"The Idea of You": Another Addition to the Romcom Genre That Doesn’t Break Any New Ground
Director: Michael Showalter
Rating: 6/10
"The Idea of You" is Anne Hathaway's comeback to the romantic-comedy genre that has been highly anticipated by her fans. The movie revolves around Solène, a woman who has to accompany her daughter to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex-partner cancels at the last minute. It is at this festival that she meets Hayes, a young man, and they hit it off right away. The two embark on a whirlwind romance, but their relationship becomes complicated by Hayes' celebrity status and the challenges that come with being in the public eye. The film explores themes of love, age, and celebrity in the modern world, providing a contemporary take on the May-December romance. The premise promises to be both alluring and controversial, as it delves into the complexities of relationships between people of different ages, statuses, and backgrounds.
Anne's portrayal as Solène just proves that she can give us range and versatility as an actress. She brings charm and authenticity to her character which could have been easily marked as cliche. The chemistry between Anne and Nicholas Galitzine, who plays Hayes, is surprisingly effective, given the challenging dynamics of their characters' age difference. Anne's undeniable talent and onscreen appeal make the concept of May-December romance not only plausible but also deeply sensitive and engaging. In a society that judges and scrutinizes women for their romantic choices, especially with their age, Hathaway's Solène stands as a figure of both vulnerability and strength. Galitzine also delivers a captivating nuanced performance that holds its own against Hathaway's strong screen presence. Their chemistry is not just a testament to their talent but also to the careful casting choices that acknowledge the importance of genuine interaction and rapport. This is what makes the movie effective, due to the movie's casting choices as one of its strengths.
One of the movie's strengths is its willingness to acknowledge and touch on some complex societal issues. The film does not shy away from addressing the double standard that is faced by older women in the dating scene. The amount of relentless pressure of social media attention, and the multifaceted challenges of motherhood are some of the elements that the movie is trying to deliver---these elements add layers of depth to the narrative and go beyond its simple romance and the realm of social commentary. The movie also heavily discussed the theme of ageism, showcasing the harsh amount of scrutiny, judgment, and criticism that mature women face when they step outside of societal expectations for their age, especially in the dating scene. These alone are a poignant reflection of the real-world experiences of many women of color and age, and the movie handles them with such integrity that is sensitive and insightful for viewers, providing a platform for a dialogue on these subjects.
Amazon Studios
The book and movie take inspiration from the world of fan fiction, particularly the craze surrounding pop icons like Harry Styles. Hayes Campbell, played by Galitzine, is the main character who is a famous heartthrob in a boy band with a large teenage following, reminiscent of the One Direction phenomenon. Although this might add a layer to the movie's relatability for the fans of the genre, however, the movie also comes across as overly derivative and cheesy. The movie's pacing is also where it falters, with its attempt to establish Hayes as the quintessential heartthrob, the narrative sometimes loses its momentum, leading to some moments to feel sluggish and unnecessarily drawn out. Due to the movie's sluggishness as it detracts from the viewer's engagement and investment in the character's journey and romance but once it finds its footing, it's where the movie shines. While "The Idea of You" aims to offer a fresh take on the rom-com genre, it sadly, ultimately falls back on the familiar tropes and predictable plot points. Considering that this genre has been well-trodden since the early 80s to late 00s, audiences are expecting innovative and surprising storytelling, which is something that this movie struggles to deliver. In comparison to the iconic classics like "Notting Hill" and "The Rebound," unfortunately, "The Idea of You" doesn't quite measure up to these predecessors but rather settles for being mediocre and predictable.
In conclusion, while "The Idea of You" is clever and charismatic, thanks to Hathaway and Galitzine, it struggles to find its identity in a genre that is overcrowded. The film's exploration of societal themes and the interplay between age and love is commendable, yet it doesn't quite live up to break any new ground or offer compelling and new storytelling on the romcom formula. To be fair, it's an average film that may provide a pleasant diversion for viewers looking to unwind and spend time with their family and loved ones, but it's unlikely to be remembered as a standout addition to romantic comedy genres. While the performances and chemistry are solid and effective, and the message and theme are relevant, in the end, "The Idea of You" is another comfortable, if not overly ambitious, addition to the romantic comedy landscape.
