Fountain of Youth – A Visually Grand Yet Familiar Fantasy Adventure
Natalie Portman leads The Fountain of Youth, a visually rich fantasy film released in May 2025, now available to stream on Apple TV. With a massive budget of $180 million, the movie boasts stunning visuals, an adventurous plotline, and a star-studded cast including John Krasinski and Domhnall Gleeson. But despite all this, the film has received largely mixed to negative reviews — and I can understand why.
Let’s dive deeper.
Storyline & Performances
As the title suggests, the story revolves around a mythical fountain believed to grant immense power, wealth, and intelligence to anyone who drinks from it. The premise is ancient and alluring, but also familiar — especially for those who’ve seen similar ideas in Indian or regional cinema. The plot doesn’t break new ground, but it does offer an entertaining ride.
Natalie Portman gives a solid performance, as expected. She brings emotional weight and credibility to the fantastical story. However, John Krasinski, despite his screen presence, still doesn’t strike me as a particularly strong actor. His performance here feels flat and forgettable.
On the other hand, Domhnall Gleeson stands out. I first noticed him in Ex Machina (2015), and even wrote a review about that film back in 2016. He impressed me then — and he impresses again here. I believe he has the potential to become a true heavyweight in the fantasy/sci-fi space. Read my Ex Machina review here.
What Works and What Doesn’t
What I liked:
- The music is immersive and complements the movie’s mystical atmosphere.
- The pacing is solid — even with a two-hour runtime, it never feels slow.
- The production design is top-notch: lavish sets, exotic locations, and sharp visual effects create a convincing fantasy world.
Where it falls short:
- The storyline feels derivative — something you’ve probably seen before if you’ve grown up watching myth-based or fantasy films and TV shows.
- The critical reception hasn’t been kind, and honestly, that’s understandable. The film lacks emotional depth and originality.
That said, despite the poor reviews, I found the movie to be high-octane and enjoyable in its own right. Adventure fans, especially those who enjoy mythical lore and fantasy settings, will likely appreciate the ride.
Final Verdict
The Fountain of Youth is not a groundbreaking film, but it’s still an entertaining one. It offers stunning visuals, a fast-paced narrative, and a few solid performances — especially from Natalie Portman and Domhnall Gleeson.
While the film definitely feels like something that deserves to be experienced in a cinema hall, I watched it at home on my regular TV with a good speaker system — and still found it engaging. That’s saying something for a streaming-only Apple Original.
If you’re into fantasy adventures, mystical legends, and visually immersive storytelling, this movie is worth a one-time watch — just don’t expect it to redefine the genre.