“The Map That Leads to You” has many of the makings to be a memorable romantic comedy.
The Amazon Prime Video movie’s lead stars – Madelyn Cline and New Zealand actor KJ Apa – are emerging talents with this production being the biggest of their careers so far.
However, their lack of chemistry sees them fail to deliver convincing performances of two young lovers from different parts of the world who risk it all to live happily ever after.
Their love story also takes place in picturesque Europe, but not even these splendid settings of historical architecture, crystal clear ocean waters and vibrant city life could save this bland production.
“The Map That Leads to You”, directed by Lasse Hallström, is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Joseph Monninger.
It kicks off with an opening scene of a sombre Heather (Cline) looking out a window as preparation for an event is taking place.
While everyone else seems thrilled about the upcoming festivities, Heather looks devastated, although she tries to hide it from her friends, who are concerned about her hiding in the room.
The movie then flashes back to eight months prior, where a much more optimistic Heather is rushing to catch a train with her friends, Amy (Madison Thompson) and Connie (Sofia Wylie).
We learn that the trio is embarking on a European adventure – each for different reasons.
Heather is about to begin a banking job in New York and desires to see the sights of Spain before she begins this new chapter in her life.
Meanwhile, Connie is looking to enjoy a gastronomical adventure, while Amy is trying to use the trip to get over her cheating ex-boyfriend.
As they settle in, the group meets Jack (Apa), who, after making a comical entrance, chats with Heather.
After exchanging banter, she is fascinated as he explains that his journey involves him following the diary of his great-grandfather, who was stationed in Europe after World War II.
Their connection, solidified by their love of books, sees them partying it up in Spain and enjoying a romantic and spontaneous night alone together.
Meanwhile, an expected bundle of cash sees them travelling around Spain as their connection continues to strengthen.
After a few days together, the pair are smitten with each other.
Heather, an A-type go-getter and meticulous planner, is intrigued by Jack’s ability to live in the moment.
Having lived by the rules her entire life, Heather decides to extend her trip and journey to more places in Europe with Jack as he attempts to honour his memory.
They spend the next few days touring the Guggenheim Museum, watching the running of the bulls in Pamplona and visiting the Livraria Lello in Porto.
However, by the time they make it to Rome, Heather tells Jack that she is in love with him and that she wants a future together.
But Jack reminds her that he is only able to live in the moment and after arguing, he agrees to move to New York with her.
Madelyn Cline in a scene from ‘The Map That Leads to You’.
But Heather is devastated when Jack fails to make it to the airport, leaving her heartbroken and confused about what could have caused him to disappear.
She starts her new life in the Big Apple, but is still haunted by Jack and what could have led him to ghost her after their magical European adventure.
The reason for Jack’s behaviour is a tragic one, but this storyline was just hinted at during the movie, before leading the story at the very end, leaving no room for it to grow.
I get the shock factor of it all, but this gives viewers no time to digest such a vital part of the story, which just then comes to a dramatic end.
Fans of Cline are left disappointed by her performance, expecting this movie to leap her into a new level of stardom following appearances on “Outer Banks”, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”
This could also be said for Apa, who, after playing Archie Andrews on “Riverdale”, failed to leave a lasting impression as a leading man.
They both failed to deliver a swoon-worthy performance, a vital aspect for a romantic drama to succeed.
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