Directed by Kogonada, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is a fantasy-tinged drama led by Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, supported by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Kevin Kline. Written by Seth Reiss, the film explores the intriguing idea of reopening doors to pivotal moments from one's past. Following its theatrical release on October 1, 2025, it will be available for digital purchase and rental starting January 1, 2026, allowing a wider audience to experience its journey from home.
The story follows Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell), two single individuals who meet at a mutual friend's wedding. An unlikely event pulls them into an extraordinary adventure: mysterious doors that allow them to revisit pivotal moments from their lives. Each doorway leads to a significant memory, exploring personal choices, regrets, and potential paths not taken. As they navigate these excursions, the film probes how past decisions shape our present and how even an imaginary second chance can alter the way we see ourselves.
This journey unfolds like a dual coming-of-age story, a voyage of self-discovery told from two perspectives. Sarah and David’s paths cross in settings that blur the line between stark reality and dreamlike fantasy. Without revealing the twists and turns along their route, the film centers its narrative on the evolving connection between the two as their memories begin to surface. The line between personal introspection and fantastical adventure shapes a story that resonates both emotionally and through its inventive use of the symbolic doors— a key element in its visual storytelling.
Check out the trailer for A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, directed by Kogonada and starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, blending heartfelt drama with elements of fantastical imagination.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is aimed at viewers drawn to poetic storytelling and tales of second chances. The film evokes a fantasy world reminiscent of movies that play with time and parallel dimensions, in the spirit of Everything Everywhere All at Once or films blending romance with existential queries like Her. Kogonada adopts a contemplative pace, with careful direction and a keen eye for framing and transitions, emphasizing the significance of doors as powerful symbols of emotion as well as narrative devices.
The project is built on the chemistry between Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, whose collaboration was already praised before filming even began. The director emphasizes the 'organic' quality of their improvisations, which add subtlety and variation to each scene. The cast is rounded out by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Kevin Kline, infusing the story with extra dynamism. This film also marks Kogonada’s first collaboration with composer Joe Hisaishi, renowned for his work with Hayao Miyazaki, whose score deepens the emotional and poetic undertones of the journey.
Visually, Kogonada crafts a touch of magic realism by blending real locations and often ambiguous settings shot in Los Angeles, yet able to evoke the feel of any city. The frameless doors—conceived by the director late in the writing process—emerge as a striking motif, blending tangible craftsmanship with theatrical flair. Technical features like LED walls help craft immersive environments without leaning heavily on digital effects, supporting a sensory experience grounded in a believable, tangible universe.
An Epic and Beautiful Journey
Film | 2025
In theaters: October 1, 2025
Available on VOD (purchase and rental): January 1, 2026
Drama / Fantasy | Runtime: 1h49
Directed by Kogonada | Starring Margot Robbie, Colin Farrell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Kevin Kline
Country: United States
Blending elements of the fantastical, introspective drama, and budding romance, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey invites viewers to reflect on untraveled paths, foundational memories, and how looking back can unlock new horizons. Available for purchase and rental on VOD, this emotional voyage is driven by Kogonada’s thoughtful direction and features a captivating pairing of Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell.
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