The undeniable chemistry between Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie shines brightly in Kogonada’s romantic fantasy A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, set to hit theaters on September 19. The film follows their characters Sarah and David, two strangers who embark on a surreal adventure that takes them back in time to revisit defining moments from their childhoods through a mysterious car rental and a guiding GPS.
Farrell and Robbie’s dynamic is central to the movie’s emotional core, blending intense moments with a light, magical tone despite exploring themes of grief and loss.
The Story Behind the Characters’ Time-Traveling Exploration
In the film, Sarah and David meet when they rent cars from an enigmatic agency. Following instructions from a talking GPS, they journey through a series of doorways leading them back to their youth, reliving memories that have shaped their adult lives. This premise allows the film to touch on both painful memories and moments of healing, all wrapped in a romantic and fantastical atmosphere.
Actors Discuss Their Rapport and Mutual Admiration
Robbie expressed that she initially suspected she and Farrell would have strong chemistry, though such connections only become clear during actual performances.
“I suspected we would have chemistry, but you never know until you’re actually acting,”
she said, adding,
“But I had a suspicion it would work.”
Farrell praised Robbie warmly, describing what he heard about her from colleagues before filming:
“I’ve heard the most extraordinary things about [Robbie] through the years from the people that have worked with you both in front of and behind the camera,”
he said.
“They said she’s a mensch…She’s the loveliest person, she’s fun. She’s obviously a brilliant actress, but they didn’t say that because that is stating the obvious, and the other stuff I didn’t know, and all of it was very true and then some. It was a joy every day to be on the set with her. She’s so smart, she’s so brilliant, but she’s just kind and fun.”
Robbie also conducted her own informal background check on Farrell through some of her close friends on set, sharing,
“A lot of my closest girlfriends are crew members…Two of my closest girlfriends worked with you on ‘Fantastic Beasts.’ They were ADs,”
and they
“were always like, ‘He’s the best, the kindest.’ They just spoke so highly of you.”
Balancing Darkness and Light Throughout the Film
While the characters revisit challenging memories marked by sorrow and trauma, the actors emphasized that the movie carries a surprisingly light feeling. Robbie explained,
“Even though it’s got a lot of darker things, it was a very light film. Everything felt very light,”
adding,
“It’s magical, it’s beautiful, and it’s romantic, and it does deal with real-life things, [but] it felt like we were in a golden bubble every day, and I was dreading it ending. That was the only negative thing — I was scared of it ending.”
Farrell echoed this outlook, stating,
“It deals with grief and loss and sorrow and loneliness and all these very human things that we all contend with, but I’ve never used the word darkness in relation to this film. No. There’s no darkness in it. Those things in and of themselves aren’t dark. They may be painful, but they’re not dark experiences.”
Insights on Margot Robbie’s Iconic Role as Harley Quinn
During the interview, the actors touched on Margot Robbie’s celebrated role as Harley Quinn in the DC Universe. Following James Gunn‘s recent hint at Robbie potentially returning as Harley, Robbie clarified she had not yet been approached about future DC projects, saying, “I’ve heard nothing.”
Asked if she ever tires of playing Harley, Robbie shared heartfelt enthusiasm:
“Never. You can’t get sick of Harley. I love her so deeply. I always had high hopes for her like Batman. A character that loves on long after I’ve had a go at it.”
She also expressed a desire to see other actors portray Harley, adding,
“I feel like I need to share Harley.”
The Potential for a Harley Quinn and Penguin Crossover
Given Farrell’s acclaimed portrayal of the Penguin in The Batman and the upcoming The Batman sequel, the possibility of a crossover with Robbie’s Harley Quinn was discussed playfully. Robbie laughed,
“You’ll have to ask James Gunn,”
when the idea was proposed.
Farrell asked, “How would that work?” to which Robbie responded with a single word: “Hot!” Farrell countered,
“That is not the word that would come to mind,”
leading Robbie to describe such a pairing as “a demented couple.”
Background on the Villain Roles and Current Projects
Robbie also shared that the Penguin was originally intended to appear as a villain in Harley’s Birds of Prey, but director Matt Reeves requested he not be included as he reserved the character for The Batman. Farrell, having originated the role of Penguin in the 2022 film, reprised his role in the related TV series and will return for the upcoming movie sequel.
Why This Collaboration Matters
The palpable Colin Farrell Margot Robbie chemistry elevates A Big Bold Beautiful Journey beyond a conventional romantic fantasy, offering audiences a layered experience that balances emotional depth with a fairy-tale quality. Their blend of warmth and nuance brings authenticity to themes like grief and transformation, while their real-life rapport adds a compelling dimension to the story.
As both actors continue to juggle major projects—especially within the DC universe—this film is positioned as a captivating addition that spotlights their versatile talents and on-screen compatibility, suggesting promising future collaborations.
