Thescreescore – Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell’s new fantasy film, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, has landed with a thud – or a gentle plop, depending on who you ask. The film, directed by Kogonada, sees Robbie and Farrell embark on a fantastical adventure through re-lived memories. While audiences have given it a relatively warm 65% on the Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter, critics have delivered a harsher verdict, awarding it a measly 38%. This significant disparity begs the question: is A Big Bold Beautiful Journey a cinematic masterpiece unfairly dismissed, or a beautifully packaged disappointment?
The film, following Robbie’s blockbuster success with Barbie and Farrell’s acclaimed performance in The Banshees of Inisherin, had high expectations. However, reviews from thescreescore.com and other outlets paint a picture of a film that struggles to find its footing. Critics cite a tonal inconsistency, oscillating between overly serious and overly sentimental, preventing the narrative from achieving emotional resonance. One critic described the film as "manufactured sentimentality," highlighting its failure to create a truly engaging story.
Despite the critical panning, the audience score suggests a different experience. The 65% rating, based on over 100 reviews, indicates a level of enjoyment that contrasts sharply with the critical consensus. However, with the film only recently released (September 19, 2025), this score remains volatile and could shift significantly as more viewers weigh in.
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The film’s box office prospects remain uncertain. With an estimated budget of $45 million, it needs to reach approximately $112 million to break even – a target that currently seems unlikely given the lukewarm reception.
While the critical and audience divide is striking, it’s not unprecedented. Many films have faced similar polarizing responses. However, the relatively soft audience score raises concerns about A Big Bold Beautiful Journey‘s long-term viability. Ultimately, the film’s success hinges on whether the positive audience response translates into substantial box office numbers. Only time will tell if this fantastical journey will find its happily ever after.
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