The Idea of You

Rating 5/10

I review what’s popular, so in my film criticism, I sometimes check out movies I wouldn’t normally choose to watch.  The Idea of You, currently a hit on Amazon Prime, is such a venture. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy a good rom-com, but this looked a bit, um, shall we say, meh. However, director Michael Showalter beckoned with the promise of another compelling romance akin to his directorial gem, The Big Sick.

Anne Hathway plays a divorced 40-year-old mother named Solène. She takes teen daughter Izzy (Ella Rubin) to Coachella, where a boy band called August Moon is headlining the event. Unm, okay, that strains credulity.  While waiting in the VIP area, Solène inadvertently meets one of the members named Hayes Campbell, a 24-year-old singer played by Nicholas Galitzine. He is immediately smitten, and they flirt. However, Solène is sixteen years older than Hayes, and she feels a bit awkward. They part ways. Later, they bump into each other again at her art gallery. He goes all out buying art to impress her. That’s when the rollercoaster of their affair kicks off.

Their interactions follow a conventional pattern: Hayes chases Solène, but she’s guarded and keeps pushing him away. This gets annoying. You know they will eventually end up together. And when they do, bam! The tabloids sensationalize it as a scandal. However, women dating younger men is hardly shocking—celebrities like Demi Moore, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna have done it without much fuss. However, Izzy’s discomfort with their liaison adds an interesting layer. Her daughter is not too keen on being thrust into the spotlight. As romance blossoms, The Idea of You endeavors to navigate the complexities inherent within unconventional relationships and how it affects everyone in their orbit.

The heart of the story lies in the attraction between two people with an age gap. Solène exudes a palpable reticence. Her cautious demeanor is a barrier to Campbell’s fervent advances. This routine dance of reluctance and pursuit, while not devoid of its charms, follows predictable trajectories. Yet, Anne Hathaway nails the anxious personality of her character. The actresses’ portrayal imbues the proceedings with a certain gravitas. Though constrained by the script’s conventions, her performance resonates with a portrayal of an uptight woman torn between societal expectations and personal desires.

The Idea of You is a clichéd entry in the romantic comedy genre. Director Showalter co-wrote the screenplay with Jennifer Westfeldton from the debut novel of actress Robinne Lee (Seven Pounds). The author has acknowledged that the singer character was partly inspired by Harry Styles. The member of the boy band One Direction is known for his preference for older women. While Lee regrets revealing this inspiration, it only adds a spicy edge to the developments. Styles is a figure of cross-generational appeal. The suggestion enriches the exploration of age, desire, and social norms. While its narrative trajectory may tread familiar ground, the chemistry between its characters might make it a worthwhile watch for some audiences.

05-11-24