Set amid the lush landscapes of Silver Lake and the vibrant energy of Coachella, the latest romantic comedy gracing the screen is “The Idea of You.” It’s an intriguing tale featuring Anne Hathaway, perfectly cast as Solène, a 40-year-old, stylish, art gallery owner and divorcee, who unwittingly falls for 24-year-old heartthrob Hayes Campbell, played by Nicholas Galitzine. This unexpected romance unfolds when she mistakes Campbell’s trailer for the restroom at the music festival.
Sure, skeptics might find a couple of hundred reasons to question the credibility of this plot line, but Campbell’s unlikely infatuation for Solène is certainly not one of them. After all, she’s more than just a single mother — she’s an epitome of style, unapologetically undazzled by Campbell’s fame, and has flawless bangs that seem more the result of top-tier genetics than any salon intervention. Let’s not forget, she is portrayed by none other than the iconic Anne Hathaway. The scale tilts so smoothly in “The Idea of You,” that Campbell’s character, though a fictional pop star, pales next to Hathaway’s radiant star power.
Making its debut on Prime Video, this light, yet engaging offering from director Michael Showalter brilliantly showcases Hathaway at her absolute finest. The film is packed with delightful paradoxes that one expects from a well-rounded rom-com. The glamour and charisma of Hathaway, playing a rather unpretentious character, contrasts amusingly with Galitzine’s relatively unknown British actor taking on the role of a seasoned showbiz personality. This blend of fresh talent and seasoned veterans, pitched against the glossy, high-shine backdrop of Hollywood magic, imbues “The Idea of You” with touch of authenticity.
Success in this genre is highly contingent on on-screen chemistry and the narrative delivers on this tenet immaculately. Taking cues from Robinne Lee’s bestseller, screenwriters Showalter and Jennifer Westfeldt, craft a storyline that lets the romance unfold organically between Solène and Campbell. What begins with casual interactions at Coachella and the gallery transforms gradually into a simmering romance with palpable sexual tension, culminating in a European voyage marked by intimate encounters and dollops of room-service indulgence.
Despite weaving an unusual fairytale, Showalter stays true to his mission of celebrating middle-aged womanhood. Solène, struggling with betrayal from her ex-husband, becomes embroiled in a social media maelstrom as her relationship with Campbell unfurls. This captivating narrative raises an essential question: can Solène, a deserving woman, allow herself to believe in this fairytale romance?
While Showalter demonstrates his skill in balancing comedy and drama, the movie edges more towards wish-fulfillment romance. That said, it neutralizes some distinguishing aspects of the novel, like the age gap romance. In the book, the heartthrob singer is 20, but in the movie, given that Galitzine is 29, the age difference between him and the 41-year-old Hathaway seems rather negligible. Also, Solène’s teenage daughter, who in the book is enamored with the pop singer, is unimpressed by him in the film.
The film’s portrayal of August Moon, a fictional boy band, is remarkably convincing thanks to producer-songwriters Savan Kotecha and Carl Falk. Famous for pop hits such as One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful,” the duo crafted original songs for the movie, adding an extra layer of realism. “The Idea of You” with August Moon might remind some of Harry Styles, although filmmakers have stressed any resemblance is merely coincidental. One way or the other, it is apparent we are amidst a golden age of fictional boy bands.
All said, the Amazon MGM Studios’ release “The Idea of You” promises a laughter-filled 115 minutes with its refreshing storyline and captivating performances, but be warned, the Motion Picture Association hands it an “R” rating for some explicit language and sexual content.
