The Weekend Away based on the book of the same name by Sarah Alderson streams on Netflix beginning March 3rd. Starring Leighton Meester, this is a “whodunnit” that will keep you guessing on the edge of your seat.

The Weekend Away Trailer:

The Weekend Away Synopsis:

A weekend getaway to Croatia goes awry when a woman (Leighton Meester) is accused of killing her best friend (Christina Wolfe).  Her efforts to get to the truth uncover a painful secret.

Cast:

• Leighton Meester- Beth
• Christina Wolf- Kate
• Ziad Bakri- Zain
• Luke Norris- Rob
• Amar Bukvic- Pavić
• Iva Mihalić- Kovač    

Crew:

• Director: Kim Farrant 
• Writer: Sarah Alderson 
• Producers: Erica Steinberg, Charlie Morrison, Ben Pugh 
• Executive Producers: Kari Hatfield, Sarah Alderson
• Music: Daniel Wohl

The Weekend Away. Christina Wolfe as Kate, Leighton Meester as Beth.                                     Credit: Ivan Šardi/Netflix© 2022

Kid Congeniality’s Review:

Fans of Leighton Meester are going to love her in The Weekend Away. Leighton plays new mom Beth who goes on a girls trip with her childhood best friend Kate. When Kate goes missing the police brush off Beth’s concerns. With few memories of the night’s events, Beth has to follow her instincts in a foreign land while trying to find her.

Unfortunately Kate is found dead and the twists keep coming in this engaging thriller. As she frantically retraces their steps, Beth makes a series of shattering discoveries that threaten everything she holds dear. Will Beth figure out who killed her friend before they get away with murder?  No spoilers here, you’ll have to watch for yourself.

The Weekend Away is fast paced and full of twists. It’s the perfect film to enjoy with the book club girls. Grab a bottle of wine, watch the film then regroup and read the book! The plot will keep you guessing as well as biting your nails until the last second. I’d watch it the night before you get your next manicure just to be safe! I predict that “Trust no one. Suspect everyone” will become your new mantra after watching. I’ve personally been looking art everyone with a little side eye since previewing the film.

Exclusives From Leighton and Sarah Alderson:

I was able to interview author Sarah Alderson and Leighton Meester at a virtual press junket for The Weekend Away.  I’d like to thank both for taking the time to speak with us and for their exclusive insights into the film.

During the round table Leighton shed light on her prep work for this film. She particularly resonated with Beth as a new Mom with a child the same age. Leighton says that “She’s a new mom” is such an important character description of the way that Beth navigates through the world. Being alone and accused of murder is a lonely place for Beth, however for Leighton helping Beth transition into a stronger version of herself was a great journey. Beth’s progression from a woman who lost a bit of herself after childbirth to a confident Mama Bear by the film’s end comes across vividly through Leighton’s performance.

Sarah Alderson graciously opened up a window into Beth’s character development as well as book to screen tidbits with us. She was particularly excited to bring Beth’s evolution from meek Mom to empowered woman to life on screen. Amongst all of the action in the film it is refreshing to see Beth blossom back into a confident woman. Sarah says that although Kate has passed on, her boldness is taken on by Beth. In the end “she knows what she wants and she knows what she’s worth.” Without giving anything away I can tell you what we all want is a sequel to both the book and film. There’s another story to be told and I’ll personally be tweeting Ms. Alderson to encourage her!

You can keep up with all the The Weekend Away news by following #theweekendaway

Love Netflix movies?  Check out my review of Brazen.

**Disclosure: I attended a round table press junket to interview Leighton. I was not compensated for this article. All opinions are as always, 100% my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience. You can purchase recommended items via my Amazon Affiliate Links at no extra cost to you.