The Idea of You movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Idea of You

This romantic drama released in theaters on May 2, 2024.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 55 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+

SPONSOR of Today’s movie review: https://amzn.to/3we9j8P

IN A NUTSHELL:

This May/December movie is based on the popular 2017 love story novel by Robinne Lee.

The film was directed by Michael Showalter who also co-wrote it with Jennifer Westfeldt. Already, it’s been nominated for the Audience Award by the SXSW Film Festival.

THINGS I LIKED:

I’ve been a big fan of Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway forever. It’s crazy to believe she is now playing the mother of a teenager when she, herself, still looks so young and beautiful. She plays a 40-year-old single mom. In real life, she’s just barely 41. It would have been fun to hear her sing.
The first time I ever saw Nicholas Galitzine in anything was in the musical Cinderella that Amazon Prime produced. He’s charming with a great voice, and I really liked him in this as the 24-year-old pop star. In real life, he’s 29 years old.
Other cast members who did a fine job include Ella Rubin, Reid Scott, Annie Mumulo, and even Graham Norton who plays himself in a short cameo.
We get to see some fun musical performances.
It’s fun to see a lot of art and hear an art expert talk about what she sees and feels when looking at various pieces.
The title is intriguing and comes from a line that Anne Hathaway’s character says.
The movie poster is romantic.
The film does a good job making us feel the pain of different kinds of relationships.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

As expected, the film veers from the book in several ways. Two notable differences are that the movie has more of a rom-com vibe and is more sexually charged than the book.
As much as I love Anne Hathaway, I was surprised she would choose this role. She is much better than what the script allows her to be. Still, she looks gorgeous and I’m always happy to see her in anything.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Without seeing a ton of flesh, there are some highly charged intimate moments.
We see an unmarried couple go at it a few times with sound effects.
We see a man and woman in their underwear.
Lots of alcohol and cigarettes
Lots of kissing

THEMES:

Figuring who and what you need in your life
Life experiences
The power of social media and the cruelty exhibited online
Gossip
Judgment of others
Peer pressure
Societal “norms”
Trust
True connection
Fame
Divorce
Parenting and how their choices affect their children
Responsibility
Respect

FUNNY LINES:

“Bro? I didn’t realize we were on bro terms, Daniel.” – Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine)

INTERESTING LINES:

“I got swept up with the idea of you.” – Solene (Anne Hathaway)
“If you get a shot at happiness, you take it. And I will too, okay?” – Solene (Anne Hathaway)
“I met someone tonight. I feel a little inspired.” – Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine)
“This piece is from my friend, Sarah.” – Solene “What’s it called?” – Hayes “Unclose me.” – Solene “What do you feel when you look at it?” – Hayes “Everything.” – Solene
“People hate happy women.” – Tracy (Annie Mumolo)