The Idea of You - 💥💥

Director: Michael Showalter

Writers: Michael Showalter, Robinne Lee and Jennifer Westfeldt

Release Date: 2nd May 2024 

Hot Rating: 💥💥

Synopsis: The Idea of You follows the whirlwind romance of Solène (Anne Hathaway), a divorced art gallery owner in her 40s, and Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), a charismatic 24-year-old pop star. When a chance encounter ignites a passionate affair, their worlds collide, challenging societal norms and testing the boundaries of love amidst a whirlwind of paparazzi, jealous fans, and the scrutiny of a public consumed by the spectacle of their May-December relationship.

Review: The Idea of You is a predictable and formulaic romance, drowning in cheesy clichés and a repetitive structure. Hathaway and Galitzine try to generate heat, but their chemistry is ultimately stifled by a script that relies on a tired trope rolodex: the meet-cute that feels forced, the misunderstanding that could be cleared up with a single conversation, and the grand gesture that resolves everything with a saccharine bow on top. While the film's glamorous setting and attractive leads offer fleeting moments of escapism, The Idea of You ultimately fails to deliver anything beyond a forgettable cinematic experience. It's a shame, because the premise had potential. A May-December romance between a jaded divorcee and a young pop star could be a recipe for an interesting exploration of love, desire and societal expectations. But The Idea of You squanders that potential, opting for predictable plot beats and a happily-ever-after that feels unearned. 

Image: YouTube