The Prime Video streaming service has become a hub for so many high-quality movies and series in recent years. The Boys, Invincible, and the more recent Fallout have all been stand-out pieces of media from the Amazon-owned streamer, which both audiences and members of the press have critically acclaimed. Prime has also produced some excellent romantic comedies, although those don’t seem to get as much attention as the flashy television series mentioned above. If you’ve been following my coverage over the past year, you know I can’t shut up about Red, White & Royal Blue which is one of my favorite movies ever, and a huge comfort when I’m feeling down. And now, a new rom-com is available that’s ready to take the world by storm, The Idea of You.
Based on a novel by Robinne Lee, The Idea of You tells the story of a single mother and a world-renowned pop star’s torrid love affair, and the impact it has on those around them. Directed by Michael Showalter (The Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Big Sick), who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jennifer Westfeldt (Kissing Jessica Stein, actress on Younger), The Idea of You stars Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine as Solène and Hayes respectively.
In what is undeniably a steamy film, Prime Video is looking to once again charm audiences around the world with a love story that is bigger than any one person. Can Solène and Hayes defy the odds and find love in a hopeless place? Read on for all my thoughts about The Idea of You.
[Warning: Spoilers from this film are below!]
A relationship that begins by happenstance in The Idea of You
Solène (Hathaway) wasn’t even supposed to be at Coachella, so how did she end up in the trailer of a pop star? A single mother to teenage Izzy (Ella Rubin), Solène is on a mission to find herself. Divorced from Daniel (Reid Scott), who left her for another woman, she’s a hard-working gallery owner who always puts others first before herself. But when we first meet her in The Idea of You, she’s finally going to do something for herself. A solo trip to camp under the stars and become one with nature.
The timing is perfect, Izzy’s off with her father to see her once favorite band, August Moon, so Solène has no reason not to do something for herself. With her car all packed and ready to go, she’s just about to back out of her driveway when Daniel arrives dropping off Izzy and her friends. Unable to attend Coachella due to an impromptu work commitment, Daniel begs Solène to take the teens to the show. Which, of course, she does, not wanting to disappoint her daughter.
It’s because of this change to her weekend that Solène’s life takes a drastic turn, dropping her into Hayes Campbell’s (Galitzine) trailer and also into his life. Hayes is the lead singer of the One Direction knockoff and is enraptured by Solène from the moment he lays eyes on her. With a song dedicated to their chance encounter in front of thousands of screaming fans, Hayes begins an out-of-this-world pursuit of Solène, whisking her off into a world that is so incredibly different from her own.
But their romance comes with consequences, which no one ever thinks about at the beginning of a new love. Between their age difference and the fame that impacts both Solène and Izzy, the couple’s strength is about to be tested. Can they withstand the insurmountable pressure that comes with being a high-profile couple, or are they destined to crash and burn?
Ageism and a questionable end muck up The Idea of You just a bit
As we probably know by now, I love romantic comedies and can usually buy into whatever they are selling me. Man falls in love with a prostitute in a Cinderella story-esque film? Sign me up. Teenage girl poses as the perfect man to help her mother recognize the love she deserves? 100 percent right up my alley. So I knew going into The Idea of You that I didn’t need much to enjoy the film, and for the most part, I definitely did. However, two distinct pieces of this film rubbed me the wrong way.
There appears to be a lot of ageism that is running rampant in The Idea of You, especially in the treatment of Hathaway’s character. Understandably, I know some would treat Solène negatively for being almost 40 (she turns the big 4-0 in the film) and dating someone in their mid-20s. Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, this type of age gap is seen more often, therefore didn’t bother me as much. What did, was how often we saw Solène comparing herself to those around her, with age being at the center of that conflict. I don’t think there’s a single soul around who would say Anne Hathaway isn’t gorgeous and doesn’t look anywhere near 41. And yet, throughout the film, we see her looking at the 20-year-old girl’s bodies and feeling negatively about herself.
Again, I understand this is a real problem that many people deal with, and I don’t want to discount that. But this is a character who had enough confidence to march into a trailer she didn’t know and demand to use the bathroom. Who decided to show up at a hotel in a lacy piece with the only covering being a jacket. This woman has more confidence than I could even begin to muster. It doesn’t feel consistent with the character that she’d go from that to comparing her body in a bathing suit to someone else, only to cover it completely in the largest jean frock I’ve ever seen.
Paired with the ending, which I can’t talk about, just yet, the more I think about this film, the more I wish that there had been someone stating “Hey! This feels inconsistent!” and made a few changes. The ending does its best to provide a happy conclusion, but it also doesn’t feel real. I think there will be many who walk away from it unclear as to why the decision was made to end the film that way. The more time that passes, the more dissatisfied I am with the ending of the film, but perhaps that might change with another viewing or two.
The chemistry between Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine is undeniable
Regardless of the aforementioned issues of The Idea of You, I enjoyed this film for the great chemistry that the two stars had. Both Hathaway and Galitzine are two of my favorite actors on the scene, with one being a longtime favorite and the other a new star on my radar.
I’ve loved Anne Hathaway since The Princess Diaries, and she consistently puts out hit after hit. I can’t think of a single film she’s starred in that I haven’t loved. She’s in a league of her own when it comes to talent, giving award-worthy performances in nearly every film. So the moment I heard she was going to star in this rom-com, I was sold.
Nicholas Galitzine, on the other hand, wasn’t on my radar until Red, White & Royal Blue, but since that film, I’ve seen him in so many projects and can’t help but love each one. He’s also a strong talent, with a wide variety in his acting. He can give incredible dramatic performances but also make you laugh hysterically in a comedic role. He’s become such the leading man, with film after film coming out with him in it. With two actors who excel in their craft, there was no way their chemistry wasn’t going to be off the charts.
What I wasn’t counting on was how explosive it was. It’s undeniable how crazy the energy between the two of them is. I wanted more every time they were on-screen together, and I found myself rooting for them to win. I think if either one of them were switched out for another actor, it wouldn’t have been as great as the epic love that plays out between Hathaway and Galitzine.
Amazon’s The Idea of You is the perfect rom-com to cozy up with
Overall, The Idea of You is another win for Prime Video, giving viewers the perfect blend of comedy and romance. While there are some aspects of the film that left me scratching my head just a bit, I enjoyed watching the film and cannot wait to watch it again soon with my mother. Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine are fantastic as the two leads, with chemistry that is off the charts and rolling off the screen. If you’re looking for that perfect popcorn movie for a weekend night, then this may be the perfect film for you.
The Idea of You is streaming now on Prime Video. Have you watched this new rom-com yet? Let us know what you think of it on social media @mycosmiccircus or in The Cosmic Circus Discord!
Red, White & Royal Blue Review: A Royally Important Rom-Com
Taylor Zakhar Perez Breaks Down Red, White & Royal Blue
