A new film starring Margot Robbie that sharply divided critics and audiences is now available for streaming in the UK. 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey' began streaming on Netflix this Saturday, offering subscribers the chance to judge the fantasy romance for themselves.
A Star-Studded Yet Polarising Project
The film, which first premiered in cinemas in September 2025, features an impressive ensemble cast led by Robbie and Colin Farrell. They play two strangers whose lives intersect at a wedding and who are subsequently given a unique chance to revisit and potentially alter key moments from their pasts. The supporting cast includes Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jennifer Grant, and Kevin Kline.
Directed by Kogonada from a script by Seth Reiss, the project promised a blend of romance, fantasy, and drama. However, its cinematic release was met with a decidedly lukewarm reception. The film was a commercial disappointment, grossing only $20.2 million globally against a reported net budget of $45 million.
Critical Pan vs. Warmer Audience Response
The critical consensus, as aggregated on Rotten Tomatoes, was harsh. Only 36% of 185 critic reviews were positive. The site's summary criticised the film for being "too solemn to have much fun with its high concept while also too saccharine for its wistful themes to resonate," concluding that the "well-meaning odyssey never quite lives up to its title."
Audience reactions, however, were notably more favourable. The audience summary on Rotten Tomatoes suggested the film's success depended on one's tolerance for "cheese," but that it could "pay in spades" for those seeking heart and vibrant colour. Viewer comments collected online reflected this split.
One supporter praised it as "a good movie to get you thinking about how reviewing our past choices can reshape how we move forward," while another called it a "very interesting rom com premise" and enjoyed the lead actors' chemistry. A third acknowledged its divisive nature but said it told its story "beautifully" for the right viewer.
Detractors, however, found the pacing too slow and the storyline overly strange, despite praising the performances of the cast.
A Second Life on Streaming?
The film's arrival on Netflix this week represents a significant opportunity for a second appraisal. Streaming platforms have often given films a renewed lease of life, allowing them to find their audience away from the pressures of the box office. For a movie like A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, which clearly resonated more with some viewers than with professional critics, the Netflix launch could be pivotal.
Subscribers can now decide whether this cinematic journey is a bold misfire or an underrated gem. With its high-concept fantasy premise and A-list stars, it is poised to become a major talking point on the platform this month.
