May December

From the experimental short Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story to Far From Heaven to Carol, director Todd Haynes has demonstrated a penchant for helming complex films involving provocative subjects. That’s a perfect introduction to May December. His latest is loosely based on an actual mid-1990s crime of an American teacher who had a sexual relationship with her 12-year-old student. She went to jail but then had his baby while incarcerated. When she was released, they got married and they had another child together.

May December is inspired by those problematic events but set 20 years later. Julianne Moore is Gracie, the sex offender, and Charles Melton portrays the now-adult Joe, her husband. Natalie Portman is Elizabeth, an actress cast to play Grace in an independent film. The couple has three teen kids (Elizabeth Yu, Gabriel Chung, Piper Curda). Elizabeth comes to spend time with them to do research for her role. Gracie and Joe allow this because Elizabeth assures them she will depict their life with compassion. The actress uncomfortably insinuates herself into their lives.

The chronicle explores Gracie and Joe’s disturbing relationship through a trio of great performances. Julianne Moore and director Todd Haynes have a history. They’ve worked together before, most notably on Safe and Far from Heaven. Furthermore, Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman are Oscar-winning actresses. As expected, they are indeed good. However actor Charles Melton as Gracie’s now 36-year-old husband, makes the biggest impression. A scene where he smokes marijuana for the very first time on the roof with his teenage son Charlie (Gabriel Chung) is heartbreaking. The examination can be subtle. Joe is gradually coming to terms with what occurred in the past. Other times, the presentation can be purposefully exaggerated. The melodramatic music that swells is reminiscent of a campy TV movie of the week. However, this picture is not tawdry but complicated, highlighting a nuanced and deep glimpse into these characters.

May December tackles a distressing scandal — something most people don’t want to contemplate. I was wary. This is a saga about how abusers manipulate their victims, but it’s also about how those transgressions are portrayed to the public as a piece of tabloid entertainment. It raises many questions which I felt were answered by the end. It can feel icky along the way, but ultimately handles the developments with depth and care. Todd Haynes has been working from scripts written by other people for his narrative productions since 2015’s Carol. May December features an ingenious screenplay by Samy Burch. She deserves an Oscar nomination for creatively exploring this controversial true-life story.

12-02-23