CHARLESTON , S.C. (WCIV) — Under the warm glow of its vintage marquee and nestled among the historic charm of Upper King Street, Charleston’s beloved American Theater hosted a dazzling special screening of the anticipated Amazon Prime Video Original film “The Map That Leads to You.”
Set to premiere nationwide on August 20, 2025, the event transformed the venue into a cinematic portal of romance, adventure, and heartfelt discovery.
Adapted from J.P. Monninger’s novel and directed by Lasse Hallström, “The Map That Leads to You” is a romantic drama following Heather, played by Madelyn Cline, a recent graduate on a structured post-college European adventure alongside best friends Amy, played by Madison Thompson, and Connie, played by Sofia Wylie. Heather’s journey takes an emotional turn when she meets Jack, played by KJ Apa, a spontaneous traveler retracing his grandfather’s footsteps across picturesque landscapes.
“Lasse Hallström our director really loved to improvise and just have things feel like they were on a whim. And so I think as a person, but also as an actress, that was a great lesson for me that not everything has to be so cookie cutter and prepared and that beautiful things can be created from mistakes and messes,” Wylie said.
Cline said The Map That Leads to You is a reminder for audience members to “Love, love. Fall in love. And Be happy.”
“People should take away from the story that love comes in all shapes and sizes when you least expected. For Heather, that was a person that she met on a train and for Amy that was looking inside herself,” Thompson said.
“I hope that they can take away that love is definitely worth the risk. Heather, our main character, has such a plan for her life, but then it takes a complete 180 when she meets Jack. And I think that can be really hard for people like me who just want everything to go in the direction that they have planned in their head,” Wylie said. “But sometimes things are better when they’re unknown.”
Guests arrived in elegant attire, greeted by flickering vintage lanterns and the soft hum of anticipation in the lobby. The atmosphere was both glamorous and intimate, a testament to the city’s film-lover’s spirit.
Bravo Star and local business owner Leva Bonaparte helped introduce the cast. Bonaparte said the film’s theme rings true whether you are traveling to Charleson or abroad.
“I think it’s important to remind people able to travel and to meet people and to really connect. Like I always say, we need to break bread with strangers more,” Bonaparte said.
The screening ignited soft applause that built into a heartfelt standing ovation by the film’s end, as viewers were swept away by its blend of tender romance, scenic beauty, and emotional growth.
This Charleston screening was more than just a preview it was a night where Hollywood glamour met Southern grace, inviting viewers to escape into a story of connection, discovery, and what it truly means to follow your heart.
Mark your calendars, “The Map That Leads to You” will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video beginning August 20, 2025.
Watch the trailer for The Map That Leads to You .
