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Despite its rocky reception among critics, Fountain of Youth has captured the attention of audiences on Apple TV+, climbing back to No. 1 on the platform—and much of that success is being credited to Natalie Portman’s captivating performance. While the film’s 33% Tomatometer score reflects its conventional storytelling and uneven tone, Portman’s portrayal of Charlotte Purdue stands out as a rare bright spot in an otherwise lukewarm production. Her character—a once-retired historian reluctantly pulled back into a world of riddles and relics—anchors the narrative with a blend of skepticism, intelligence, and quiet resolve that elevates the story beyond its formula.
Portman’s Charlotte begins the film as a grounded museum curator, content with a quiet life, only to be thrust into chaos when her estranged brother steals a key artifact right off her living room wall. From there, what could have been a stock adventure role becomes layered through Portman’s performance. Her hesitations, frustrations, and inner conflict between safety and discovery play subtly across her expressions and body language. As the narrative barrels through a familiar blend of booby-trapped tombs and decoded ciphers, Portman adds emotional resonance—turning Charlotte into more than just a puzzle-solver.
In contrast, John Krasinski, playing Luke Purdue, struggles to strike the right balance as a swashbuckling brother-figure. His efforts to embody the classic, roguish charm often feel flat, and his emotional arc doesn’t quite land. Even when the script tries to paint Charlotte as the more reluctant or resistant sibling, Portman manages to keep the audience on her side. Critics have noted that while her character is often handed clichéd dialogue and undermined by abrupt transitions, she commits fully to each moment—making even the more predictable beats feel fresh.
The supporting cast features strong names—Eiza González plays a mysterious operative with unclear motives, Stanley Tucci appears as a retired archaeologist, and Domhnall Gleeson portrays a reclusive billionaire funding the expedition. Yet none of them leave a lasting impact like Portman. Her scenes, particularly the quieter ones where Charlotte wrestles with what she’s willing to sacrifice in the name of discovery, resonate deeply, even when the action around her veers into over-the-top spectacle.
For many viewers, Fountain of Youth is a reminder of what Portman can bring to a mainstream blockbuster. While films like Jackie and Annihilation have already proven her range, this role showcases her ability to anchor a large-scale adventure—even when the material doesn’t always rise to her level. In a film where the plot may not hold up under scrutiny, Portman gives the audience something real to hold on to, and that alone might be why fans keep hitting play.