Since “Eat, Pray, Love” hit the big screens in 2010, audiences have been captivated by stories of self-discovery trips that lead to profound life changes. Netflix understands this well and has released its own take on the theme with “Lonely Planet,” starring A-listers Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth, poised to be one of the biggest hits of the second half of 2024.
The picture centers on a novelist who heads to a writer’s retreat in Morocco, hoping the remote setting will help her overcome the creative block preventing her from finishing her novel. There, she meets a young man, sparking a life-changing love affair that delves into intellectually charged connections within the world of literature.
The story is so heartfelt and relatable that it resonates deeply with viewers, who are already wondering if it’s based on a true story. Learn what director Susannah Grant stated on the topic.
‘Lonely Planet’ on Netflix: Fact or fiction?
Although Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth’s characters may feel relatable, they are not based on real people or a specific true story. However, the creator of “Lonely Planet” crafted the narrative around deeply human qualities and universal themes. As she explained to Tudum:
“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. In both content and process, it 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.
There is, however, a piece of truth within the story. Writers’ retreats, like the one depicted in the prodcution, are very real, with many people attending them year after year. For instance, the website BookRetreats offers various options, from a 9-day personalized writer’s retreat in Montbernard, France, to a 4-day Writing and Wellness Retreat in Riverside New Hope, U.S.
Additionally, Morocco is a well-known destination for those seeking self-discovery, which adds another layer of authenticity to the movie’s fictional narrative. While the love story isn’t based on real events or inspired by a famous couple, “Lonely Planet” tackles plausible themes, such as the creative liberation found in writers’ retreats and the life-changing impact of travel.