Lonely Planet: release date, cast, plot, trailer and everything we know

Lonely Planet stars Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth together in Morocco
(Image credit: Netflix)

Lonely Planet is a new romantic movie coming to Netflix starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth.

If you're into romantic stories, then this promises to be one of the best Netflix movies of the year and it seems like a great pairing.

Despite the title, it appears to have nothing to do with the Lonely Planet travel guide books although it does have a lovely setting in Morocco! It's written and directed by Susannah Grant (Unbelievable, Confirmation, Erin Brockovich, Catch & Release, The Soloist).

Dern, speaking Good Morning America, said: "I was really moved by a story that is about feeling seen for the first time in your life, wherever you are at in your life. I think the film is about true connection and now to find oneself amidst a love story."

Talking about his character Owen, Hemsworth said: "I think he's the most sensitive character I've ever played. The premise of the film is about finding someone who sees you for who you are and supports you and brings out the best in you."

He added that he had an "instant connection" when he first met Laura. "Doing this film with her was really easy. We were on the same page about a lot of stuff." 

Apparently, there's a scene in the film where Owen feeds Katherine (Dern) olives and it took 87 takes meaning she ate 87 olives! That’s a lot of olives!!

Here's everything we know…

Lonely Planet release date

Lonely Planet stars Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth

(Image credit: Netflix)

Lonely Planet is released on Netflix on Friday, October 11, 2024.

What's the plot?

A novelist (Dern) heads to a beautiful and prestigious writing retreat in Morocco. She's suffering from writer's block and hoping the charming setting will unleash her writing talent once more. She's after a quiet time and doesn't want to spend time with everyone else. But, hang on, she's about to be distracted by a handsome young man (Liam Hemsworth). According to Netflix the pair then embark on an "intoxicating, life-altering love affair". 

Dern says about her character: "Katherine has spent her life dedicated to narrative and therefore [hasn't spent] much time looking at deep truth within. She is at a turning point in her life where she is looking for a softening and deeper understanding, and she finds it in a love story."

But it's not all plain sailing and simple for the pair as Liam's character has a girlfriend! We know from the trailer (below) that she's not that nice, though, as she mocks him for not being a writer and only reading Sports Illustrated. Presumably, this is so we don't hate him for cheating on her!

There's an age gap between the characters but it's not clear how much the plot will go into that.

Who's in the cast?

As mentioned, it stars Oscar winner Laura Dern (Jurassic World: Dominion, The Son, Little Women, Marriage Story) and Liam Hemsworth (Poker Face, Isn't It Romantic, Arkansas, The Hunger Games). Diana Silvers (Booksmart) and Ben Youcef (SEAL Team) are also among the cast.

Is there a trailer?

Yes and if nothing else you will probably want to go on holiday to Morocco after watching it...

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David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.

Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 

David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.

Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!