The Idea of You
Directed by Michael Showalter
★★★½
Anne Hathaway as 'Solène' and Nicholas Galitzine as 'Hayes Campbell' star in THE IDEA OF YOU
Credit: Courtesy of Prime
Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC
The Idea of You, directed by Michael Showalter and starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, is a film that takes a contemporary love story and weaves it into the fabric of today’s pop culture. Based on the novel of the same name, the movie centers around Solène Marchand (Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mother who unexpectedly falls for 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Galitzine), the heartthrob lead singer of one of the world’s most popular boy bands, August Moon. While the film treads familiar ground within the romance genre, Hathaway's magnetic performance and Showalter's deft direction elevate the material into something that resonates emotionally.
The plot kicks off when Solène, forced to step in as a chaperone for her daughter Isabelle’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival, meets Hayes. The chemistry between them is instantaneous, a connection that feels both inevitable and surprising. As their romance blossoms, it’s impossible not to be swept away by the whirlwind of their passion. However, the relationship is complicated by the very public life Hayes leads, a life under the relentless scrutiny of the media and fans, which puts immense pressure on Solène, a private person who never sought the spotlight.
Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Solène is the film’s cornerstone. Her ability to convey a spectrum of emotions—from the initial trepidation of embarking on a relationship with someone much younger to the vulnerability of navigating a life suddenly thrust into the public eye—is nothing short of remarkable. Hathaway's performance breathes life into Solène, making her a character that is both relatable and deeply sympathetic. She plays Solène with a groundedness that contrasts beautifully with the more fantastical elements of her romance with Hayes. There’s a realness to her portrayal, a sense that Solène could be any woman grappling with the unexpected complications of love later in life.
Nicholas Galitzine, as Hayes, is a revelation. He embodies the role of the charismatic pop star with ease, but what makes his performance stand out is the depth he brings to Hayes. Beneath the glamorous exterior is a young man yearning for connection, for someone who sees him beyond his fame. The chemistry between Hathaway and Galitzine is palpable, and it’s their believable connection that anchors the film, making the audience invest in their love story.
Michael Showalter, known for his work on The Big Sick, once again shows his skill in blending humor, romance, and drama. While The Idea of You does fall into some of the predictable trappings of the romance genre, Showalter’s direction ensures that the film never feels formulaic. Instead, he infuses the narrative with moments of genuine warmth and introspection, giving the characters space to breathe and evolve.
One of the film’s strengths is its exploration of the pressures of modern relationships, particularly those played out in the public eye. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker side of fame—the invasive media, the judgmental public, and the toll it takes on personal relationships. It’s a thoughtful commentary on how love can survive, or struggle, in the face of such external pressures.
In conclusion, The Idea of You is a film that, while familiar in its romance tropes, is elevated by its strong performances, particularly from Hathaway and Showalter’s sensitive direction. It’s a story about love, yes, but also about the complexities of living authentically in a world that often demands the opposite. For fans of romance films, and those looking for a story that touches on the intricacies of love in the modern age, The Idea of You is well worth watching.
