CinemaBravo

Based on the acclaimed contemporary love story of the same name, “The Idea of You” centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who 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-husband 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.

Anne Hathaway shines again in a steamy, heart-pounding rom-com. In the film, her on-and-off romance with Nicholas Galitzine’s smitten pop star feels like one for the ages. It’s magical, making this a great love story, and the dynamic between Hathaway and Galitzine is palpable. The meet-cute seems a little contrived, but the chemistry between the two feels real and enduring.

Most of the film’s charm comes from Anne herself. This is her movie, and she owns it: independent, desirable, sexy, and never, ever desperate. She brings an attractive humor and surprising depth to Solène as she leaps into the unknown terrain of a new romance. She is so phenomenally in tune with the material that viewers could say that the movie is her career rebirth. No doubt she still has all the charm.

It is evident that director Michael Showalter loves rom-coms, and he excels at them by embracing tropes and expected moments while also infusing freshness and novelty into his work. Getting the music right likely posed the toughest challenge in the movie. However, with August Moon involved, it fits perfectly with the soundtrack, harmonizing everything with the love, humor, and drama of the movie. The story is more akin to a mid-life coming-of-age movie that also encompasses elements of a rom-com. Despite its fantastical qualities, the movie remains realistic, particularly in its portrayal of social media and traditional media. The movie unfolds as a complete love story, extending beyond the typical resolution of such movies to explore the moment when a magical fling evolves into something more profound—where a simple ‘let’s see where this goes’ transforms into something worth fighting for, and sometimes hoping or losing for.

“The Idea of You” is a treat—a feel-good romantic comedy that delivers laughs and bursts with intensity from its lead. Even though there are some intense sex scenes, it manages to weave in some lessons about self-discovery, love, and family. “The Idea Of You” speaks to how exciting and hopeful love can be. This enduring appeal is why the concept of fan fiction persists and why audiences constantly crave more romantic comedies to believe in. It’s an enjoyable romance that makes you want to see it again and again. Intense and relatable enough, this movie is driven by alluring performances from Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine.

This movie is a must-see comfort romance that is hard not to get wrapped up in, thanks to Michael Showalter’s great book adaptation and its two lead stars. “The Idea of You” exemplifies how to adapt a romance novel successfully, striking an outstanding balance between chemistry and humor density without ever talking down to its audience. It’s a great movie, best enjoyed with your loved ones.

(Reviewed from the theatrical advance screening of #TheIdeaOfYou at Red Carpet Cinema, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City.)