honeymoon movie review 2022

• Action/Adventure
• Children's/Family
• Documentary/Reality
• Amazon Prime Video

More From Decider

Sydney Sweeney Sings “Unwritten” Into Glen Powell’s Butt in Iconic...

Holly Madison Calls Bob Guccione A "Horrible Person" For Publishing...

'9-1-1's Oliver Stark Says Season 7 Fan Response Is "A Beautiful Reminder"...

'Deal Or No Deal Island' Star Rob Mariano Says There's "No Masterminds" In...

Jennifer Lopez Sets The Record Straight On 'The View' After Alyssa Farah...

Bill Maher Compares Nickelodeon To Neverland Ranch After Watching 'Quiet...

Woody Allen in Exile: 'Coup De Chance' Finally Arrives On Streaming, Where...

Donald Trump Once Invited 'The View's Joy Behar To Be On 'The Apprentice'...

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to copy URL

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Honeymoon’ on Hulu, a Generic Comedy That Squanders Maria Bakalova’s Talent

Where to stream:.

• The Honeymoon (2022)
• Maria Bakalova

What Movie Should I Watch Tonight? ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ Now on Netflix

Stream it or skip it: ‘bodies bodies bodies’ on netflix, a bloody, hilarious satire that slashes the youth generation to ribbons, ‘bodies bodies bodies’ ending explained: who is the killer, ‘bodies bodies bodies’ on netflix: a perfect horror movie about secretly hating your friends.

The Honeymoon ( now on Hulu ) is notable not for its generic title, or for being written and directed by the guy who wrote two Death at a Funeral s, three years apart (namely, rom-com vet Dean Craig). No, it’s notable for giving Maria Bakalova – Oscar nominee for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and generator of significant comedy in the damn terrific Bodies Bodies Bodies – a second-fiddle role behind a couple of dudes, and therefore not nearly enough to do. Beyond that, the film is a thing that fulfills one’s expectations for a lightweight comedy, and nothing more, which isn’t exactly a crime, especially if it makes us laugh, which it comes precariously close to doing on occasion. Whether that’s enough to warrant a recommendation… well, let’s get into that now, shall we?  

THE HONEYMOON : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: Bav (dude no. 1, Asim Chaudhry) is nervous, and it’s not even his wedding. But he is the best man, standing next to his forever bud Adam (dude no. 2, Pico Alexander), which, with the ring and the speech and the hey-bro-are-you-sure-you-wanna-get-married-and-let-her-take-you-away-from-me guilt, is enough to stir up the ol’ anxiety. Adam is cool as a cucumber taped to the other side of the pillow, until Bav drops the ring into the lake mid-ceremony and gives an awkward and embarrassing best-man speech. This, you may notice, is stuff that doesn’t usually occur in Wedding Movies until the third act, but here we are in the first act, because the movie isn’t about the wedding, but what comes after the wedding. It’s right there in the title. And suffice to say, the hey-bro-are-you-sure-you-wanna-get-married-and-let-her-take-you-away-from-me guilt is a key plot element, because Bav ends up going to Venice along with Adam and Sarah (Bakalova), cluelessly cramping breakfast and bedtime and all points between. Sigh, I say. Sigh.

Here’s the thing. Bav and Adam have been “the Inseparables” since they were tots, although there was a period of time where Adam moved to America with his parents, leaving Bav alone with his whatevers. You know, his insecurities and peccadilloes and the like. Bav implies that he might just off himself while Adam and Sarah are off doing newlywed stuff – taking in lovely sights, putting tab A into slot B, etc. – and Adam crumbles and invites him along. Guilt. It’s all guilt. And next thing you know, the third wheel is grossing everyone out by eating breakfast all sloppy and slurpy and gross like DeSantis at a pudding bar. And barging into their suite during lingerie time because he already destroyed his own toilet. And accidentally bearing witness to their kinky donkey-jester roleplay. He’s so obnoxious, he makes boors look like the Queen. 

When Adam and Sarah finally get out the crowbar and pry Bav away for an afternoon, he immediately befriends Giorgio (Lucas Bravo, Emily in Paris ), a gangster with money from here to Proxima Centauri and back. Here I’ll note that Sarah loves fine art and is an artist, two things that comprise the bare threads of her character, because these facts play into this next part here. Our protag trio ends up at Giorgio’s estate, where Sarah admires all his priceless art, which sits there precariously, just waiting for Bav to accidentally smash it. As the wise man once said: Uh oh, Spaghetti-Os. They’re in deep excrement now. And so Giorgio forces Adam and Bav to deliver a giant load of cocaine to Slovenia, keeping Sarah behind as collateral, and with the hope that she’s a fickle woman character from a 1950s farce who’s just waiting to be wooed away from her husband by a handsome rich guy. Hilarity ensues – in theory, at least.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: This is a classic mismatched-buddy comedy that swipes/references the fat-guy-in-a-little-coat bit from Tommy Boy and the those-aren’t-pillows bit from Planes Trains and Automobiles . And the gangster-tries-to-seduce-his-captive stuff emits enough of an eau de 365 Days that we nearly got on our knees to pray that the Bakalova character not be the idiot who falls for the dashing criminal.

Performance Worth Watching: The whateverness of the characters played by the two dudes gets far too much screen time, and we lean in hoping Young gives Bakalova at least one lonely single opportunity to do something inspired. But it doesn’t happen. 

Memorable Dialogue: Bakalova: “I didn’t even know a human could create a smell like that.” – Sarah reacts to one of the many odors Bav emits (see what I mean about the Bakalova conundrum?)

Sex and Skin: No skin, but Bakalova wears some lacy things when she saddles up to give Alexander the ol’ EO.

Our Take: The Honeymoon is a collection of thin characters and wacky-com crud recycled from dozens of movies before it. Young is a veteran of this stuff (his previous film was 2020’s similarly generic, slightly more charming Love Wedding Repeat ) who has yet to transcend genre limitations with his oeuvre of writing and directing projects – which is by no means a crime against the art of film, but the dearth of inspired laughs here is conspicuous. And not to beat the point to death, but Bakalova? Why would anyone hire someone of her comedy acumen to play what’s essentially a straight person role?

The movie just floats on by, setting up and executing predictable situations that seem impossible to escape, but you just know Bav and Adam somehow will wriggle out of them anyway. Young writes some diarrhea and pants-shitting and pissing-yourself jokes, concocts a break-up-and-make-up conflict for the central bromance, wheelbarrows in several loads of simple sentimental syrup and lands at a very rather quite dumb climactic confrontation that has no interest whatsoever in logic or reason. And here I sit, trying to recall moments that made my lips part so laughter could escape, and realizing there really weren’t any. There were a couple of really nice, postcard-y drone shots of Venice, though, so it could’ve been worse.

Our Call: The Honeymoon isn’t unwatchable, but neither is it particularly good. Faint praise, I know. SKIP IT. 

John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• Stream It Or Skip It

Does 'Yellowstone' Return Tonight? 'Yellowstone's Season 5, Part 2 Premiere Date Updates

'Deal Or No Deal Island' Star Rob Mariano Says There's "No Masterminds" In The Night Owls Alliance: "They're Just Birds"

'9-1-1's Oliver Stark Says Season 7 Fan Response Is "A Beautiful Reminder" Of The Show's Cultural Impact

Is 'One Chicago' Back Tonight? When Will 'Chicago Med,' 'Chicago Fire,' And 'Chicago P.D.' Return To NBC With New Episodes?

Whoopi Goldberg Confronts Her 'View' Co-Hosts After Nearly All Of Them Fail To Carry Out Guest J. Lo's Request: "How Come Y'all Weren't Dancing?" 

Is 'Grey's Anatomy' New Tonight? Here's When The Next Episode of 'Grey's Anatomy' Is On ABC And Hulu 

Review: The Honeymoon Movie

The Honeymoon tells the story of three best friends who jet off on an unexpected island holiday after one of them is left jilted by her fiancé the night before her wedding. Directed by Bianca Isaac and produced by Gregory Mthanji, starring Kajal Bagwandeen, Tumi Morake and Minnie Dlamini.

I was the first media guest to arrive at the exclusive screening of The Honeymoon at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg so I had a chance to mingle. I first met Nina Hastie who plays the character of Leslie, and she was MC’ing the media junket as well as the premiere.

shares on his Radio, TV and Fashion journey

The Director, Bianca Isaac, and producer, Gregory Mthanji were also present which gave us an opportunity to chat over mimosas and scrumptious treats ahead of the screening. Gregory and I discussed the movie in depth and he gave me a heads up with regard to the mild expletives.

This was an interesting talking point as we debated over whether using the ‘F’ word is still frowned upon in modern society. To be fair, the word occupies space in our minds rent free, making it’s way into conversations as we express our frustrations over minor inconveniences or even in moments of clarity and passion. It’s part of the culture, no?

“Personally, what are you expecting from the film?” He asked. Having seen a few local rom-coms in my lifetime, I honestly hadn’t given it much thought as they all pretty much have the same storyline. It was quite interesting to learn that the film is an action comedy and not a rom-com.

The location is definitely a stand-out feature in the film, “I look forward to the cinematography, seeing as the film was shot at such a beautiful location,” I said, hoping that Gregory would talk me through the art and visual storytelling but he seemed more interested in my take.

“Honestly, I’m hoping to see a true reflection of who we are as a people. Often with local comedy, it borders on caricature.” Gregory affirmed that the film captures the South African story aptly, and that it’s so relatable that it can be enjoyed by a global audience…he didn’t lie!

A few minutes into the movie, I felt myself drawn to the authenticity of the characters. Nina Simone’s character, Leslie eased us into the emotional roller coaster with her catchy phrase, “don’t be kak,” which has now taken on a life of it’s own.

The story centres around Kat and Vivaan’s relationship, played by Kajal Bagwandeen and Tasveer Maharaj. The two love-birds are due to get married and jet off to Zanzibar for their honeymoon but things go South the night before the wedding.

Kat’s pain is palpable as she struggles to come to terms with her new reality. Social media influencer Noks, played by Tumi Morake, drags Kat and married mother-of-two Lu (Minnie Dlamini) off to the dream holiday destination.

The scenic island becomes their playground as they live their best lives away from their responsibilities. The ladies try to hold Kat up while battling their own demons, and it seems mayhem is looming in the background. Lies and secrets find their way to the fore, threatening their friendship. But will they unravel?

The synergy shared by the three leading ladies on and off-screen is also worth noting, which prompted me to ask how it came about, at the media Q&A. The ladies shared that they’ve been friends for a while now, and as mothers they’ve shared some real and intimate moments on and off set.

This translates well on screen, and I have to commend the ladies for the sensitivity displayed towards their characters. Noks, Lu and Kat could be any woman in the room, and their stories transcend place and time. This is a story about friendship, sisterhood, family, love, loss, freedom, identity and truth.

The universal themes weave through the fibre of diverse communities and appeal to the core of humanity, prompting us to ask ourselves the hard questions. Are you living your truth? And most importantly, are you happy?

Head to a cinema near you and unpeel the layers with the characters who are on a quest to get to the truth of who they are. If the reality check elicits a passionate “oh fu*k!” This too, is real.

On that note… shout out to Bianca Isaac, Gregory Mthanji and the entire cast and crew of The Honeymoon. You left your hearts on the set of The Honeymoon, and I can’t wait for the world to lap up your magic. Thank you!

GQ Recommends

Internationally acclaimed comedian trevor noah to host prime video’s first south african original, nakhane drops an ‘existential sex’ album “bastard jargon” and we love it, 5 minutes with platinum selling producer & dj zandimaz.

Share this article:

You might also like

Zakes Bantwini’s Sikelela Festival a must attend this Freedom Day

GQ chats to renowned photographer, George Qua-Enoo

5 best pre-workout meals to get a killer pump at the gym

5 things that set the Kruger National Park reserve apart

Introducing multi-hyphenate YouTube sensation Korty EO: The Gen-Z storycatcher

The ins and outs of getting fibre internet connected to your home

Burpees: This is what you need to pay attention to with the fitness all-rounder

6 tips for a healthier you this health Month

The Honeymoon

Where to Watch

Pico Alexander (Adam) Asim Chaudhry (Bav) Flynn Allen (Adam 18 y.o.) Kai Portman (Lucas) Maria Bakalova (Sarah) Orsetta De Rossi (Sarah's Mother) Lucas Bravo (Giorgio) Marco Valerio Montesano (Rico) Michele Enrico Montesano (Luigi) Roberto Alinghieri (Police Officer)

Adam and his bride, Sarah are about to embark on the romantic honeymoon of a lifetime in Venice. But when the trip is gatecrashed by Adam's best friend, Ed, it inadvertently turns their perfect lovers' holiday into a complete disaster.

Recommendations

Advertisement

‘The Honeymoon’ Trailer Reveals a Raunchy Romantic Comedy Starring Maria Bakalova [Exclusive]

The movie is coming to theaters in just a couple of weeks.

Collider can exclusively reveal the trailer and release date of The Honeymoon , an upcoming comedy starring Borat Subsequent Moviefilm ’s Maria Bakalova . Described as a raunchy rom-com, The Honeymoon follows the misadventures of a newly-wedded couple who gets involved with dangerous mobsters.

The trailer takes us to the most important day in Sarah's (Bakalova) and Adam’s ( Pico Alexander ) lives, their wedding. The couple is biding their destinies together, but unfortunately, the wedding’s best man, Bav ( Asim Chaudhry ) clumsy, drops their rings into the ocean. From this short scene, we learn all we need about the trio’s relationship, as Bav constantly gets in the way of Sarah’s and Adam’s happiness. Not because he doesn’t care about the couple but because he seems to be a magnet for trouble.

While Sarah hopes to spend a romantic honeymoon in Europe by Adam’s side, the couple feels forced to bring Bav along for the trip after their friend reveals he has had some dark thoughts lately. As if that wasn’t enough to derail a new marriage, Bav befriends a dangerous drug dealer during their trip, Giorgio ( Lucas Bravo ). Giorgio quickly falls in love with Sarah, and after Bav breaks some priceless work of art in the drug dealer’s home, the criminal finds the perfect opportunity to get rid of Adam. Giorgio sends Adam and Bac on a drug run to repay the art they've broken while keeping Sarah hostage.

RELATED: Maria Bakalova Joins 'Electra' Thriller From Director Hala Matar

The Honeymoon follows Adam and Bav as they try to mule a massive amount of cocaine, leading to all sorts of trouble. At the same time, Sarah is courted by Giorgio, who’s willing to do anything to win her heart. It’s one hellish trip for sure, but one the exclusive trailer already teases will make us laugh all the way.

Who’s Involved in The Honeymoon ?

The Honeymoon comes from writer and director Dean Craig , the man behind hit rom-com such as Love Wedding Repeat and Love Wedding Repeat . The Honeymoon also stars Marco Valerio Montesano and Michele Enrico Montesano .

The Honeymoon comes to select theaters, on-demand, and digital on December 16, 2022. Check out the exclusive trailer and the movie's synopsis below.

In this raunchy romantic comedy, Adam whisks his new bride Sarah to Venice for a honeymoon. But when Adam brings best friend Bav along for the ride, Bav causes one gross-out disaster after another. When charming gangster Giorgio falls for Sarah, he gets rid of Adam and Bav by sending them across the border on a drug-dealing mission. Can they outrun the Slovenian cops, dodge bullets from the baddies, and get back before Sarah gets a rich new mobster boyfriend?

Thanks For Rating

Reminder successfully set, select a city.

• Nashik Times
• Aurangabad Times
• Badlapur Times

You can change your city from here. We serve personalized stories based on the selected city

• Edit Profile
• Briefs Movies TV Web Series Lifestyle Trending Medithon Visual Stories Music Events Videos Theatre Photos Gaming

Richa Chadha defends ‘Heeramandi’ director Sanjay Leela Bhansali against claims of being "temperamental"

Rati Agnihotri showers praise on 'Shaukeen' co-star Mithun Chakraborty: He is never in a bad mood, never throws his weight around, and is always smiling - Exclusive

Samantha Ruth Prabhu repurposes wedding gown, Tiger Shroff replaces Akshay Kumar in elaichi ad with SRK-Ajay Devgn, Aarav Bhatia parties with Nysa Devgn in London: Top 5 entertainment news of the day

Rishi Kapoor's candid and heartwarming pictures with Ranbir Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spotted on cozy dinner date in Los Angeles

Sonali Bendre, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Shriya Pilgaonkar REACT to Nora Fatehi's controversial statement about Feminism

• Movie Reviews

Movie Listings

Auron Mein Kahan Dum T...

Rosy Maam I Love You

Main Ladega

The Legacy Of Jineshwa...

Luv You Shankar

Mamu Makandaar

LSD 2: Love Sex Aur Dh...

Do Aur Do Pyaar

Detective Nysa

Lesser known facts about Vijay's 'Ghilli'

Inside pictures from Aparna Das and Deepak Parambol's dreamy wedding

​Samantha Ruth Prabhu shines with radiant tresses​

​Captivating looks of Dushara Vijayan​

​Nayanthara to Keerthy Suresh, best photos of the week

Helly Shah's elegant click turns heads

Ananya Panday exudes royal vibes in a velvet blue kurta set

Rakul Preet Singh Demonstrates Effortless Balance Between Ethnic and Modern Outfits

Poonam Dubey's stunning pics in black

​Sonakshi Sinha exudes elegance in stunning ethnic ensemble​

Kaam Chalu Hai

LSD 2: Love Sex Aur Dho...

Silence 2: The Night Ow...

Late Night With The Dev...

Challengers

Ghostbusters: Frozen Em...

The Book Of Clarence

City Hunter The Movie: ...

The First Omen

Finder: Project 1

Vallavan Vaguthadhada

Pon Ondru Kanden

Double Tuckerr

Oru Thavaru Seidhal

Paarijatha Parvam

Inti Number 13

Family Star

Tillu Square

Babu: No.1 Bullshit Guy

Om Bheem Bush

Happy Ending

Pavi Caretaker

Varshangalkku Shesham

The Goat Life

Jananam 1947 Pranayam T...

Manjummel Boys

Avatara Purusha 2

Chow Chow Bath

Hide And Seek

Somu Sound Engineer

Bonbibi: Widows Of The ...

Pariah Volume 1: Every ...

Shri Swapankumarer Bada...

Manush: Child of Destin...

Bogla Mama Jug Jug Jiyo

Juna Furniture

Alibaba Aani Chalishita...

Aata Vel Zaali

Shivrayancha Chhava

Delivery Boy

Sridevi Prasanna

Devra Pe Manva Dole

Dil Ta Pagal Hola

Ittaa Kittaa

Jaishree Krishh

Bushirt T-shirt

Shubh Yatra

Your Rating

Write a review (optional).

• Movie Reviews /

Honeymoon U

Would you like to review this movie?

Cast & Crew

Honeymoon Movie Review : A slapstick Funjabi outing with great performances

• Times Of India

Honeymoon - Official Trailer

Honeymoon | Song - Aa Chaliye

Honeymoon | Song - Jhaanjar

Honeymoon | Song - Hypnotize

Honeymoon | Song - Naa Mai Bewafa

Users' Reviews

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Guest 2929 453 days ago

User kumar 476 days ago.

Total bakwas movie, waste of time and money

kinda 478 days ago

Waleed waleed 489 days ago, vikramjit singh 489 days ago.

Super waste of time movie . Same old plan of panjabi movies showing Panjabis as fools

Visual Stories

Entertainment

10 morning habits to boost intelligence in kids

15 summer styles of Milke Bhi Hum Na Mile actress Manisha Saxena

Karisma Kapoor ups the glam quotient in black fusion saree layered with gold tasseled cape

​Parveen Babi's journey as Bollywood's trailblazing star​

​Adorable picture of Preethi Asrani​

12 ways to add sausages to weekend dinner menu

News - Honeymoon

Did you know Aishwarya Rai Bachchan realized she MARRIE...

Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani to delay their ho...

Aamir Khan's daughter Ira Khan celebrates one month of ...

Ira Khan shares lovely moments from her honeymoon with ...

Newlyweds Ira Khan and Nupur Shikhare share memorable m...

Ira Khan radiates honeymoon bliss in Bali; poses for a ...

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Get reviews of the latest theatrical releases every week, right in your inbox every Friday.

Thanks for subscribing.

Please Click Here to subscribe other newsletters that may interest you, and you'll always find stories you want to read in your inbox.

Popular Movie Reviews

Annhi Dea Mazaak Ae

Maujaan Hi Maujaan

Letterboxd — Your life in film

Forgotten username or password ?

• Start a new list…
• Add all films to a list…
• Add all films to watchlist

Add to your films…

Press Tab to complete, Enter to create

A moderator has locked this field.

Add to lists

Where to watch

2022 Directed by Amarpreet G.S. Chhabra

A newlywed couple's honeymoon in London turns into a hilariously chaotic trip when the pair's clueless family crashes the romantic getaway.

Gippy Grewal Jasmin Bhasin Karamjit Anmol Nirmal Rishi Harby Sangha Nasir Chinyoti Naresh Kathooria Sardar Sohi Seema Kaushal Ashok Tangri Raman Mittal

Director Director

Amarpreet G.S. Chhabra

Writers Writers

Naresh Kathooria Attar Singh Saini

Editor Editor

Mukesh Thakur

Cinematography Cinematography

Attar Singh Saini

Composer Composer

Baweja Studios T-Series

Eastern Punjabi, Eastern Panjabi

Alternative Titles

全家度蜜月, להתעורר על החיים

Drama Comedy

Releases by Date

25 oct 2022, releases by country.

131 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by kaleshjohar ★

im so done with punjabi movies and their unnecessary need to turn anything "comedic" into sudden melodramtic life lessons

Review by naima

so freaking hilarious my stomach hurts so bad from laughing constantly & also because me & romie ate a shit ton of cake while watching this & i love romie sm goodnight

Review by Siddhartha Singh ★★★

The film was peaking with the dadi-on-honeymoon subplot, but then they made Jasmin Bhasin cry.. Ugh, not fair. 😕

Review by para ★

how'd they get past uk border control without any booked accommodation?

Review by badgalriri ★★★

not the best but surprisingly a lot better than the other punjabi films that came out this year

Review by Alina Ahmed ★★★

Dadi on Honeymoon >>>>>> the other plot

Review by Nerd74 ★★★½

For some reason my cousin watched this and kept going on about how funny it was, to the point where almost half of that entire side of my family watched it. And, to be fair to the movie, it is consistently very hilarious. It takes a dramatic and emotional turn in the last half an hour, but the tonal shift didn’t work for me and made it feel like I was watching another film. The attempted balance between humor and drama wasn’t successful and made the tone inconsistent. An overall fun (and funny) movie but there’s nothing about it that really stood out.

Review by Jai Bhatia ★★½

Honeymoon is a laugh riot with some genuinely funny one liners and comedic moments. The humour lands really well and makes up for the caricaturish plot. The climax however felt like a downer as that sudden tonal shift was so not needed.

Review by Muzammil Shahid Ch ★★★ 1

Humor lands really well. But the emotions don't land at all. I'd have liked it a lot more if they hadn't added that issue in last 30 minutes, cause clearly the movie didn't have enough to go around that issue.

Nonetheless its so damn fun, wanna watch it again asap

Review by diyakumar ★★

dadi is the only reason this didn’t get 1 star

Review by doelita ★

boring, and such a weird and obnoxious concept, gippy grewal is way too old to be playing such disgusting and neanderthal brained roles. like bro go raise your kids and pay for your wife’s botox. Tired of the punjabi industry trying to push an agenda and then calling it punjabi “culture”. Make movies that are actually related to the pure innocence of punjabi  culture instead of this garbage.

Review by simran ★★★

when they film the Gurdwara scene at your local Gurdwara for the whole day and it’s a 2 second clip in the actual film 😶‍🌫️

Select your preferred poster

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Fandango at Home
• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Challengers Link to Challengers
• I Saw the TV Glow Link to I Saw the TV Glow
• Música Link to Música

New TV Tonight

• Dead Boy Detectives: Season 1
• The Jinx: Season 2
• The Big Door Prize: Season 2
• Them: Season 2
• Knuckles: Season 1
• Velma: Season 2
• Secrets of the Octopus: Season 1
• Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story: Season 1
• We're Here: Season 4

Most Popular TV on RT

• Baby Reindeer: Season 1
• Fallout: Season 1
• Shōgun: Season 1
• Ripley: Season 1
• Under the Bridge: Season 1
• 3 Body Problem: Season 1
• We Were the Lucky Ones: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Dead Boy Detectives: Season 1 Link to Dead Boy Detectives: Season 1
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

All Zendaya Movies Ranked by Tomatometer

Video Game TV Shows Ranked by Tomatometer

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2024

Poll: Most Anticipated Movies of May 2024

• Trending on RT
• Challengers
• Boy Kills World
• Marvel Movies In Order
• Play Movie Trivia

Where to Watch

Watch Honeymoon with a subscription on Netflix.

Audience Reviews

Cast & crew.

Amar Preet Chhabra

Gippy Grewal

Jasmin Bhasin

Naresh Kathooria

Karamjit Anmol

Deep's Chacha

Nasir Chinyoti

More Like This

Streaming in:

We checked for updates on 246 streaming services on April 24, 2024 at 5:59:18 PM. Something wrong? Let us know!

Honeymoon streaming: where to watch online?

Currently you are able to watch "Honeymoon" streaming on Netflix.

A newlywed couple from Punjab wants to go on their honeymoon. But their extended family doesn't know what it means and joins them to celebrate a land deal that fetches them a mouthwatering price.

Videos: Trailers, Teasers, Featurettes

Production country

People who liked honeymoon also liked.

Popular movies coming soon

Upcoming Comedy movies

Similar Movies you can watch for free

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Explaining the News to Our Kids

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Common sense media reviewers.

Horror film has unique premise, some edgy content.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

This is horror at its most basic: bad things happe

The characters are either victims or scared. There

The movie mostly conjures up a sense of dread, but

A newlywed couple has sex several times, though no

"F--k" is used several times.

Tylenol is mentioned.

Parents need to know that Honeymoon is a low-budget horror film that has a long, slow buildup before anything gruesome or gory is shown, but it does end up having a fair bit blood and disturbing imagery (a woman stabs herself in the crotch area). The main characters -- a pair of newlyweds on their honeymoon -…

Positive Messages

This is horror at its most basic: bad things happening to good people. They react with fear and concern, but no real lessons are learned, and characters don't go above and beyond at any time.

Positive Role Models

The characters are either victims or scared. There's really nothing to admire or emulate.

Violence & Scariness

The movie mostly conjures up a sense of dread, but there's some gruesome violence toward the end. A woman stabs herself in the crotch, and blood is shown. A man removes a long, strange creature from her vagina. A man ties up a woman. They fight, and some bloody injuries are shown. A man throws a tantrum in a restaurant and smashes some lamps.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

A newlywed couple has sex several times, though nothing sensitive is shown. In a shower scene, the side of the woman's breast is visible. Her bottom is also visible in a night scene. She's also shown in a bra and panties. Oral sex is implied.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Parents need to know.

Parents need to know that Honeymoon is a low-budget horror film that has a long, slow buildup before anything gruesome or gory is shown, but it does end up having a fair bit blood and disturbing imagery (a woman stabs herself in the crotch area). The main characters -- a pair of newlyweds on their honeymoon -- have sex on several occasions; one takes place in the shower, and a side view of the naked characters, pressed together, is shown. Language is fairly strong, with multiple uses of "f--k." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

Bea (Rose Leslie) and Paul ( Harry Treadaway ) are newlyweds, fresh from a wedding that mirrors their courtship. As they start their lives together, they embark on a honeymoon to Bea's family cabin in the woods. At first things are blissful. Then one evening they head to a local restaurant, where two of the locals are acting strangely. Later, Paul finds Bea standing in the middle of the woods at night, apparently having sleepwalked. After that, she starts acting strangely, forgetting things, and generally not seeming like herself. Paul grows more and more alarmed and eventually decides to leave. But it may be too late.

Is It Any Good?

HONEYMOON opens with some wedding video testimonials, and it looks like it's going to be yet another in the now oh-so-tired "found footage" subgenre, but thankfully Janiak has more in mind. Bea and Paul are annoyingly perky and cluelessly hopeful as the movie starts ... and also, it turns out, woefully unprepared to deal with anything resembling a real problem. (A discussion about the use of the word "womb" is the first sticking point.)

The characters can be annoying, but it appears that they might have been designed that way on purpose, as a way of illustrating the primal nature of male-female relationships. (What's missing in today's cute couple culture?) Janiak keeps switching things up, and nothing leads quite where you think it will. Moreover, her low-budget setting generates scares out of simple ideas. Who knew that burnt toast could send a chill up the spine?

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Honeymoon 's violence . When do viewers see the first really violent image? How does the movie build up to it? What's the ultimate effect? In general, what's scarier in movies -- the things you do see, or the things you don't?

How scary is the movie? What makes it different from other horror movies?

How does the movie play with your expectations? What did you expect to happen versus what actually happened?

Movie Details

• In theaters : September 12, 2014
• On DVD or streaming : January 13, 2015
• Cast : Harry Treadaway , Rose Leslie , Ben Huber
• Director : Leigh Janiak
• Inclusion Information : Female directors, Female actors
• Studio : Magnet Releasing
• Genre : Horror
• Run time : 87 minutes
• MPAA rating : R
• MPAA explanation : disturbing bloody images, sexual content and language
• Last updated : September 27, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Paranormal Activity

Best Horror Movies

Scary movies for kids.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Hallmark's 2024 Movie Lineup: All the New Summer Romances You Won't Want to Miss

Posted: April 26, 2024 | Last updated: April 26, 2024

Hallmark’s 2024 Movie Schedule

2024 is bringing a slate of new movies to the Hallmark network, including several fun romances that fans are sure to love and new releases for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. 

The year was kicked off with four new romances and a new mystery titled Family Ties , written by and starring Nikki DeLoach. The network then honored Jane Austen with a month of original movies inspired by the iconic writer. “Jane Austen’s stories are timeless and continue to resonate with readers and viewers of all ages,” Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President of Programming, said about the special event. “Our movies will bring her beloved characters to life in fresh, new ways and honor the many women who continue to be inspired by them.” Loveuary with Jane Austen began on Feb. 1 and featured original romances like Paging Mr. Darcy , as well as an adaption of Sense and Sensibility . 

Hallmark also aired its “Spring into Love” lineup, which included new spring-themed romances starring Tyler Hynes, Aimeé Teegarden, Ben Hollingsworth and more. Later in the year, When Calls the Heart’s Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing will reunite on screen for a Christmas movie titled Santa Tell Me . This year, fans were also treated to the eighth installation of the Hannah Swensen Mysteries franchise and another chapter of the Curious Caterer series starring DeLoach and Andrew Walker. 

Below, find the full list of Hallmark’s new movies for 2024.

Love on the Right Course

Premiere Date: Saturday, January 6, at 8 p.m. EST.

Cast: Ashley Newbrough, Marcus Rosner, Brittany Bristow, Steve Byers

In Love on the Right Course , Ashley Newbrough stars as a professional golfer who returns home to Budapest to reevaluate her career after a series of setbacks. Once there, she meets pro golfer Daniel Balázs (Marcus Rosner), who helps her find herself again. 

Where to Watch: Hallmark Channel

A Scottish Love Scheme

Premiere Date: Saturday, January 13, at 8 p.m. EST.

Cast: Erica Durance, Jordan Young

Erica Durance stars as Lily in A Scottish Love Scheme , a woman who travels to Scotland with her mother and reconnects with a childhood family friend, Logan (Jordan Young). Unbeknownst to Lily and Logan, their mothers have been meddling with their love lives and developing an elaborate plan to set them up.

True Justice: Family Ties

Premiere Date: Friday, January 12, at 8 p.m. EST.

Cast: Katherine McNamara, Markian Tarasiuk, Nikki DeLoach, Benjamin Ayres

The first Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film of the year stars Katherine McNamara, a precocious law student named Casey, who sets out to prove that her brother was wrongfully convicted. Co-writer Nikki DeLoach stars as Professor Ambrose, Casey’s law professor. 

Where to Watch: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Betty’s Bad Luck in Love

Premiere Date: Saturday, January 20, at 8 p.m. EST.

Cast: Laci J Mailey, Marco Grazzini

Betty’s Bad Luck in Love follows a woman who has been cursed since she was a child to never find love. When Betty (played by Laci J Mailey) meets Alex (Marco Grazzini), however, she is tempted to give love another shot.

Romance With a Twist

Premiere Date: Saturday, January 27, at 8 p.m. EST.

Cast: Jocelyn Hudon, Oliver Renaud

Romance With a Twist takes a classic love story to new heights. It stars Jocelyn Hudon as Luna, a former dancer who pairs up with world-class aerialist Bennett (Oliver Renaud) after he finds himself without a partner. As the two prepare to showcase their skills at a local arts festival, a romance begins to brew.

Paging Mr. Darcy

Premiere Date: Saturday, February 3, at 8 p.m. EST.

Cast: Will Kemp, Mallory Jansen

Paging Mr. Darcy will mark the first movie of Hallmark’s Jane Austen month. It stars Mallory Jansen as an overly serious scholar who attends a Jane Austen annual conference and strikes a deal with the man playing Mr. Darcy (Will Kemp). The pair’s love of Jane Austen books allows them to overcome their pride and admit to their belief in love.

Love & Jane

Premiere Date: Saturday, February 10, at 8 p.m. EST.

Cast: Alison Sweeney, Benjamin Ayres

Love & Jane centers on hopeless romantic and literary enthusiast Lilly (Sweeny), who gets the surprise of a lifetime when Jane Austen appears in her life. 

An American in Austen

Premiere Date: Saturday, February 17, at 8 p.m. EST.

Cast: Eliza Bennett, Nicholas Bishop

In An American in Austen , Harriet (Bennett) is transported into Pride & Prejudice and gets to find out if a real man can compare to Mr. Darcy himself. 

Sense and Sensibility

Premiere Date: Saturday, February 24, at 8 p.m. EST.

Cast: Deborah Ayorinde, Bethany Antonia, Dan Jeannotte

In this adaption of S ense and Sensibility , Marianne is torn between two men, while Elinor longs for a man beyond reach. 

Shifting Gears

Premiere Date: Saturday, March 23, at 8 p.m. EST

Cast: Tyler Hynes, Katherine Barrell

In Shifting Gears, Katherine Barrell stars as Jess, a female mechanic who reluctantly agrees to participate in a car restoration show. She is shocked to learn that her ex-boyfriend, Luke (Tyler Hynes), is her main competitor. Will sparks reignite?

An Easter Bloom

Cast: Aimeé Teegarden and Ben Hollingsworth

Virgin River star Ben Hollingsworth appears alongside Aimeé Teegarden in An Easter Bloom , which follows a young gardener as she sets out to save her family farm by entering a floral competition for Easter. She meets a local pastor along the way who helps her restore the hope she lost.

One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Premiere Date: Friday, April 5 9/8c

Cast: Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster 

The ninth addition of the Hannah Swensen Mysteries franchise is here, and it will reunite The Wedding Veil and Days of our Lives co-stars Alison Sweeney and Victor Webser. In One Bad Apple , baker-turned-sleuth Hannah Swensen (Sweeney) meets a new side of law & order as she investigates a murder and crosses paths with by-the-books prosecuting attorney Chad Norton. 

Blind Date Book Club

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 6, at 8 p.m. EST

Cast: Erin Krakow, Robert Buckley 

Sparks fly with When Calls the Heart star Erin Krakok and Robert Buckley in Blind Date Book Club . A bookstore owner finds love and direction in life after agreeing to review a famous author’s new novel in her blind-date-with-a-book club. 

Legend of the Lost Locket

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 13, at 8 p.m. EST

Cast: Natasha Burnett, Viv Leacock

When an antiques expert takes on a quest to find a long-lost locket that promises to bring the wearer true love, she finds herself in conflict with, but also attracted to, the town sheriff.

Falling in Love in Niagara

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 20, ay 8 p.m. EST

Cast: Jocelyn Hudon, Dan Jeannotte.

After her fiancé leaves her before their wedding, Madeline goes to Niagara Falls to honeymoon without him. There, she reconnects with her adventurous side, learns to let go, and finds new love.

Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans

Premiere Date: Friday, April 26 9/8c

Cast: Andrew Walker, Nikki DeLoach

The fourt installment of the Curious Caterer franchise will see caterer Goldy Berry (Nikki DeLoach) team up with Detective Tom Schultz (Andrew Walker) once again to solve a new food-related crime. When Goldy agreed to cater Tom’s ex Jessamyn’s elaborate wedding, she didn’t expect a dead groom and missing bridezilla would bring her together with Tom again, to catch a killer and find Jess. 

Branching Out

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 27 8/7c

Cast: Sarah Drew, Juan Pablo Di Pace

To help build a family tree, single mom Amelia (Sarah Drew) tracks down her daughter’s biological father (Juan Pablo Di Pace). It becomes a journey of trust, love, and discovering the meaning of family.

A Lifelong Love

Premiere Date: Saturday, May 4 8/7c

Cast: Andrea Brooks, Patch May

While trying to reunite her grandfather with his lost love, Annika (Andrea Brooks) teams up with college sweetheart Ryan (Patch May) to create a book about the experience, documenting different love stories along the way.

A Whitewater Romance

Premiere Date: Saturday, May 11 8/7c

Cast: Cindy Busby, Ben Hollingsworth

Maya (Cindy Busby) attends an exclusive business retreat in the Rocky Mountains where she meets Matt ( Virgin River ‘s Ben Hollingsworth) who, initially, is her competitor. As they’re forced to pair up, an unlikely connection begins to evolve.

Family Practice Mysteries: Coming Home

Premiere Date: Friday, May 17 9/8c

Cast: Amanda Schull, Brendan Penny

A former Army surgeon moves back to her hometown and joins a practice of family doctors, but when she’s drawn into solving the mysterious death of a patient, her quiet life becomes upended.

Everything Puppies

Premiere Date: Saturday, May 18 8/7c

Cast: Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes, Stephen Huszar, Kathryn Davis

A dedicated entrepreneur and inventor looking to make it big creating innovative dog toys and treats finds success with the support of a handsome client.

Big Sky River: The Bridal Path

Premiere Date: Saturday, May 25 8/7c

Cast: Emmanuelle Vaugier, Kavan Smith

The sequel to 2022’s Big Sky River , Big Sky River: The Bridal Path catches up with Tara, who is now settled in Montana and dating Cowboy Boone. She works to bring their family lives together ahead of their wedding but tensions arise, as blending their families will be more of a challenge than anticipated.

Santa Tell Me

Premiere Date: TBD

Cast: Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing

When Calls the Heart ‘s Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing are reuniting for a Christmas movie titled Santa Tell Me . The pair starred on Hallmark’s hit show together for the first five seasons until Lissing’s character Jack Thornton was killed off in Season 5. Not many details about their new movie have been revealed, but is slated to premiere in late 2024 as part of the “Countdown to Christmas” lineup. 

More for You

28 celebrities you probably did not know are nonbinary

I'm abrosexual - it took me 30 years to realise

Here’s What the US Minimum Wage Was the Year You Were Born

Photo of 'rape is resistance' flyer predates pro-Palestinian camp at Columbia | Fact check

US Navy Most Feared Jet Shoots Off From Aircraft Carrier Like a Rocket

Here’s Why There Are 10 Hot Dogs in a Pack, But Only 8 Buns

Elliot Page Laments 'Overwhelming Tactics' of Anti-Trans Attacks: 'Just Pushing People Out of Life'

The films everyone should see at least once before they die, according to critics

Last letters of pioneering climber who died on Everest reveal dark side of mountaineering

I’m a Bank Teller: 3 Times You Should Never Ask For $100 Bills at the Bank

Cowboys trade back, send No. 24 to Detroit Lions in lopsided haul

12 Secret Ingredients Grandma Used in Her Meatloaf

Legendary 80s band surprises fans with release of new ‘queer album’

See the UK destroyer crew that scored the Royal Navy's first missile kill since the Gulf War

Judge upholds disqualification of challenger to judge in Trump’s Georgia election interference case

Plato's burial place finally revealed after AI deciphers ancient scroll carbonized in Mount Vesuvius eruption

The Coolest Car From the Year You Were Born (1945-1995)

Blood pressure is best lowered by 2 exercises, study finds

4 Things You Should Never Cook in Cast Iron

What 50 music icons looked like at the very start of their careers

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Macron, Battling the Far Right at Home, Pushes for a Stronger Europe

In a major speech, France’s president returned to a familiar theme, warning that “Our Europe is mortal” if it does not become more self-sufficient.

By Roger Cohen and Aurelien Breeden

Challenged by the extreme right and perhaps more vulnerable than at any time in his presidency, Emmanuel Macron of France sought renewed momentum on Thursday through a sweeping speech on the need for a more assertive Europe, a theme that he has pressed with urgency since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The nearly two-hour speech reflected Mr. Macron’s conviction that only a reinforced and “sovereign” European Union — a “Europe power,” as he puts it — can save the continent from irrelevancy in an unstable world that is dominated by the United States and China and confronting wars in Europe and the Middle East.

“We must be lucid about the fact that our Europe is mortal,” Mr. Macron declared before an audience of government ministers, European ambassadors and other dignitaries. “It can die. It can die and whether it does depends entirely on our choices.”

The speech, at the Sorbonne University in Paris, was a follow-up to one that Mr. Macron gave in the same location in September 2017 . Then, Mr. Macron discussed the future of Europe as a young, recently elected and disruptive president still enjoying a political honeymoon.

Today, without an absolute majority in Parliament, and with his popularity falling after seven years in office, he has struggled over the past two years to give direction to his second term.

Coming less than two months before elections to the European Parliament on June 9, Mr. Macron’s decision to speak out was widely seen as a bid to bolster his centrist Renaissance party, which is placing a distant second in the latest polls behind the far-right National Rally party led by Jordan Bardella. Mr. Macron’s party is polling at about 17.5 percent of eligible voters; Mr. Bardella’s has about 30 percent.

Mr. Macron described a world at “a turning point,” in which a Europe that could no longer depend on America for its security, on Russia for its energy and on China for its industrial production must become more strategically autonomous, technologically innovative and militarily resilient.

“We are too slow and not ambitious enough,” he said, proposing that only through “power, prosperity and humanism” could Europe set out a distinctive model for the world, including by investing massively in its own defense industry, in green technology and in new fields like artificial intelligence.

Europe, he said, should “never be a vassal of the United States.”

“The ideas, on the whole, didn’t feel new,” said Georgina Wright, head of the Europe Program at the Institut Montaigne, a French think tank. “But there was a sense of urgency that wasn’t there in 2017.”

There have been significant advances toward greater European integration since Mr. Macron’s first speech, which was in some ways prescient. The Covid pandemic saw Germany break a longstanding taboo and back the issuing of European joint debt, and the war in Ukraine has spurred increased European spending on defense, something Mr. Macron has long called for to reduce reliance on American military power.

Always impatient with what he considers lazy thinking, as when he described NATO as suffering from “brain death” in 2019 because it had not adjusted to a changed world, Mr. Macron has irked some of his European partners with his bold declarations. Not everyone in Europe is convinced that it is Mr. Macron’s role to lead the 27-member union to a different future.

“The ideas themselves are gaining more traction” in European capitals, said Mujtaba Rahman, the managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group, a consultancy. But “the fact that Macron is the messenger often works to his disadvantage ,” he added.

Recently, the always difficult relationship between Mr. Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany has been roiled by disagreements. Mr. Scholz was incensed by Mr. Macron’s suggestion that the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine could not be ruled out , a statement the president said on Thursday that he “stands by absolutely.”

“The essential condition of our security is that Russia not win its war of aggression against Ukraine,” Mr. Macron said.

Despite their differences, Mr. Scholz’s first reaction to Thursday’s speech was positive. “Together, France and Germany want Europe to remain strong,” Mr. Scholz said on X , telling Mr. Macron that “your speech contains good ideas on how we can achieve this.”

Mr. Macron reiterated support for the creation of a European “rapid deployment” force of about 5,000 military personnel to respond to external crises, which is expected to be fully operational in 2025. He also called for the creation of a “European military academy” to improve coordination between European armies.

These are familiar themes from the president, who has struggled to overcome an image of aloofness. It was far from clear that his lofty visions, at a time of economic difficulty for many French people, would do anything to dent the popularity of Mr. Bardella, the far right’s 28-year-old prodigal son.

The longtime barrier against the far right coming to power, built around the broad conviction that it was a danger to the republic, has collapsed as the National Rally has become the largest single opposition force in Parliament.

Mr. Bardella’s themes — anti-immigration rhetoric, the need for greater security and the fight against inflation — have resonated with an anxious France.

“Never before have citizens been so far removed from the major decisions that have such a tangible impact on their daily lives,” Mr. Bardella said at a news conference on Thursday. He called Mr. Macron’s speech a “self-congratulatory session.”

Mr. Bardella, a member of the European Parliament, is the protégé of Marine Le Pen, the perennial far-right candidate for the presidency. His popularity has increased the chances that she may succeed Mr. Macron, who is term-limited, in 2027, or even that he become a presidential candidate himself.

Taking aim at the extreme right, Mr. Macron said that “liberal democracy is not a given” and that the rule of law, an independent press, free universities, the rights of minorities and the separation of powers were being “denied” in too many European countries. He celebrated Poland as an example of an E.U. member turning its back on illiberalism, after its recent election that saw a centrist victory over the governing nationalist party.

Mr. Macron also said that he hoped to see the right to abortion enshrined in the European Union’s charter of fundamental rights. France last month became the first country in the world to protect access to abortion in its Constitution .

Aides to Mr. Macron insisted that the Sorbonne was not a campaign stop for the French leader’s party but a way to influence the European Union’s overarching strategic agenda for the next five years, which is expected to be decided by E.U. leaders after the June elections.

Still, “if there is a 15-point gap on June 9, it will be seen as a major defeat for Macronism,” said Mr. Rahman, of Eurasia Group.

French voters often use European elections to vent against the government regardless of European issues, he said, adding that Mr. Macron’s speech “will probably have more impact in E.U. capitals than it will on the French electorate.”

Anxiety is widespread in Europe that former President Donald J. Trump could prevail in the American presidential election in November with an “America First” program and skepticism over NATO. For Mr. Macron, these developments have been a form of vindication of his seven-year-old warnings that Europe must master its own destiny.

Christopher F. Schuetze contributed reporting from Berlin.

Roger Cohen is the Paris Bureau chief for The Times, covering France and beyond. He has reported on wars in Lebanon, Bosnia and Ukraine, and between Israel and Gaza, in more than four decades as a journalist. At The Times, he has been a correspondent, foreign editor and columnist. More about Roger Cohen

Aurelien Breeden is a reporter for The Times in Paris, covering news from France. More about Aurelien Breeden

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

The Honeymoon

When Kat gets dumped the night before her wedding, her best friends, Noks and Lu rally together to make good use of her honeymoon in Zanzibar. When Kat gets dumped the night before her wedding, her best friends, Noks and Lu rally together to make good use of her honeymoon in Zanzibar. When Kat gets dumped the night before her wedding, her best friends, Noks and Lu rally together to make good use of her honeymoon in Zanzibar.

• Bianca Isaac
• Naomi Beaty
• Jolyon Ellis
• Kajal Bagwandeen
• Tumi Morake
• Minnie Dlamini
• 46 User reviews

• (as Nay Maps)

• (as Chris Jaftha)

• Sci-Fi Director
• Nok's Mum
• Bianca Isaac (written and directed by)
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

User reviews 46

• joannestamp
• Jul 17, 2023
• How long is The Honeymoon? Powered by Alexa
• March 31, 2023 (South Africa)
• South Africa
• Official Facebook
• Official Instagram
• Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (on location)
• Figjam Entertainment
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $1,000,000 (estimated)

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 50 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed