Leighton Meester Takes on a Mysterious Role in "The Weekend Away"
Many fans of Gossip Girl will remember Leighton Meester as the glamorous and cunning Blair Waldorf. However, in Netflix’s The Weekend Away, she trades her signature high-society drama for a gripping mystery. The film, which first premiered on Netflix in 2022, places Meester in the lead role of Beth, a mother on a weekend getaway that quickly turns chaotic when her best friend, Kate, goes missing.
Overview of the Film
The Weekend Away is adapted from Sarah Alderson’s novel and features a stunning backdrop of Split, Croatia, a picturesque locale that initially seems perfect for a relaxing escape. However, the plot delves into darker undertones as Beth finds herself on a frantic search for her friend, challenging both her resolve and her understanding of those around her.
The Plot Unfolds
The story kicks off with Beth, played by Meester, arriving in Croatia for a break with long-time friend Kate, portrayed by Christina Wolfe. An evening of clubbing leads to a whirlwind adventure filled with excitement and unexpected choices, including Kate’s suggestion that Beth have a one-night stand after she opens up about the struggles in her marriage.
However, the night takes a chilling turn. Upon waking, Beth discovers her friend is missing, and her memories of the previous evening are hazy. As she begins to investigate, with assistance from a taxi driver played by Ziad Bakri, the mystery deepens. It emerges that the pair they spent the night with were not who they appeared to be, but rather hired escorts with a history of deceit.
Viewer Reactions
Despite the intriguing premise and Meester’s performance, viewer reception has been mixed. Some reviews on Rotten Tomatoes have been particularly harsh, with one calling the movie “absolutely horrible,” critiquing the acting and labeling the script as predictable. Another review expressed frustration over the film’s lack of cohesion, stating, “everything felt jumbled and full of loose ends.”
Yet, not all feedback has been negative. Some viewers appreciated the twists and turns, noting that the film presented plenty of surprises. Comments such as “Leighton Meester shines, as does Croatia” highlight that while the narrative may falter, the performances and setting resonate with some audience members.
Critical Points
While the film attracted significant interest upon its release, racking up nearly 80 million hours of watch time, many viewers felt it did not meet expectations. Critics noted “decent acting” from Meester but described the overall experience as "average," with comments about the film’s pacing and character development suggesting that it lacked the depth typically found in compelling thrillers.
The Ambivalent Nature of Thrillers
The Weekend Away illustrates the complexity of the thriller genre. With features of suspense and unexpected developments, it attempts to keep audiences engaged. However, the thinly-sketched characters and pacing issues have led to a polarized reception. As some viewers are drawn in by the chilling narrative and picturesque Croatian backdrop, others remain disappointed by what they see as shortcomings in the storytelling.
For those curious about whether this film lives up to its thrilling promise, The Weekend Away is available for streaming on Netflix, inviting audiences to form their own opinions on this mix of friendship, mystery, and unexpected consequences.
