'The Idea Of You' is a beautifully written tender and fresh take on the age-old tale of love against odds

In the vast realm of romantic comedies, 'The Idea of You' stands out as a unique and stimulating narrative that breaks free from the traditional confines of love stories. Helmed by Michael Showalter and adapted from Robinne Lee's novel, the film delves into unexplored themes of ageism, feminism, and self-discovery, offering a fresh perspective with its profound and sensitive exploration.

At its heart, "The Idea of You" follows the unlikely romance between Solène, a sophisticated and independent art gallerist in her forties, and Hayes Campbell, a charismatic and free-spirited pop star half her age. Their encounter sparks a whirlwind of passion and introspection, challenging societal norms and defying expectations. One cannot help but keep falling in love with Anne Hathway and her character of Solene because while she is every inch beautiful, she is flawed and imperfectly perfect. She wants to explore, make the mistakes that she couldn't when she was her age, be loved, and heal the scars from her previous relationship. At the same time, she also wishes to fit in with her 24-year-old partner, whom she deeply loves. To grasp the societal challenges this film confronts, consider this poignant scene: envision a group of attractive women in bikinis conversing by the pool with some pop stars. Then, picture a middle-aged woman in dark glasses and a conservative dress joining them. Initially, she had chosen a revealing bikini but decided on a conservative outfit instead. Why the sudden change? It's a reflection of societal expectations influencing her choice, a theme the film deftly explores.

But again, it's not her alone, as Nicolas Galitzine as Hayes Campbell, who as a 24-year old boy belonging to a boys band should technically be GenZ, immature and someone who would look at Solene as yet another hookup, but to the contrary, Hayes surprises with his complexity. The film delves into his understanding of love, revealing that it can transcend age and societal norms. The chemistry between Hayes and Solene is palpable, drawing viewers in, especially during the steamy sex scenes. The other arenas of the film, like Solene's relationship with her daughter and her conversation with her estranged husband who cheated on her, have been written quite beautifully, adding so much more to this done-and-dusted love story concept. 

While the film excels in its portrayal of love and liberation, it is not without its flaws. The climactic resolution may feel somewhat predictable, adhering to traditional romantic comedy tropes. However, this minor setback does little to detract from the film's overall impact and emotional resonance.

The Verdict

The Idea of You" is a triumph of storytelling, weaving together themes of love, liberation, and self-discovery into a poignant experience. Hathaway and Nicolas' stellar performance, coupled with Showalter's deft direction, makes this film a must-watch for audiences craving a fresh take on the age-old tale of love against the odds. 

Rating

***1/2(3.5/5) stars