Beautiful World Where Are You Movie Overview
The film Beautiful World Where Are You is a 2021 Irish romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Sally Rooney and adapted from her novel of the same name. It was produced by Element Pictures and distributed by Searchlight Pictures, with principal photography taking place in Ireland and Croatia. The movie premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2022 and received a limited theatrical release before expanding to digital platforms and streaming services in early 2023. The runtime is approximately 104 minutes, and the film is rated R for language and some sexual content.
The cast features Daisy Edgar-Jones as Alice, a rising novelist, and Paul Mescal as Felix, a warehouse worker who becomes her love interest. The ensemble also includes Joe Alwyn as Felix's brother, and Andrew Scott as Eileen, Alice's longtime friend. The screenplay adapts Rooney's epistolary novel, which explored themes of class, art, and intimacy through email exchanges between the two female protagonists.
Plot, Themes, and Production Details
The story follows Alice and Felix as their relationship develops against the backdrop of contemporary Dublin and a coastal Croatian setting. Alice's correspondence with Eileen provides a parallel narrative about work, politics, and desire, while Felix grapples with his own insecurities and ambitions. The film examines how class differences and personal insecurities shape romantic connections, using the novel's email format to weave together multiple perspectives.
Production was led by Element Pictures, with Cecilia Dazzi and Andrew Lowe serving as producers. The cinematography was handled by Andrew Droz Palermo, and the score was composed by Stephen Rennicks. The film's visual style emphasizes naturalistic lighting and long takes, reflecting Rooney's literary focus on interiority and observation. Searchlight Pictures acquired the distribution rights, and the film was released theatrically in select markets before its streaming debut.
Reception, Box Office, and Where to Watch
Beautiful World Where Are You received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances of Edgar-Jones and Mescal and criticism for its pacing and adaptation choices. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score in the mid-40s percent range based on critic reviews, while audience scores are slightly higher. The movie earned modest box office returns, grossing a total in the low millions of dollars worldwide, and was considered a niche arthouse release rather than a commercial blockbuster.
As of the latest data, the film is available for digital rental and purchase on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. It can also be streamed on subscription services where Searchlight Pictures titles are licensed, and it remains accessible through major digital storefronts. For current availability and pricing, check the film's official listing on the Searchlight Pictures website or a trusted digital storefront like Amazon or Apple TV.