The Idea of You
Premiere on Prime Video, May 2
There is no shortage of romantic films in various forms, we can state that right away. But there aren’t that many romantic films that actually work and don’t make you want to groan in frustration over simple plots. We have simply waited a long time for this.
“The Idea of You” is indeed one of the better films in this category that we have seen for quite some time.
Divorced mother of 40 meets pop star of 24
In the film, divorcee Solène (Anne Hathaway) at almost 40 takes her 16-year-old daughter along to Coachella, after her father, who has racked up expensive judgments for VIP tickets, drops out – something he has a habit of doing.
Also read: Review: Fallout (+)
At the hip festival, Solène accidentally bumps into Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine, Purple Hearts), vocalist of the popular boy band August Moon. Sparks between Solene and 24-year-old Campbell arise immediately, and the two begin a passionate and unconventional relationship.
Of course, it turns out not only to be easy, when you as a relatively recently divorced mother of almost 40 suddenly date a 24-year-old world star. Most of us can probably imagine that.
Refreshing
Although this is a classic “she meets a hunk and trouble ensues”, this is refreshing in its own way. That women haven’t dated even if they’re pushing 40 is part of the moral here, and what’s not to like about that? The undersigned is perhaps a bit subjective when it comes to exactly that, but whatever.
Now, it’s true that Anne Hathaway is as beautiful as few, but her anguish in choosing between doing the “right” thing and following her heart is believable. The plot is simple, but some questions are asked that many who find themselves somewhere in the middle of life can identify with. Who are you really when the children are not so small anymore, and what are you willing to sacrifice for love?
This works simply great, and “The Idea of You” is the perfect popcorn film.
More of the same?
At first glance, there may be some similarities to “The Idea of You” and the critically panned “” movies, where the male protagonist is based on Harry Styles. Author Robinne Lee, who has written the book “The idea of you” is based on, has also admitted that some of her inspiration comes from precisely Mr. Styles, known from the boy band One Direction.
Both films have an intense love story and Brits in the male leads, but this is also where the similarities end. While the “After” films are known for being both flat and boring, “The Idea of You” is easy to get carried away with. Ok, so as mentioned the story is a bit cliche at times, but it helps that Anne Hathaway does what she does best: romance.
The chemistry between Hathaway and her co-star Galitzine is sparkling, and it’s hard not to get carried away by their unconventional love story.
A wonderful, romantic film especially suitable for women 30+ who want to dream away a little. Not for you who expect the next big thing, which really makes you think. But not everything has to be, either.
The film is included in the subscription to Prime Video, and can be streamed from Thursday 2 May.