Leighton Meester, famed for her role as Blair Waldorf in the teen TV sensation Gossip Girl, takes on a starkly different character in the Netflix original movie The Weekend Away. Adapted from Sarah Alderson's novel and released on the streaming giant in 2022, the film promised much with its enchanting Split, Croatia setting and a beloved leading lady but has seemingly failed to impress audiences.

A scathing review on Rotten Tomatoes reads: "Absolutely horrible! Poor acting, a simple and too predictable script... The only good moment in this movie is a bird's-eye view of that city in Croatia.

"Unforgettable waste of time." Another disappointed viewer said: "This movie had all the elements to tell a good story: a decent cast, an interesting location, and an attractive premise, but it turns out they decided to make everything jumbled and full of loose ends."

The plot centres around Beth, portrayed by Leighton who jets off to Croatia for a weekend getaway with her lifelong friend Kate, played by Christina Wolfe. Seeking respite from motherhood and marital woes, the pair embark on a raucous night out clubbing, during which Kate encourages Beth to consider a one-night stand.

After their wild night, Beth awakens with a hazy memory and discovers Kate has mysteriously disappeared, reports the Mirror US. In a gripping twist, Ziad Bakri's character, Beth, discovers with the aid of their affable taxi driver from the previous evening that their charming companions were in fact hired escorts and notorious swindlers.

Beth's friend had innocently arranged for the duo in hope of a delightfully entertaining night unaware of the deceptive pair's hidden nefarious activities; subsequently revealing that they cunningly utilise their facade to sedate and fleece their unsuspecting clients.

The film's intriguing concept has captivated a horde of viewers, with one exclaiming: "This is a great thriller with twists and turns that bring plenty of surprises. Leighton Meester shines, as does Croatia."

Another viewer said: "It's a fantastic, fast-paced suspense thriller. Must-watch movie. Lead roles-specifically Leighton Meester-are excellent."

Upon its debut, buoyed by the presence of its star actress, the flick piqued enough curiosity to amass nearly 80 million hours of viewing time. However, it appears there is consensus among viewers that The Weekend Away doesn't quite hit the high notes expected of it.

Critiquing the motion picture, one comment reads: "Decent acting from the main lady, but otherwise pretty average and not a particularly thrilling thriller."

Additionally, one spectator noted the film suffered from "strange pacing," and characters that "lacked depth."

Make up your own mind about the film's calibre in exemplifying the thriller genre and immerse yourself in The Weekend Away featuring the talented Leighton Meester, available to stream on Netflix now.