#REVIEW: “THE IDEA OF YOU”

By Mr. Will Wong

Based on Robinn Lee‘s novel of the same name, Michael Showalter (The Eyes of Tammy Faye) directs and co-adapts the Screenplay of THE IDEA OF YOU, which already was a hit at SXSW ’24.

The Rom-Com centers on Solène Marchand (Anne Hathaway), an Artist who recently got divorced. She takes her daughter Izzy (Ella Rubin) to see her favourite band August Moon, getting the meet and greet experience.  Solène catches lead singer Hayes Campbell‘s (Nicholas Galitzine) eye and before she knows it she’s being serenaded and pursued by him.  The pair strike-up a romance, which very quickly becomes a topic of controversy as others impose their judgments upon them and Solène soon finds herself overwhelmed by all the attention.  Will this couple make it through the harsh scrutiny?

On paper, THE IDEA OF YOU feels familiar – Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde, anyone? But Showalter makes it so much more, going deep into Solène’s headspace in this whirlwind romance, exploring the sad notion how being a divorced older woman in love with a younger man, she is unworthy of Hayes‘ love and that she is undeserving of happiness.

Hathaway is absolutely radiant, maintaining a level-headedness to Solène that makes it easy to relate to as she acts as our vessel into this fantasy romance. And you thought  The Princess Diaries was peak fairy tale for her!  Galitzine also scores high marks in the charm department as our leading man, totally convincing as the world’s hottest Pop Star on-stage, but also just as equally adept in quiet, intimate moments with Hathaway.  The Soundtrack, featuring songs by August Moon, absolutely are Spotify-worthy.

THE IDEA OF YOU is the perfect balance of escapism, fun and romance. We were affected and totally rooting for this couple.  It arrives May 1, 2024 on Prime Video Canada.