Netflix has released the official trailer for Lonely Planet, the new romance film written and directed by Susannah Grant. The movie will be released globally on the service on October 11, 2024.
In Lonely Planet, a reclusive novelist arrives at a prestigious writer’s retreat in Morocco, hoping the remote setting will unlock her writer’s block. While there, she meets a young man — what starts as an acquaintanceship evolves into an intoxicating, life-altering love affair.
The film was produced by Liza Chasin, Susannah Grant, and Sarah Timberman. The executive producers are Brendan Ferguson, Corinne Weber, and Margaret Chernin.
The cast includes Laura Dern, Liam Hemsworth, Diana Silvers, Younès Boucif, Adriano Giannini, and Rachida Brakni.
“With Lonely Planet, I wanted to make a film about the transformational power of travel — how sometimes journeying thousands of miles away from everything you know about your life can make you see it, and yourself, in a revealing new light,” said Susannah Grant.
“Katherine and Owen (played beautifully by Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth) arrive in Morocco — far from all the familiar signposts of their day-to-day lives — more ready for change than either realizes. A chance encounter throws them together in a dusty car on a bumpy road trip through the Northern African hinterlands.”
Grant continued: “Neither is looking for a new friend, but as they explore this new place together and navigate the unexpected challenges that can come with being an outsider in an unfamiliar culture, a surprising bond grows between them that makes them see that neither is exactly who they thought they were.
“Laura and Liam both brought the profound commitment to character and storytelling to this film that’s familiar to everyone who’s seen their tremendous work over the years. They were both so deeply trusting of each other and the material — watching them collaborate to build the relationship between Katherine and Owen was a front-row seat to two top-tier actors working in total support and harmony, encouraging and surprising each other in every scene.
“They’re surrounded by an equally wonderful international supporting cast. We were lucky enough to work with actors and artists from almost every continent on this film, all of whom showed up every day with an enthusiasm and eagerness to work together, understand each other, and bridge any cultural gaps that might exist with creative commitment, unmitigated joy and tremendous goodwill.
“To that end, in both content and process, Lonely Planet ended up being a testament to the power of letting go of the familiar — and a reminder of how much can be learned by forgetting everything you thought you knew.”
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills to provide the latest news on streaming, movies, and TV shows. He previously created the websites ComingSoon, SuperHeroHype, and ShockTillYouDrop.