Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell’s Fantasy Flop Surges on Netflix Charts
Once dismissed by critics and ignored at the box office, the 2025 fantasy film starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell is now climbing Netflix’s rankings. Both stars are moving on to major new projects, but this movie’s unexpected streaming revival is turning heads.
Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell have both led major Hollywood productions, but their 2025 fantasy feature, 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,' didn’t exactly make waves when it hit theaters last September. Despite the star power, the film struggled to connect with audiences and critics alike, but its recent arrival on Netflix has sparked a surprising surge in popularity, landing it at number seven on the platform’s trending list.
Directed by Kogonada, the film was initially hyped thanks to its high-profile cast. The story follows two strangers who cross paths at a friend’s wedding and embark on a nostalgic trip through places tied to their memories. While the premise promised heartfelt moments, many viewers found the film’s sentimentality overwhelming. The project began as an original script featured on the Black List—a collection known for unproduced screenplays that sometimes become hits, like 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'The Revenant.' However, this time, the script’s transition to the big screen didn’t quite pay off.
Critical and Audience Reactions
Upon release, the movie was quickly labeled
“pretentious”
by reviewers, who felt it prioritized scenic backdrops over genuine chemistry between the leads. Audiences seemed to agree, with a 58% approval rating compared to critics’ 37%. Many called it a
“lifeless bore.”
The film’s box office numbers reflected this lukewarm reception, grossing just $20 million worldwide against a $40 million budget.
Despite its rocky start, the film’s fortunes have shifted since its streaming debut. Viewers on Netflix are giving it a second chance, and its newfound popularity is drawing attention to the cast and creative team, including director Kogonada and writer Seth Reiss.
What’s Next for the Stars
While 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey' is enjoying a streaming renaissance, both Robbie and Farrell are already looking ahead to bigger projects. Margot Robbie is set to star in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' alongside Jacob Elordi, a project that promises a bold reinterpretation of the classic novel. Meanwhile, Colin Farrell is preparing to reprise his role as Oz Cobb, better known as Penguin, in 'The Batman Part II,' following the success of his HBO Max spin-off series. Farrell was also attached to the DC project 'Sgt. Rock,' but that film was shelved last year.
As the film continues to climb Netflix’s charts, its mixed legacy is being re-examined by a new wave of viewers, even as its stars move on to fresh opportunities.