The Tourist

On a train to Venice, American Frank meets Elise, a glamorous stranger who seems quickly drawn to him. What starts as a playful flirtation soon hints at a hidden agenda and a perilous past. They drift through sunlit canals and glamorous hotels, chasing a romance that feels too good to be true. Every compliment, every shared glance carries risk as friends and foes move unseen. Double lives, disguises, and a tangle of loyalties pull them into a dangerous game that both entertains and unsettles. The film blends glossy spectacle with suspense, turning a chance encounter into a high stakes dance through Europe’s iconic settings. Venice's architecture, gondolas, and sun-dappled courtyards frame the action with a polished look that emphasizes style over depth while the mood stays tense and alluring.

Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, The Tourist stems from an original screenplay with contributions from Julian Fellowes, Jerome Salle, and Christopher McQuarrie. Filmed on location in many European cities, it paired Jolie and Depp with a globe trotting production team and a lush, glossy aesthetic.

With a budget around 100,000,000 it grossed 278,731,369 worldwide, signaling solid commercial appeal and broad audience reach across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The film benefited from a high profile marketing push and the star power of Jolie and Depp.

Critics were mixed, noting stylish visuals and the star pairing as the film's main draw while faulting the plot and pacing. The story leans into deception, flirtation, and danger, using Venice as a lush backdrop to explore trust, risk, and the cost of romance. The direction emphasizes sleek set pieces and a cool, calculated tone that keeps the audience off balance without offering heavy moral commentary.

The Tourist is often remembered for its glossy allure and the international casting power of Depp and Jolie, underscoring a moment in 2010s cinema when big stars fueled commercial thrillers set against iconic locations. It helped keep Venice in the global thriller conversation and sparked conversations about celebrity magnetism and trailer driven storytelling.