The Idea of You: A Fresh Take on Romance
 |
| The Idea of You Review |
Introduction
The Idea of You, a new romance streaming on Amazon
Prime. This film, directed by Michael Showalter, stars Anne Hathaway and
Nicholas Galitzine. It's a movie that, despite its conventional romcom
skeleton, manages to bring a refreshing and heartfelt story to the screen.
The Idea of You Trailer
Director's Track Record
Michael Showalter is sneakily one of the most
consistent directors working today. His previous works, like Hello, My Name is
Doris (2015) and The Big Sick (2017), have been wellreceived, with The Big Sick
earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Even The Lovebirds
(2020), though not as acclaimed, was an enjoyable comedy that got buried in
pandemicera streaming. The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2022) saw Jessica Chastain
winning an Oscar for Best Actress. Now, with The Idea of You, Showalter
continues to deliver compelling narratives.
Plot Overview
Anne Hathaway stars as Selen, a 40yearold divorced
mother to a 16yearold girl. Selen, who owns an art gallery, ends up chaperoning
her daughter and friends to Coachella after her ex flakes on the plan. There,
they have a VIP meetandgreet with a boy band called August Moon. The meetcute
happens when Selen mistakes the trailer of Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine),
a 24yearold band member, for a public restroom. Hayes is instantly drawn to
Selen, setting off a romance that navigates the typical romcom beats:
flirtation, high highs, a big complication, and a tumultuous third act.
Character Depth
What sets The Idea of You apart from other romances is
its character depth. Both Selen and Hayes are wellrounded characters with
genuine backgrounds and emotional complexities. Selen shares her pain from the
dissolution of her marriage and the trust issues that linger. Hayes, on the
other hand, opens up about losing his identity to his teen pop idol persona and
his fears of being nothing more than a punchline. Their relationship isn’t just
about the age gap but also about societal pressures, public scrutiny, and
personal growth.
Handling the Age Gap
The age gap between Selen and Hayes is treated with
nuance. Instead of using it for cheap jokes, the movie uses it to explore
societal views on such relationships and how they differ for men and women.
It’s a romance complicated by real issues like timing, societal pressure, and
public scrutiny, making it feel authentic and engaging.
Performances
Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine deliver strong
performances. Hathaway, transitioning into more mature roles, showcases her
longevity as an actress. Galitzine, already known for streaming romances like Purple
Hearts and Red, White & Royal Blue, impresses with his balance of
heartthrob charisma and genuine character depth. His musical talent adds
authenticity to his role as a band member.
Genre Conventions
While the film does fall into some genre conventions,
with predictable plot turns and a familiar framework, it navigates these
conventions well. The story remains believable within its romcom structure, and
the film ultimately delivers what audiences want from the genre.
Streaming Era Challenges
One concern is the film's release on streaming, which
may cause it to disappear into the streaming black hole after an initial burst
of popularity. This is a film that deserves more than just a few days of
attention; it’s one of the better romances in recent memory.
Conclusion
Michael Showalter continues to prove his directorial
prowess with The Idea of You, a film that combines strong performances,
character depth, and smart handling of its premise. It's a solid choice for a
weekend watch, earning a confident It's Good rating from me.
So, what are your thoughts? Are you planning to watch The
Idea of You on Amazon Prime this weekend? Let me know in the comments below.
And for another review, check out my thoughts on Jerry Seinfeld's new movie, Unfrosted,
on Netflix
Summery
The Idea of You is a romantic drama film starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, directed by Michael Showalter. The movie follows the unexpected romance between a 40-year-old single mother, Solene, and a 24-year-old boy band singer, Hayes Campbell. Despite the significant age gap, the film delves into their relationship with depth and authenticity, exploring societal norms, personal growth, and public scrutiny. Hathaway and Galitzine deliver strong performances, adding emotional depth to their characters. While the film follows some genre conventions, it navigates them well, offering a believable and engaging storyline. The handling of the age gap is nuanced, focusing on real issues rather than exploiting it for cheap jokes. As the film is released on streaming platforms, there are concerns about its longevity in the streaming era. Overall, The Idea of You is a heartfelt and well-executed romance that deserves more attention beyond its initial release.
The Idea of You Cast
Post a Comment