Hathaway Shines in Thoroughly Immersive Rom-com ‘The Idea of You’ on Prime Video

Transcending the realms of charm and romantic comedy is the new film, “The Idea of You.” Here, we find Anne Hathaway, in her gifted and glimmering glory, embodying the multifaceted character of Solène, a 40-year-old divorced art gallery owner from Silver Lake. Her life takes an unexpected turn into romance when she mistakenly stumbles upon the trailer of a young pop sensation, believing it was the restroom during L.A’s famed Coachella festival.

While the plot might seem far-stretched across a few hundred points, the notion that the young heartthrob Hayes Campbell, played by Nicholas Galitzine, could fall for a single mother like Solène isn’t unlikely at all. Solène’s appeal is unmistakable; she is effortlessly chic, unswayed by the lure of fame and possesses bangs so flawlessly sculpted they seem almost genetically engineered. And above all else, remember, she’s Anne Hathaway. Even in a cinematic universe where Hayes is designed to be a fictional celebrity, Hathaway remains a palpable powerhouse; a film star whose radiance never fades.

Premiering this Thursday on Prime Video, “The Idea of You” nests beautifully within a myriad of contradictions making it an enticing rom-com. The glamorous, electrifyingly smiling powerhouse that is Hathaway graces a role that is paradoxically earth-bound and anonymous. Galitzine is relatively unknown, yet throws himself with quite remarkable authenticity into playing the industry veteran in this glossy and endearing Hollywood fairytale.

But what truly shapes the film and makes it irresistibly immersive is the chemistry. The narrative carves out an authentic path for Solène and Hayes, with ample time spent on the development of their relationship – each encounter, each shared moment heaped with palpable tension and raw authenticity.

By the time their European escapade of passion and plush room service gets underway in “The Idea of You,” the narrative would either have swept you off your feet or at least guided you gently into their world. Yet, it gracefully adheres to its core aim of highlighting and celebrating middle-aged womanhood, carefully navigating the societal impact of their love affair and their ability to survive the firestorms brought about by her ex-husband’s infidelity.

While juggling the intricate dynamics of comedy and drama in “The Idea of You,” the film transcends into a dreamlike romance. However, in doing so, it slightly diminishes some of the distinct narrative arcs that made the original book so riveting.

The original novel portrayed a more drastic age difference; the pop singer was just 20 years old, thereby articulating a sharper contrast in the ages of the lead characters. However, given that Hathaway, far from an embodiment of old age, is 41 and Galitzine is 29, the film portrays more of a late summer romance.

The omission of the daughter being an avid fan of the pop singer also lessens the complexity of the situation. Nevertheless, the undeniable chemistry between Hathaway and Galitzine somewhat compensates for these alterations, making the film an enjoyable offering.

One of the most commendable feats of “The Idea of You” is the creation of boy band, August Moon. The authenticity of the band is lent credence through original songs devised by renowned songwriters and producers Savan Kotecha and Carl Falk, who’ve previously collaborated on chart-topping hits such as One Direction’s debut single “What Makes You Beautiful.”

Despite attempts to dissociate “The Idea of You” from real-life comparisons, the narrative essence and craftsmanship bear undeniable resemblances, particularly to the sincerity and charm of Harry Styles. As such, “The Idea of You,” an Amazon MGM Studios release, stands as a testament to the golden age of the fictional boy band.

Rated R by the Motion Picture Association for some language and sexual content, the run time of “The Idea of You” is 115 minutes. It’s awarded two and a half stars out of four. This charming romance is here to captivate audience hearts and set them on a journey of love, passion, and resilience, reminding us all that love knows no bounds nor ages.