Fountain of Youth (2025), directed by Guy Ritchie and streaming on Apple TV+, is an ambitious action-adventure film that blends elements of classical mythology, family drama, and high-stakes mystery. The story centers around Luke Purdue (played by John Krasinski) and his sister Charlotte (Natalie Portman), estranged siblings brought together by their late father’s final wish — to complete his life’s work: the search for the mythical Fountain of Youth. The journey takes them across continents as they unravel riddles hidden within famous works of art and ancient symbols, reminiscent of National Treasure or The Da Vinci Code.
On the surface, the film appears to have all the ingredients for a thrilling, modern-day treasure hunt — exotic locations, cryptic clues, stylish action, and a dash of philosophical undertone about aging and legacy. Visually, it delivers with polished cinematography, slick editing, and high production values. Ritchie brings his signature flair to some of the sequences, with kinetic camera movements and a fast-paced rhythm that tries to keep the momentum going.
However, underneath this polished exterior lies a narrative that never quite taps into its emotional or thematic potential. Despite its epic setup and the promise of a deeper story about time, mortality, and familial reconciliation, Fountain of Youth struggles to rise above the clichés of its genre. The plot feels overly familiar, the characters underdeveloped, and the dialogue often falls into expository-heavy exchanges that tell rather than show.
Rather than a gripping journey filled with surprises, the film comes across more like a puzzle with pieces we’ve seen before — entertaining in bursts, but lacking the emotional weight or originality that could have made it stand out.
Highlights
- Second-Screen Entertainment: Seitz describes the film as exemplary of “second-screen entertainment,” suggesting it’s designed for viewers who are only half-paying attention, perhaps multitasking on another device.
- Expository Dialogue: The script is laden with characters explicitly stating plot points and backstories, leading to a viewing experience that feels more like a narrated summary than an engaging story.
- Character Development: Krasinski’s portrayal of Luke lacks the necessary charm and complexity, while Portman’s Charlotte is underwritten, leaving her with limited material to work with.
- Action Sequences: While Ritchie’s direction includes stylish elements, the action scenes are criticized for being repetitive and lacking innovation, failing to elevate the film beyond mediocrity.
- Overall Execution: The film is seen as a collection of familiar tropes and set pieces, assembled without a compelling narrative or emotional resonance, resulting in a forgettable viewing experience.
