The Idea of You: More Than Your Typical Romantic Drama
By: Russ Matthews
While the film adaptation of Robinne Lee’s best-selling novel, ‘The Idea of You ‘, may initially appear as a typical romantic drama, It offers a unique perspective on ageism, social media, and modern love that sets it apart from the rest.
August Moon is the hottest boy band on the planet, and as they headline the Coachella Music Festival, Solène Marchand (Anne Hathaway) has been roped into taking her daughter’s entourage to the concert. Despite feeling out of place at the music festival, she makes her way through the event. She accidentally utilises the restroom of band’s lead singer, Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine).
The 40-year-old mother overcomes her embarrassment and makes a special connection with the 24-year-old musician before the concert. This serendipitous moment leads the singer to pursue a romance with this unexpected beauty who unceremoniously uses his dressing room facilities. As they both try to traverse this unlikely romance, the couple must determine if they can handle the fallout that ensues from their love affair.
Overcoming Age Differences
What was surprising about director Michael Showalter’s (The Big Sick) romantic escapade into the age-old discussion on overcoming age differences was how it offered something to say. Granted, there are the typical montages of romantic interludes, music and world travel, but Lee’s story delivers commentary worth discovering in amongst the borderline-cringy amorous moments. Her story unpacks how different generations see affairs of the heart but how the gap between the two isn’t as far apart as many may think.
Nicholas Galitzine’s character is an old soul who looks past his lover’s age to discover depth in relationships he has never experienced. Anne Hathaway shows off the skills that brought her an Academy Award as she unpacks a depth of emotion rarely seen in this genre. Along with the character development, the screenplay exposes the vicious side of social media and the underlying nature of ageism that still pervades celebrity expectations and society.
The Idea of You contains all of the typical elements of today’s romances but shows that the message can have an intensity that offers substance within the familiarity. Hidden behind the boy band trappings, the cougar references, and the secret rendezvouses, this romantic tale will leave viewers with something to think about as the credits roll.
REEL DIALOGUE – Are people of faith allowed to be romantic?
Romance has been a part of literature, music, plays, and films throughout the centuries, but can it be found in the Bible? God is considered the creator of all things, and romance is one of his best creations. This statement may sound bizarre to some, but the Bible is viewed as a love letter to His creation.
Also, within the context of a pure and committed marriage relationship, romance increases the enjoyment of love for one another and even God. The Song of Solomon is a book filled with romantic demonstrations of love between a bride and groom—displays of affection that are encouraged and applauded by God as a part of his inspired word. Reach out to us at Third Space to discuss this and other topics from The Idea of You in more detail.
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
All images: Movie stills
About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.
