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The Idea of You

The Idea of You (2024)

May 02, 2024 1h 56m Romance Drama Comedy

40-year-old single mom Solène begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn't long before Hayes' superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.

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Directed by Michael Showalter

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Michael Showalter
Producer
  • Cathy Schulman
  • Jordana Mollick
  • Michael Showalter
  • Gabrielle Union
  • Eric Hayes
  • Anne Hathaway
  • Robinne Lee
  • Jeff Morrone

Reviews

Manuel São Bento
4/10

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/the-idea-of-you-movie-review-a-formulaic-rom-com-that-struggles-to-stand-out/

"The Idea of You can't seem to find enough standout elements to compensate for the lack of narrative innovation, thematic depth, or compelling execution.

Michael Showalter gets lost in the shallowness of the genre's countless formulas, the excessive fluffiness of the dialogues, and the dull clichés that fill a very familiar premise, failing to justify a frustratingly incoherent ending. While Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine's performances are blameless, the movie leaves much to be desired in terms of emotional impact.

Disappointing..."

Rating: C-

May 3, 2024

wogelib503

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://leakedcinema.com/en/movie/843527/TheIdeaofYou

the fantasy here isn't about getting to fuck Harry Styles, it's more about having money to own a house/car in Los Angeles and being able to fly to New York on a whim so you can go fuck Harry Styles

i think it's actually awesome that nicholas galitzine is only allowed to have men or milfs as love interests

mid watching this, the guy sitting next me asked if this was a harry styles fanfic and when i told him it was, he sighed and walked out 😭😭😭

Do you know how many 40 year old women are going to be at Coachella next year because of this

watched this with my mom and when it was over she said “this is how i felt about austin butler after elvis”

May 5, 2024

Hotplix

When the love sparks, it does not see age, and ‘The Idea of You’ film portrays the same. The film follows Solène, a 40-year-old single mom who fell in love with a 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of the August Moon band. Directed by Michael Showalter, the movie stars Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. Read full article at
https://hotplix.com/the-idea-of-you/

May 11, 2024

Hotplix

When the love sparks, it does not see age, and ‘The Idea of You’ film portrays the same. The film follows Solène, a 40-year-old single mom who fell in love with a 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of the August Moon band. Directed by Michael Showalter, the movie stars Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine.
Read full review at
https://hotplix.com/the-idea-of-you/

May 11, 2024

TheSceneSnobs
7/10

I am not usually drawn to romantic films where a woman changes her life and finds love when she least expects it. These films don't typically resonate with me, but I watched this one for review purposes and found myself really enjoying it. While the plot is simple, it is not without charm, and the acting meets the expectations for this genre, complete with its share of cheesy moments. However, it tells a pleasant story with some worthwhile themes.

The plot may be straightforward, but it is executed well, providing a satisfying narrative arc. The story centers on a woman trying something new and unexpectedly finding love, a familiar trope that is handled with care and sincerity.

Anne Hathaway is the standout performer in this film. She has a remarkable ability to elevate even the most formulaic scripts, bringing nuance and depth to her character. Her performance is both heartfelt and engaging, making her character's journey compelling to watch.

While the film includes many of the genre's typical elements, such as predictable plot points and moments of cheesy dialogue, it manages to use these conventions to its advantage. The familiar beats of the romantic drama are present but are handled with a light touch that makes them enjoyable rather than tiresome.

This film is a pleasant surprise. It might not break new ground in the romantic drama genre, but it offers a heartwarming story with strong performances. It's an enjoyable movie to watch with your significant other, providing a comforting mix of romance, humor, and genuine emotion. If you're looking for a feel-good film that touches on themes of love and self-discovery, this one is definitely worth a watch.

Jul 9, 2024

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Idea of You examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Michael Showalter brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Idea of You took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 116 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The musical score contains over 66 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2024, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Idea of You shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Hazel's People, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Idea of You subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Carrie and There Will Be Blood explore similar territory, The Idea of You stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 2, 2024
  • Runtime: 1h 56m
  • Revenue: $36,178

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads

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