In the delightful romantic comedy, “The Idea of You,” the talented Anne Hathaway steps into the role of Solène, a 40-year-old divorcee who finds herself in a whirlwind love affair after an incident with mistaken restrooms at Coachella. Hathaway’s character, an art gallery owner based in Silver Lake and a single parent, unexpectedly catches the eye of a 24-year-old boyband heartthrob from August Moon, Hayes, played by Nicholas Galitzine.
Yes, the plot does hold an air of improbability – an unlikely love found amidst the chaotic porta potties of a music festival – yet, despite its far-fetched narrative, it’s not inconceivable for a young starlet, such as Hayes Campbell, to fall for a woman like Solène. After all, her stylish demeanor, nonchalance towards Hayes’ fame, and impeccably perfect bangs make her a worthy match.
Beneath the power dynamics of “The Idea of You,” lies a simple and undeniable truth: Hayes may be playing a pop icon, but Hathaway is the real movie star. This fact is never forgotten as we are treated to a brilliant showcase of Hathaway’s stunning performance under the expert direction of Michael Showalter.
The film, set to premiere on Prime Video, adeptly blends contradictions to make a romantic comedy work. Hathaway, known for her glamorous demeanor and radiant smile, brilliantly embodies a grounded, everyday character. Galitzine, despite being a rapidly rising British actor, convincingly portrays a seasoned Hollywood veteran.
Even while dealing with high concept narratives and a Hollywood fairytale-esque storyline, Showalter brings authenticity by giving the story a comprehensive and believable outlook. The result – “The Idea of You” feels less like a far-fetched fantasy and more of a sincere tale of finding love in the most unexpected places.
The one element that is vital in a venture such as “The Idea of You” is chemistry. The script allows for a gradual build-up of rapport between Solène and Hayes, smoldering the scenes with just the right amount of heat to conjure up an authentic connection.
Underneath the glitz and glamour of steamy hotel encounters and trans-European journeys, the film remains grounded in its core message – celebrating the resilience and tenacity of middle-aged women. The relationship between Solène and Hayes ignites a virtual firestorm, putting their relationship and Solène’s resolve to the test after previously being betrayed by her ex-husband.
Though Showalter is known for expertly blending comedy and drama, “The Idea of You” leans more heavily into the realm of romantic fantasy – a move that may discourage some but still holds its own charms.
Despite some modifications from the book, including the age gap between the lead characters and nuances in the mother-daughter relationship, the film offers enjoyable entertainment, thanks in part to the palpable chemistry between Hathaway and Galitzine.
One of the most convincing aspects of “The Idea of You” is the portrayal of August Moon. The film captures the essence of real-life boy bands, backed by original pop hits composed by Savan Kotecha and Carl Falk, renowned for crafting chart-topping songs like One Direction’s debut single, “What Makes You Beautiful.” This significant musical contribution further solidifies ”The Idea of You” as a reminiscent tale of love and pop culture.
Lastly, despite any similarities or speculations linking the film to any real-life pop stars (queue Harry Styles), the film maintains its distinctive narrative. Perhaps the most significant element that can be extrapolated from this new arrival is the golden age of fictional boybands that we seem to be enjoying.
“The Idea of You” is set to be released by Amazon MGM Studios and is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for its language and sexual content. The running time of the film is 115 minutes.
