https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18747542/
I watched Faraway (2023) a few days ago. I accidentally saw it as I was searching on Netflix, and at that point I had just taken a break from a really stressful time, so it actually clicked right at me.
When I picked it out, I didn’t know much about it, but something about the cover and the promise of travel and simplicity just felt right. I needed something that wasn’t loud or flashy, it turned out that Faraway delivered exactly what I needed at that moment.
This is a story about pause, breath, rediscovery, finding beauty in life.
The story?
Zeynep is unhappy. That's why she flees to a Croatian island, where her deceased mother bought a house long ago. She hopes to find peace and relaxation finally - but she hasn't reckoned with Josip, who still lives on the property.
Well, listen to this .. Zeynep is Turkish, but her mother is from Croatia (where she returns at some point) and before that, lives with her family (happily?) in Germany
Here’s the simple question the movie asks without ever saying it outright: What if you actually allow yourself to reset and recharge and .. relive?
That’s the quiet idea behind Faraway: a woman who feels weighed down by a variety of things and at some point comes an actual reason for the revelating impulse, to travel to a place she’s never been before, but going there everything feels so familiar..
She lets life unfold, slowly and gently. What happens isn’t magical fireworks. It’s smaller, softer, but real.
The movie has many elements Quirky (?) Comedy, Drama with some Romance too
The film doesn’t try to be perfect in a classic Hollywood sense. The characters feel real adults with lives and histories, feelings.
Naomi Krauss stars as Zeynep, the lead actor. a woman in her middle years who, after years of family responsibilities and emotional exhaustion, chooses her own journey.
Goran Bogdan plays Josip, a man she meets in Croatia. Their chemistry isn’t explosive, but it’s honest and quietly moving. Two different people from different backgrounds, gently figuring each other out - but perhaps in the end, finding themselves.
This grounded portrayal — including characters who look and live like real humans rather than movie superheroes — makes the story feel sincere and refreshing.
The imdb rating is 6.7 and in my opinion, it definitely is worth between 6-7/10
Did this remind you of 6 -7 ? hahaha
So, Should You Watch It?
Yes, if you want a feel-good story without drama overload, with realistic characters and wish to enjoy stunning Croatian sceneries (I think that previous HiveFest took place in Croatia?)
This movie is a gentle reminder that life can still surprise and soften us
If you prefer fast action, thrilling movies with lots of plot twists, played by famous actors and more cinematic approach - then maybe leave it for now ...
But if what you want is a breath, a sigh, a soft smile, Faraway might just be a good choice. 💛
If you have watched or plan to watch it, please let me know!!!