Based on the novel by Robinne Lee, this is one of the most refreshing romantic comedies in a long time.
In an age where thanks to social media people’s lives and relationships are more exposed and liable to be judged by many including strangers, this film has come at the perfect time.
Solène Marchand (Anne Hathaway) is a divorced art gallery owner who is struggling in the wake of her husband’s betrayal. When the ex-husband lets her and her daughter Izzy down in, Solène finds herself ending up having to go to Coachella, where she meets Hayes, the lead singer of the August Moons and they instantly forge a strong connection that leads to unexpected romance.
However, Solène is very self-conscious about their relationship given the age gap between them (he is 24), leading to conflict judgement as their relationship gradually comes to light.
It is an interesting way to frame a romantic comedy, but thanks to the combination of Michael Showalter’s sensitive direction, the level-headed and tender performances of Anne Hathaway as Solène and Nicholas Galitzine as Hayes it all unfolds beautifully (yes ok it is a bit of a fantasy in the way pop star falls for an ordinary person but here it feels believable).
Thanks to Michael Showalter and Jennifer Westfeldt’s screenplay, there is a real sense of drama and honesty that gives the story its emotional heart that keeps the audience thoroughly engaged. Two key moments in the film are Solène’s monologue about the breakdown of her marriage. This could have relied on clichés but actually turns it on its head to feel more honest and combined with Anne Hathaway’s raw performance here comes across as well thought out – as does the hotel scene in which Hayes unveils his securities.
While the story covers some deeper issues such as the aggressiveness of social media, the power of fandoms, misogyny and ageism it could have gone into them a lot deeper to make the audience feel even more emotionally invested into the outcome of the relationship. We are shown the comments seen online directed at Solène but we get to see the impact a bit too late on in the film – which does take a bit of time to settle down initially.
But there is no doubting there is plenty to admire about this film – which feels as though it is one of the strongest romantic comedies to emerge for quite some time. The flirtatious energy between Hathaway and Galitzine is a sheer joy to witness – but both performances also provide plenty of opportunity for both characters to blossom and grow throughout as well, particularly noticeable in Hathaway’s performance. I even admired the music in the film, which sound suitably boy band like (and I did feel that ‘Closer’ – was particularly catchy) and the whole film looks sleek and glamorous to the point that it is difficult not to be swept away by it all.
As mentioned earlier, it all makes for one of the strongest romantic comedies that I have seen for a long time. It is filled with heart, two instantly likeable central characters that you can’t help but root for and enough drama to take the story to the next level without distracting from the central romance.
By Emma Clarendon
The Idea of You is available to watch on Prime Video now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐