In Michael Showalter The idea of you, based on the novel by Robin Lee, Amazon/MGM brings to the screen a thrilling story with the potential to explore the complexities of love, ageism, and the pursuit of happiness in the digital age. Centering on Solenn, played by Anne Hathaway, a single mother and art gallery owner, and Hayes Campbell, played by Nicholas Galitzine, a young pop star from the fictional band August Moon, the film sets its sights on charting the course of an unconventional romantic story, but the script confuses it. . All to produce a fairly funny, moderately entertaining, if overly long, romantic comedy.
Anne Hathaway plays Solenn, a California art gallery owner and single mother who initially planned a solo camping trip. However, her plans are rerouted when she takes on the responsibility of taking her daughter, Izzie (Ella Rubin), to Coachella, after Izzie’s father, Daniel (Reed Scott), is detained due to work commitments. Searching for a moment of peace amidst the chaos of the festival, Solenn retreats to a trailer for a bathroom break, which leads her to a chance encounter with Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), a 24-year-old member of the popular band August Moon, in an unexpected turn of events.
The highlight comes when Hayes dedicates a rendition of “Closer” to Solen, marking the beginning of an unexpected connection. Uninterested in his fame, Hayes pursues Solenn, which raises the question: Will she embrace the possibility of a romantic relationship with a younger man, or will her reservations about their age difference get in the way of her pursuit of happiness?
The idea of you He shines when he delves into the introspection and self-awareness that comes with important life milestones. Solenn’s foray into the dating world, after the age of 40, embodies the awkwardness of adulthood and the narrowing of options that come with it. This is exacerbated by the consideration of the younger partner, which is what the film frankly approaches.
However, when it aims to capture the essence of shared vulnerability and trust, it falters, bogging down a narrative that feels uneven and, at times, contrived as Hayes’ actions walk a fine line between determination and a disregard for boundaries. The film’s attempt to address the complexities of their age gap and the external pressures of fame and internet culture on their relationship often leans into dramatic opportunities rather than substantive missed opportunities to explore these themes with the nuance they deserve.
The film’s over-reliance on exposition makes me feel like I’ve watched online fanfiction come to life rather than a fully-fledged cinematic story. This is not to disparage fan fiction, which can offer insight into character and emotion, but in a film that seeks to carve out a space in the romantic comedy genre, the balance between fantasy and realism can be muddy if not careful — but Showalter and Jennifer’s script seems to Westfeldt Okay with that.
My favorite aspect of the film is the relationship between Solenn and her daughter Izzie as the chemistry between Hathaway and Robin is palpable. They provide the mother-daughter dynamic that is the emotional core of the film. Hathaway’s portrayal is nuanced and layered, offering a glimpse into the complexities of Solen’s character that is both compelling and relatable. Acknowledging the film’s unbalanced romance and its ramifications on Solen’s life choices, especially regarding her daughter’s well-being, provides a layer of narrative depth that serves as the true backbone of this story.
However, the relationship between Sullen and Hayes struggles under the weight of believability. Galitzine’s portrayal, while serious, fails to match Hathaway’s depth, which makes their relationship less compelling. This exploration feels somewhat superficial, overshadowed by a text more concerned with romantic idealism than with the messier, more important aspects of love and life.
In an age hungry for rom-coms that entertain and enlighten, this film positions itself as a contender. However, its execution leaves it languishing in the realm of what-could-have-been. Combined with the length and precision that undercut his more serious tones, The idea of you It makes it a fleeting pleasure rather than a lasting effect. Either way, it will undoubtedly find its audience, those who long for escapism wrapped in the glow of star-crossed lovers against the backdrop of music and fame. Hathaway’s performance delivers moments of genuine emotion and connection that point to the film’s potential, and which keeps things together long enough to be enjoyable.
Title: The idea of you
festival:SXSW (closing night)
distributor: Amazon/MGM
release date: May 2, 2024
exit: Michael Showalter
screenwriter: Michael Showalter and Jennifer Westfield
ejaculate: Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine, Ella Rubin, Annie Mumolo, Reed Scott, Perry Mattfeld, Jordan Aaron Hall, Matilda Gianopulos, Raymond Cham Jr., Jayden Anthony, Victor White, Dakota Adan
evaluation: R
Running time: 1 hour and 55 minutes