I’m a sucker for a good romance drama, and The Lucky One was at the top of my watch list. Knowing it was one of Nicholas Sparks’ works (think The Notebook or Dear John), I expected romance and tragedy. I rarely cry during films, but this one got me.
What The Lucky One Is All About?
The Lucky One follows the story of Logan Thibault (played by Zac Efron), a Marine who finds a photo of a woman while serving in Iraq, which ultimately saves his life.
After he makes it back home, struggling with PTSD and trying to adjust to civilian life, Logan becomes convinced that the woman in the picture was somehow his good luck charm.
He then makes it his mission to find her.
His search leads him to Colorado, where he meets Beth (Taylor Schilling), who runs a dog kennel with her grandmother.
Beth’s dealing with her own grief after losing her brother in combat, and she’s stuck co-parenting her son Ben with a controlling ex-husband, Keith.
Logan starts working at the kennel, but he doesn’t tell Beth why he really came.
The pair end up growing closer, secrets start to surface, but things between them become complicated.
This movie is ultimately about fate, healing, and how people come into our lives when they least expect it.
Is The Lucky One Worth Watching?
It depends on what you’re in the mood for.
If you’re looking for a believable, slow-burn romance… this might fall a little short. I found the relationship between Logan and Beth felt a bit rushed.
But if you want a story about war, and ultimately how it can change a person’s perception of life and a woman’s story about grief, then this could be the choice for you.
Beth’s character, in general, was a bit frustrating at times.
She bends over backwards to keep things civil with her ex, even when it’s clear he’s toxic, and it’s hard to watch her constantly trying to keep the peace, especially when her son is involved. I kept wanting her to just stand up for herself more.
However, the film is still an emotional one.
There are strong themes of grief, sacrifice, and finding purpose after trauma.. Logan’s journey, especially as someone dealing with PTSD, was moving and thoughtfully done.
If you’re into romantic dramas that offer more than just the usual love story, The Lucky One might be worth a shot. It’s not perfect, but its definitely worth a watch, especially for fans of The Notebook.
Rating
Where you’ve seen Zac Efron…Efron is an American actor who first became a household name with his role as Troy Bolton in the High School Musical series.
However, he has taken on a number of roles since, from comedies like Neighbors and Baywatch to dramas in films like The Lucky One and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (where he played Ted Bundy).
He has also previously shown off his fitness and adventurous side on his Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron.
Where you’ve seen Taylor Schilling…Schilling is an American actress best known for her breakout role as Piper Chapman in the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black, which ran from 2013 to 2019.
Her performance as a suburban woman thrown into the chaos of a women’s prison earned her widespread acclaim.
Beyond OITNB, she’s appeared in films like The Lucky One and The Titan, and has taken on roles in projects like The Post and Medical Police.