The Idea of You

By: Jamie Steinberg

It may be way past Valentine’s Day but The Idea of You is the perfect watch for you and your sweetheart. The film is based on a novel by the same name written by Robinne Lee and follows the tale of newly turned 40-year-old Solène who falls for 24-year-old boy bander Hayes. Think of the recent relationship between Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles. While the age gap causes ups and downs, it’s the passion that keeps viewers invested. If you’re looking for your latest couple to “ship,” press play on The Idea of You.

Solène (Anne Hathaway) has made her way to Coachella with her daughter Izzy (Ella Rubin) where she accidentally winds up in the trailer of Brit boy band member Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine). Solène and Hayes find a spark while chatting, so he makes a play by showing up at her art gallery and purchasing everything in it. They begin a beautiful love affair as Solène travels the world with her new beau, but their love bubble can only last so long with the pressures of the outside world looming.

Director Michael Showalter and co-writer Jennifer Westfeldt do an exceptional job at bringing this love story to our screens and showcasing it in a way that is investible. Hathaway gives an earnest and sweet performance that makes Solène someone we’d root for. There is a sincerity and warmth that she just exudes with her smile. Certainly, you can understand what draws Hayes to Solène. Galitzine is no slouch either! His good looks and soulful presence makes him charming – not at all narcissistic or even an fboy as you’d imagine most male musicians Hayes’ age to be. The chemistry between Hathaway and Galitzine are a draw to female viewers, but this is truly a tug at your heart strings in a way that modern [unique] on-screen romances (Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele) have lacked. My sole qualm is that the scene where Solène and Hayes have their romance brought to light by the paparazzi leads to a montage where their relationship downfall seems to go a bit too fast. The bandaid may be a fast rip, but it would have had more of an impact had a greater amount of timing to the invasiveness been explored.

For those who have read the book, note the ending of the film differs. However, viewers can tell there is still a reverence to the initial tale. The Idea of You beautifully explores an unexpected connection that befalls the modern mishaps of age gaps and celebrity status. For anyone who has dreamed of being whisked away in a love affair with someone famous, give this movie a go and then let us know if you think you could handle it as well as Solène.