Faraway Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A burnt-out German restaurateur inherits a Croatian island house, only to find a grumpy local squatting there, leading to a battle of wills that somehow involves burned Spanx and red balloons.

🍿 Faraway: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Life Unraveling in Munich

Zeynep Altin, a restaurant owner in Munich, finds herself at a breaking point, feeling overworked and unappreciated by her husband, daughter, and aging father. Her mother’s funeral becomes a catalyst for her growing disillusionment, particularly when her husband, Ilyas, fails to show up, revealing his infidelity with a junior chef. This series of events pushes Zeynep to a critical decision point. Adding to the day’s chaos, Zeynep discovers her recently deceased mother secretly bought a house on a Croatian island, leaving it to her. Overwhelmed by her crumbling home life and seeking an escape, Zeynep makes an impulsive decision to abandon her responsibilities in Germany and travel to this mysterious new property.

An Unexpected Occupant on the Island

Upon arriving late at night to the remote Cliff Cottage on the Croatian island, Zeynep collapses into bed, only to wake up to a shocking discovery: a man named Josip is already living there. Josip, a rugged islander, claims he has resided in the house for 45 years, having been allowed to stay rent-free by Zeynep’s mother until a new owner arrived. This immediate clash of expectations sets the stage for their tumultuous cohabitation. Zeynep, intent on selling or renting the house to fund her new, free life, proposes modernizing the rustic property and turning it into an Airbnb. Josip vehemently opposes these changes, fiercely protective of the house’s history and character. Their conflicting visions lead to a series of humorous and stubborn disputes, including Josip cancelling her orders for new appliances and claiming half the property’s land is his.

From Antagonism to Unlikely Connection

Despite their initial animosity and petty acts of revenge, Zeynep and Josip gradually begin to open up to each other. Through shared moments on the island, from Zeynep’s drunken serenade of ’99 Balloons’ to Josip’s caring gestures, a reluctant bond forms. They share personal stories: Zeynep confides in Josip about her family’s dismissive treatment, while Josip reveals the tragic loss of his wife and brother. Their evolving connection is tested when a local property dealer, Conrad, informs Zeynep of an offer for the house. This prompts Zeynep to call Ilyas, who confirms his love for his junior chef, definitively ending their marriage. In a moment of heartbreak, Josip impulsively throws Zeynep’s phone into the sea, an act of misguided comfort that deeply upsets her.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Zeynep Altin (Naomi Krauss): The overworked and unappreciated protagonist who escapes to a Croatian island to find peace and self-discovery after a family crisis.
• Josip Cega (Goran Bogdan): A gruff but caring islander who has been living on Zeynep’s inherited property and helps her embrace a simpler, more authentic life.
• Ilyas Altin (Adnan Maral): Zeynep’s self-absorbed husband who takes her for granted and whose infidelity prompts her impulsive escape to Croatia.
• Fia Altin (Bahar Balci): Zeynep’s initially condescending and demanding daughter who later reconciles with her mother amidst the island’s unique setting.
• Conrad (Artjom Gilz): The young and eager property dealer on the island who advises Zeynep and briefly becomes a romantic rival to Josip.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Josip: “That’s a ridiculous garment.” – Said to Zeynep when he discovers and then burns her Spanx, marking a pivotal moment of comfort and acceptance between them.
• Zeynep: “I want more light!” – Exclaimed by Zeynep as she impulsively breaks down a wall in the house, symbolizing her desire for freedom and shedding her old life.
• Katalina (via letter): “Be free and happy and completely yourself.” – These words from her deceased mother’s letter serve as a profound realization for Zeynep about her true desires and happiness.
• Josip: “They are as good as dead.” – Josip’s humorous and cynical explanation for why he tells people his brother and former wife are dead, despite them being alive, highlighting his quirky personality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Not Disclosed
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Faraway Reviews

Personal Review

Oh my goodness, ‘Faraway’ was exactly the movie I needed! From the moment Zeynep threw caution to the wind and escaped her chaotic life, I was hooked. I absolutely loved how real and relatable she was, flaws and all, and seeing her shed the ‘Spanx’ of expectation was such a powerful moment. The chemistry between Zeynep and Josip was just electrifying – their grumpy banter and unexpected tenderness made me smile constantly. And seriously, that Croatian scenery? It’s so beautiful, it practically transported me there. It’s a truly heartwarming story about finding yourself, even if it’s ‘far away’ from everything you once knew. I’m definitely going to watch it again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of feel-good romantic dramas”
  • “Audiences interested in stories of self-discovery and second chances”
  • “Viewers who appreciate beautiful European scenery (especially Croatia)”
  • “Those looking for a mature love story with relatable characters”
  • “People who enjoyed films like ‘Shirley Valentine’ or ‘Mama Mia'”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief nudity (female topless nudity)”
  • “Infidelity themes”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Mature themes (marriage breakdown, grief)”

Professional Reviews

• Global Cinema Review: “‘Faraway’ is a delightful escape, set against the breathtaking backdrop of a Croatian island. Naomi Krauss delivers an authentic and relatable performance as Zeynep, a woman finding herself amidst mid-life chaos. The film beautifully balances humor with heartfelt moments, creating a refreshing take on self-discovery and second chances that feels genuinely earned and thoroughly enjoyable.
• Indie Film Journal: “While its ‘Shirley Valentine’ inspired premise might feel familiar, ‘Faraway’ distinguishes itself with compelling chemistry between its mature leads. Goran Bogdan’s Josip provides a charming foil to Krauss’s journey, making even the most predictable plot turns feel warm and engaging. It’s a feel-good narrative that leans heavily on its picturesque setting and authentic character work.
• Modern Movie Critic: “This film offers a much-needed breath of fresh air in the romance genre by featuring a realistic, middle-aged protagonist. ‘Faraway’ excels in its nuanced portrayal of Zeynep’s liberation and the complexities of finding joy outside societal expectations. Despite a few clichéd elements, the film’s multilingual charm and stunning visuals make it a compelling watch for anyone seeking a more grounded, relatable love story.

Audience Reactions

Viewers universally praised the stunning Croatian scenery and the refreshing portrayal of mature, relatable protagonists.: Many felt it was an uplifting ‘feel-good’ movie that resonated with anyone feeling overworked or unappreciated, highlighting themes of self-discovery and second chances without relying on Hollywood stereotypes.

The natural chemistry between Naomi Krauss and Goran Bogdan was a major highlight, making their grumpy-meets-graceful dynamic truly entertaining.: Audiences loved the authentic, multicultural dialogue and the humorous, down-to-earth tone, appreciating a romance that felt genuine and less formulaic than typical rom-coms.

Overall Consensus: Faraway is largely praised as a charming, feel-good romantic drama that offers a refreshing, authentic take on self-discovery and mature love, elevated by beautiful scenery and strong lead performances, despite some predictable plot points.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film directly references “The Red Balloon,” a classic 1956 French short film, when Josip speaks of it.”
• “A conscious casting decision was made to feature realistic, middle-aged actors for the lead roles, avoiding Hollywood stereotypes, which was highlighted by many viewers as a refreshing and relatable aspect.”
• “The production embraced the multilingual reality of its setting, incorporating German, Turkish, Croatian, and English dialogue, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of the characters.”
• “The song “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine is prominently featured in the soundtrack, becoming a key musical motif for Zeynep’s journey of liberation and new beginnings.”

🖥️ How to Watch Faraway?

The German romantic drama ‘Faraway’ is available to stream exclusively on Netflix, where it premiered as a Netflix original film. Subscribers can watch it as part of their membership. For those without a Netflix subscription, the film is not currently available for purchase or rental on major platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, or YouTube. Keep an eye on these platforms for future availability, though Netflix typically retains exclusive streaming rights for its originals.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Faraway, you might like these similar films:

• Shirley Valentine (1989): A British woman feels unfulfilled in her life and marriage, impulsively takes a trip to Greece, and rediscovers herself and love, strikingly similar to Zeynep’s journey to Croatia.
• Under the Tuscan Sun (2003): A recently divorced American writer buys a villa in Tuscany on a whim to rebuild her life, finding unexpected love and community in a beautiful European setting, much like Zeynep’s escape.
• Eat Pray Love (2010): A woman embarks on a journey of self-discovery across Italy, India, and Bali after a personal crisis, seeking fulfillment and inner peace, mirroring Zeynep’s quest for herself.
• The Good House (2021): Features a mature female lead re-examining her life and relationships while dealing with personal struggles in a specific setting, appealing to a similar audience interested in later-in-life self-discovery.
• Mamma Mia! (2008): A vibrant musical set on a picturesque Greek island, featuring a strong female lead navigating relationships and family, offering a similar feel-good atmosphere and stunning Mediterranean scenery.

🛒 Faraway Related Products

• Croatia Travel Guide: Lonely Planet: An essential guide to exploring Croatia’s stunning coastlines, hidden islands, and charming villages. Features detailed maps, cultural insights, and recommendations for food and accommodation.
• Florence + The Machine – Lungs (Vinyl LP): The debut studio album from Florence + The Machine, featuring the iconic track ‘Dog Days Are Over,’ a pivotal song in the movie’s soundtrack that symbolizes liberation and new beginnings.
• Mediterranean Cooking Cookbook: Authentic Recipes: A comprehensive cookbook featuring traditional Mediterranean recipes that capture the flavors and spirit of the region, perfect for recreating the rustic, island-inspired meals seen in the film.
• Faraway (Netflix Film) – Official Blu-ray Collector’s Edition: Experience the film in stunning high definition with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and a director’s commentary, offering deeper insights into its creation.

🎧 Soundtrack

Faraway features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dog Days Are Over” – performed by Florence + The Machine

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Avenged Sevenfold – So Far Away [Official Music Video]

Hey, if you’re watching the ‘So Far Away’ documentary, you absolutely have to see the official music video for the song itself! It’s such a powerful and emotional tribute to The Rev, and you can really feel the band’s heartfelt connection – I think it truly sets the tone for the film.

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