In a notable shift in cinematic narratives, Hollywood is embracing the complexity of older women through a wave of age-gap romances. This year has seen the rise of films featuring traditionally objectified older female characters in relationships with younger men, showcasing their multifaceted lives. From Anne Hathaway’s relationship with a boyband member in The Idea of You to Nicole Kidman’s daring escapades with younger men in A Family Affair and the upcoming Babygirl, the portrayal of older women is evolving. Notably, Catherine Breillat’s Last Summer presents a psychosexual twist, where a 50-something lawyer seduces her teenage stepson.
Continuing this trend, Lonely Planet, a Netflix film written by Susannah Grant—known for Erin Brockovich and the acclaimed series Unbelievable—adds depth to this new wave, offering a refreshing perspective on mid-life romance.
In Lonely Planet, Laura Dern stars as Catherine Lowe, a successful yet personally struggling novelist. The film does not explicitly address Catherine’s motherhood, focusing instead on her existential dilemmas—divorce, creative stagnation, and the question of what lies ahead. Set against the backdrop of a writers’ retreat in Morocco, Catherine confronts her mid-life crisis and develops an unexpected attraction to Owen, a much younger man portrayed by Liam Hemsworth.
Initially, Catherine appears unimpressed by Owen, who is charming yet disillusioned. Their chemistry unfolds as Catherine prioritizes her overdue novel over his advances. The film visually showcases Dern’s character, portraying her in stylish attire while she grapples with her professional responsibilities.
As the narrative progresses, Owen finds himself drawn to Catherine’s dedication, contrasting sharply with his girlfriend, Lily Kemp, played by Diana Silvers. Lily, a successful yet superficial writer, becomes a source of jealousy for Catherine. This dynamic leads to awkward interactions between the characters, emphasizing their differing ambitions. Owen, a former high school quarterback turned finance professional, feels out of place in the literary world, making his connection with Catherine all the more poignant.
While Lonely Planet introduces aspirational characters, it critiques their self-absorption and obliviousness. The dialogue occasionally leans towards the clichéd, with characters discussing Morocco’s exotic appeal while grappling with their internal conflicts. The film highlights these flaws through a montage of service workers cleaning up after the group’s nightly festivities, grounding the narrative in reality.
Despite its beach-read presentation, Lonely Planet offers a deeper commentary on relationships and personal growth. The central romance between Catherine and Owen is depicted with a naturalness that resonates, making their interactions both tender and surprising. Dern and Hemsworth’s performances shine, bringing nuance to their characters.
Though the film veers into a hasty conclusion that may challenge believability, it skillfully avoids melodrama, focusing instead on authentic communication breakdowns. However, the rivalry between Catherine and Lily could benefit from further exploration. Overall, Lonely Planet stands out as a thoughtful addition to the burgeoning genre that presents women over 40 as complex and desirable figures.
Lonely Planet premieres on Netflix on October 11.
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