Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell’s Fantasy Flop Climbs Netflix Charts

Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, both well-versed in leading major productions, found themselves at the centre of a rather curious cinematic episode with the 2025 fantasy 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.' Released in September, the film arrived with a fair bit of anticipation, only to be met with a resounding thud at the box office and a chorus of critical disapproval. Yet, in a twist that would not be out of place in the film itself, the title has recently enjoyed a resurgence, climbing to number seven on Netflix’s trending list.

Directed by Kogonada, the film was billed as a whimsical romantic comedy, buoyed by the star power of its leads. The plot, which follows two strangers who cross paths at a friend’s wedding and embark on a nostalgic tour of their past haunts, promised a blend of charm and sentimentality. However, the end result left many viewers divided, with the film’s emotional tone proving a bit much for some. The project began life as an original script on the Black List—a collection of unproduced screenplays that has previously yielded such successes as 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'The Revenant.' This time, though, the magic failed to materialise.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

Upon its release, the film was swiftly labelled

“pretentious”

by several reviewers, who took issue with its apparent prioritisation of scenic backdrops over genuine chemistry between the leads. Audiences were not much kinder, with a 58% approval rating that, while higher than the critics’ 37%, still reflected a general sense of disappointment. Many described the experience as a

“lifeless bore.”

The numbers told a similar story: a global gross of $20 million against a $40 million budget, firmly cementing its status as a box office misfire.

Despite this rocky start, the film’s fortunes have shifted since its arrival on Netflix. Whether it’s the convenience of streaming or simple curiosity, viewers have been giving it a second look, propelling it into the platform’s top ten. It’s a rare case of a cinematic underdog finding a new audience after an inauspicious debut.

What’s Next for the Stars?

While 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey' may not have set the world alight, its stars are hardly dwelling on the setback. Margot Robbie is set to appear in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights,' alongside Jacob Elordi—a project that promises a fresh perspective on the classic tale. Meanwhile, Colin Farrell is preparing to reprise his role as Oz Cobb, better known as Penguin, in the upcoming sequel to 'The Batman,' following the success of his spin-off series on HBO Max. Farrell had also been attached to another DC venture, 'Sgt. Rock,' though that particular project was shelved last year.

The film’s creative team, including director Kogonada and writer Seth Reiss, are also highlighted in the credits, though it’s the performances of Robbie and Farrell that continue to draw the most attention, for better or worse. As the film enjoys its unexpected streaming revival, both actors are already looking ahead to new challenges, leaving the mixed legacy of their fantasy outing in the rear-view mirror.