5 Shocking Details About Netflix's 'Lonely Planet' Movie: The Laura Dern And Liam Hemsworth Age-Gap Romance That Divided Critics

The *Lonely Planet* movie has ignited a flurry of discussion and debate since its release on Netflix on October 11, 2024. This romantic drama, which is an original Netflix film and not related to the travel guide company, pairs Oscar-winner Laura Dern with action star Liam Hemsworth in an "unlikely love story" set against the stunning backdrop of Morocco. As of December 11, 2025, the film continues to be a hot topic, polarizing audiences and critics alike with its exploration of loneliness, travel, and a significant age-gap romance. The film serves as a powerful return to the romance genre for writer and director Susannah Grant, who is best known for her critically acclaimed work on *Erin Brockovich* and the limited series *Unbelievable*. *Lonely Planet* follows two solitary souls who find a surprising connection far from home, but the movie's reception proves that even star power cannot guarantee universal praise.

Cast, Characters, and Key Production Team Biography

The film boasts a small but powerful ensemble cast, led by two major Hollywood figures. The production was helmed by a veteran screenwriter and director, ensuring a pedigree of quality despite the mixed final reviews.

• Laura Dern as Katherine Loewe: A successful, reclusive novelist who travels to Morocco for a prestigious writer's retreat after a personal setback.
  • Biography Profile: Born February 10, 1967. An acclaimed American actress, producer, and director. Winner of an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and five Golden Globe Awards. Known for roles in *Jurassic Park*, *Blue Velvet*, *Marriage Story*, and *Big Little Lies*.
• Liam Hemsworth as Owen Brophy: A younger man Katherine encounters at the retreat, whose acquaintance quickly blossoms into a complex romance.
  • Biography Profile: Born January 13, 1990. An Australian actor who rose to fame as Gale Hawthorne in *The Hunger Games* film series. He is the younger brother of actors Chris and Luke Hemsworth. Other notable roles include *The Last Song* and *Independence Day: Resurgence*.
• Diana Silvers as Lily Kemp: A supporting character at the retreat.
• Younès Boucif as Rafih Abdo: A supporting character.
• Adriano Giannini as Ugo Jaconelli: A supporting character.
• Director and Writer: Susannah Grant:
  • Biography Profile: Born January 4, 1963. An American screenwriter, director, and producer. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for *Erin Brockovich* (2000). Her other notable writing credits include *Ever After*, *28 Days*, *In Her Shoes*, and the critically acclaimed Netflix series *Unbelievable*.

The Plot: A Moroccan Writer’s Retreat and an Unlikely Love Story

The core narrative of *Lonely Planet* is built around the journey of Katherine Loewe, a novelist seeking solace and inspiration in an exotic locale.

Katherine's Escape to Marrakesh

The story begins with Katherine in a state of personal and professional flux, having been kicked out of her ex-partner's home. She chooses to attend a secluded and prestigious writer's retreat high in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh, Morocco. This stunning, isolated mountain resort is meant to be a place for her to overcome her struggles and find alone-time.

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The setting itself becomes a character, with the picturesque Moroccan landscape contrasting with the internal turmoil of the main characters. The initial emphasis is on Katherine’s struggle with loneliness, a theme deeply embedded in the film's title.

The Complex Connection with Owen Brophy

It is at the retreat that Katherine meets Owen Brophy, a much younger man. Their initial acquaintanceship is based on shared solitude and conversation, which gradually evolves into an unexpected and intense romance. The film is a romantic drama, but it also delves into the complexities of finding connection when both individuals are profoundly lonely.

The relationship between Katherine and Owen is the central pillar of the film, exploring how love can blossom in the most unlikely circumstances and across significant differences. This age-gap romance is one of the most talked-about aspects of the movie, drawing both praise for its honest portrayal and criticism for its execution.

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The Controversy and Critical Reception of the Age-Gap Romance

The most defining and divisive element of *Lonely Planet* is the age difference between the two leads, Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth. The actors have an age gap of approximately 23 years, which is a key component of the on-screen relationship between the characters Katherine and Owen.

A Surge in Age-Gap Romance Films

*Lonely Planet* premiered amid a noticeable surge in "age-gap romances" in cinema, a subgenre that often sparks intense public discussion. The film was explicitly marketed as an unlikely love story, with the age difference being central to the dynamic between the successful, reclusive novelist and the younger man she meets abroad.

Both Liam Hemsworth and Laura Dern have publicly discussed the nearly 25-year age difference, acknowledging its significance to the story. The movie attempts to navigate the emotional landscape of such a relationship, focusing on the shared need for connection rather than the traditional tropes of the genre.

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Divisive Critical Response

Despite the star power and the compelling premise, the critical reception for the Netflix original film has been notably mixed. Critics have noted that the film is full of familiar tropes and missed opportunities, leading some to feel it was a "very lonely film" that failed to connect its key elements effectively. The film's Rotten Tomatoes score sat at a low 36% shortly after its release, indicating a significant split among professional reviewers.

However, audience reaction on Netflix was strong, with *Lonely Planet* quickly charting globally. The film ranked third on Netflix's Global Top 10 films (English) for the week of October 7-13, accumulating 11 million views and 17.6 million hours viewed. This disparity highlights the difference between critical analysis and mainstream audience appeal, suggesting that viewers were drawn to the star chemistry and the romantic drama genre regardless of the reviews.

What Drew the Stars to the ‘Lonely Planet’ Project?

The involvement of two high-profile actors like Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth was a major coup for the production and a key factor in the film’s high visibility on the streaming platform.

The Appeal of the Script and Director

For many, the draw was the opportunity to work with writer-director Susannah Grant, whose reputation for crafting nuanced, character-driven stories is well-established. Grant's previous work, such as the Oscar-nominated screenplay for *Erin Brockovich*, demonstrated her ability to handle complex emotional themes.

Liam Hemsworth, in particular, expressed that he signed up for the film because he was eager to work with Laura Dern, a highly respected actress, and to collaborate with Grant on a project that offered a different kind of role for him. The script, which explores themes of vulnerability, travel, and unexpected love, provided a distinct challenge for both leads.

Themes of Solitude and Finding Love

Ultimately, *Lonely Planet* is a story about two people who are adrift, both literally—in a foreign country—and metaphorically, in their personal lives. The film positions the unlikely romance as a way for both Katherine and Owen to combat their profound loneliness. The Moroccan setting, while beautiful, serves to emphasize their isolation from their normal lives, forcing them to confront their feelings and dependencies in an intimate, high-stakes environment. Despite its flaws, the film resonates with audiences who appreciate a deep dive into the emotional complexities of finding love when you least expect it.