Veteran Lasse Hallstrom directs this nonsensical but attractive romantic-fantasy drama that is as generic as its title. The film follows Heather (well played by Madelyn Cline) and her two mates travelling around Europe on a last summer of freedom, where she encounters free-spirited Jack (a much-older-looking KJ Apa) and fun, shenanigans, tourist traps and whirlwind romance follow, all leading to the inevitable heartbreaking third-act tragedy and bitter-sweet ending. The locations are gorgeously picturesque, both the young Mamma-Mia!-esque trio of friends and the Heather/Jack romance are easy to watch, and the gorgeous summery soundtrack is gently winsome and well curated. It all gives the impression that the actors had a lovely time on their working holiday, but the film does have an interestingly persistent melancholy undercurrent of an ever-present awareness of the ephemeral nature of even the best of times and experiences in life. In spite of some heavy-handed hints about where the story is heading and clunky/preachy 'embrace life, but safely' messaging, The Map That Leads To You is very pleasant and undemanding to watch, with the delightful soundtrack and settings outweighing the unlikely love story.
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