The Map that Leads to You: Trains, Diaries, and a Love that Transcends Borders

Entering the newest 2025 romance movie of the year, “The Map that Leads to You”, starring Madelyn Cline as Heather Mulgrew and KJ Apa as Jack, is the #1 movie on Prime Video globally for two weeks in a row now. 

This movie revolves around the plot of a young woman, Heather, who wanders the world with her best friends the summer before her first adult job and the momentous 9-to-5 lifestyle that comes with it. When traveling on an overnight train to Barcelona, a tall young man approaches her as he carelessly jumps into the overhead compartment, planning to sleep there for the night. Shocked by this reckless behavior, Heather stares at him, leading to an innocent conversation between them. Shortly after parting ways, they see each other again at a nightclub, and from there on out, they experience Barcelona together, enjoying all it has to offer.

Not only does this movie have an adventurous plot, but it also builds on its characters' complex personalities. Heather, on one hand, has a Type-A personality, always needing a detail-oriented and organized plan. This is demonstrated through her planning for each place she and her friends travel to, her desire to get back home “exactly two weeks in advance” to prepare for her new job, and her uncertainty in following Jack and his impulsivity despite her fondness for him. 

On the other hand, Jack is a young man with a Type-B personality. Coming from a medical scare, Jack is determined to live his life to the fullest and see all parts of the world. He is carefree and spontaneous, yet very insightful for his age. He challenges Heather throughout the film to let go of her plan and embrace the present.