The new film “Fountain of Youth” encapsulates the adventurous spirit reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this lighthearted, globe-trotting heist movie will debut on AppleTV+ on Friday. The film stars Natalie Portman and John Krasinski as estranged siblings who set off on an adventurous journey to uncover historical truths while searching for the mythical Fountain of Youth. Their quest takes them from Vienna to the Egyptian pyramids, all while evading capture from authorities and a secret organization determined to prevent their discovery.
In an interview, Krasinski expressed his lifelong anticipation to see such a film come to fruition, stating, “This is the movie I pretended to be in when I was a kid. This is what got me into the business.” The cast also includes Domnhall Gleeson, who plays a wealthy businessman financing the expedition, and Eiza González, portraying one of the guardians of the Fountain of Youth.
Eiza González shared her excitement, mentioning that working with Ritchie and the talented cast has been a privilege. She noted, “Guy Ritchie gets to work with some of the best cast in the world,” emphasizing the unique experiences of collaboration throughout her three projects with him.
The film's dynamics between the characters heavily rely on the sibling relationship between Portman and Krasinski. Portman portrays Charlotte, an art historian whose once adventurous childhood has transitioned into a more stable life amidst a contentious divorce and custody battle over her son. Initially opposed to her brother Luke's plan, she eventually finds herself geared up in scuba equipment, searching for a lost Rembrandt within the wreckage of the RMS Lusitania.
Portman articulated a poignant sentiment regarding the film’s themes: “I think that something we search for as adults is how to regain that youthful spirit.” She believes embracing a sense of adventure can enhance one’s abilities as a parent, providing a new perspective on adult responsibilities while maintaining a playful outlook.
The film's adventure extends beyond the narrative itself, as the filming locations took the cast and crew across various countries, including Bangkok, Liverpool, and Cairo. A historic highlight was filming action sequences at the Pyramids of Giza, where “Fountain of Youth” became the first movie of its scale to receive permission for such filming. Portman expressed awe at the monumental experience, recalling moments of filming amidst the pyramids.
The production faced unique challenges, such as successfully landing a Boeing Chinook CH47 helicopter at the Giza Plateau, which included pyrotechnics while ensuring tourist areas remained open. Krasinski humorously commented on the project’s legacy, hoping that their exploits wouldn't hinder future productions from accessing such iconic locations.
Despite the grand visual scope of such a film, Krasinski acknowledged this production was always meant for streaming rather than traditional theatrical release. He discussed embracing the shift towards streaming films, emphasizing the importance of understanding the filmmaker's intent. “This was always going to be a streaming movie,” he asserted.
“Fountain of Youth” promises to be a captivating adventure suitable for families, showcasing the allure of exploration, the importance of family bonds, and the quest for youthful exuberance amid life's many responsibilities.
