The Idea of You

Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom, begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. 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.

“The Idea of You”: A Guilty Pleasure Romance, With Caveats

“The Idea of You,” based on Robinne Lee’s novel, dives headfirst into the often-mocked but secretly craved world of the “older woman, younger man” romance. While the film delivers on steamy escapism and a healthy dose of wish fulfillment, it doesn’t quite escape the tropes and questionable power dynamics inherent in its premise.

Sophie, a recently separated forty-year-old art gallerist, finds her carefully curated life thrown into disarray when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. Enter Hayes Campbell, the charming, tattooed, and yes, much younger lead singer of the hottest boy band on the planet (think Harry Styles-level mania). A chance encounter leads to a whirlwind romance that challenges Sophie’s perceptions of age, desire, and what she truly wants.

Hathaway fully embraces the fantasy, bringing both vulnerability and a reawakened sensuality to Sophie. Galitzine is undeniably easy on the eyes, and while the script doesn’t give him much depth beyond “dreamy musician,” he generates enough chemistry with Hathaway to sell the central romance.

The film’s biggest hurdle is its own self-awareness. It winks at the audience, acknowledging the clichés while simultaneously indulging in them. This can be charming at times, but it also makes it difficult to fully invest in the emotional stakes.

Should you watch it? If you’re looking for a visually appealing escape with a healthy dose of fantasy fulfillment, “The Idea of You” delivers. However, if you’re seeking a nuanced exploration of age and desire, you might find yourself rolling your eyes as often as swooning.