At a cursory look, “The Idea of You” might pass off as quintessential romantic fantasy: a tale capturing the allure of a forbidden love story between an older woman and a young pop icon. Indeed, it’s rooted in the genre, woven with threads reminiscent of a particular tattooed, cardigan-donned heartthrob with a penchant for sugary fruit-laden melodies. But as crafted by director Michael Showalter and co-writer Jennifer Westfeldt, this narrative transcends its fanfic origins, landing in a space that feels notably genuine and resonant.
The film, which draws its essence from Robinne Lee’s celebrated novel of the same name, introduces audiences to Solène (Anne Hathaway), a woman on the edge of forty, reeling from the aftermath of a divorce. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), a young British superstar sending hearts aflutter worldwide. A casual encounter at one of his concerts soon spirals into a passionate, border-crossing romance. As Solène wrestles with her newfound autonomy and the disorienting ripples of falling for a man many years her junior, the film portrays a deeply textured psyche of its protagonist.
Anne Hathaway breathes life into Solène with remarkable authenticity, channeling the journey of a woman in the throes of reclaiming her youth and making up for time that seemed to have slipped away, to one enveloped in the fervent waves of new love. Hathaway infuses Solène with nuance – her performance a delicate balance of vulnerability and spirited charm – creating a heroine who is immediately sympathetic.
The film’s romantic scenes are electrified by the palpable chemistry between Hathaway’s Solène and Galitzine’s Hayes. With Jim Frohna’s intimate cinematography and Siddhartha Khosla’s soul-stirring score, their liaison is portrayed as nothing short of captivating – with every glance and tender interaction painting a picture of an affair that is as much beautiful as it is illicit.
Shifting focus to Galitzine’s portrayal of Hayes, he brings to the table a tender allure and depth that elevates the character from the stereotypical heartthrob to a complex individual. He meticulously carves out Hayes, presenting not just an idol to be swooned over, but a person with authentic feelings and layers awaiting exploration.
In exploring this summertime love story, “The Big Sick” director Showalter doesn’t shy away from delving into themes such as age dynamics, the pervasiveness of social media, and its effects on romance. Solène’s battle with the world’s scrutiny and the harsh glare of online commentary (ranging from accusations of cougar behavior to being labeled a modern-day Yoko Ono) prompts the film to question the societal fixation with fame and the fantastical. It probes at the uncomfortable, holding a mirror to our celebrity-obsessed culture.
“The Idea of You” doesn’t just question societal pressures; it defies the age-old misconceptions surrounding female desire and the myths that suggest motherhood dulls a woman’s allure. While the film concludes with a somewhat predictable finale, there’s a sense of lost potential, as if the story’s most touching sacrifices were exchanged for a conventional resolution.
Despite broaching heavy themes, the film remains unwaveringly romantic at its core, painted with moments of levity and emotional warmth. These slices of heartfelt connection linger, heightening our affinity for the characters within this love-laden tapestry.
The film subverts the expected trajectory of its genre, offering a Notting Hill-esque contemplation on attraction in an era dominated by digital interaction and the volatile nature of celebrity status. Yet, it’s Hathaway’s formidable lead performance that anchors its appeal.
“The Idea of You” is primed to reach audiences, inviting them into its amorous escapades, come May 2 on Amazon Prime Video. Here lies a cinema experience that’s poised to blend the intimacy of English narrative storytelling with the grandeur and poignance of world cinema.
