup while attending a writing retreat in Morocco. Accompanying her is Owen Brophy (played by Liam Hemsworth), a finance manager who is there as a plus-one for his girlfriend, debut author Lily Kemp (Diana Silvers). As the retreat progresses, Owen realizes how incompatible he is with Lily, while simultaneously enjoying his time with Katherine.

Directed by Susannah Grant, who is best known for writing Erin Brockovich and also penned Pocahontas and Ever After, Lonely Planet comes off as too laid-back for its own good. Even for a genre known for its cozy vibes and occasional nuggets of wisdom, this film feels overly relaxed. The plot has so many loose ends that it’s hard to critique them, especially when you’re not particularly invested in the story. While there is some charming chemistry between Dern and Hemsworth, the surrounding world is too cliché for the film to make a meaningful impact.

Meanwhile, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is currently in seventh place on the charts, likely boosted by excitement for its upcoming sequel, Venom: The Last Dance, which hits theaters on October 25. Despite the limited strengths of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, the dynamic between the symbiote and Eddie Brock remains entertaining. However, a weak script is always a major drawback, and that’s something this film can’t escape.

On a brighter note, It’s What’s Inside, a Netflix original sci-fi-horror-comedy, has landed in the tenth spot on the charts thanks to its sharp and engaging script. The story revolves around a group of twenty-somethings who use a body-swapping machine to play a guessing game about whose body each person is in, and things quickly spiral out of control.

Written and directed by Greg Jardin, the film skillfully balances an intriguing plot with eight characters and their mixed identities, making it an enjoyable watch. But what truly elevates It’s What’s Inside are its profound insights into identity, desire, and the complexities of the human experience. The direction is both dizzying and enlightening, creating a visually striking experience that leaves a lasting impression.