Born from the brain of author Robinne Lee, who wrote the original story for her novel in 2017, this instant classic has all of the elements to make up the perfect romantic comedy. Solid new additions to the genre are hard to come by these days, but The Idea Of You made waves when it first launched onto Amazon Prime last year.
Starring beloved Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway and new heartthrob Nicholas Galitzine in an age-gap relationship, the film has left its viewers ‘swept away’ by their on-screen love. The film takes on a story that is based on the author’s own experiences in Hollywood and is thought to be inspired by real-life heartthrobs such as Harry Styles and even Prince Harry. It follows the brewing relationship and undeniable connection between a single mother and art dealer and the lead singer of a huge boy band.
One impressed viewer took to Rotten Tomatoes to write a thoughtful review. It reads: “The Idea Of You has all the thoughtfulness of a Nora Ephron endeavour with two likeable leads in Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. Brimming with ideas about female happiness when Soléne approaches middle age, it’s hard not to fall in love with Hayes as she does and root for their ultimate happy ending together.
“Hardly a May-December romance, The Idea Of You puts enough difference in age between the leads to question their ability to remain happy together over time, but also dares to say: why not? It isn’t a perfect film, but it’s cute and simply irresistible. One of my favourite romance movies I’ve watched in a long time. Great acting, and the chemistry was phenomenal.
Another review claims: “Such a cute movie! I totally wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was. The storyline was great, and the chemistry between the leads was amazing.
“I can’t believe I never saw a trailer or preview for it. It was just a random Prime pick, but it ended up being the sweetest rom-com-type movie. Even the music was good! Overall, such a fun, feel-good watch. And Anne Hathaway – I love her. So happy to see her in a role like this.”
Everyone seems to be saying the same thing about The Idea Of You, and it’s the one element necessary for a successful romance movie – the leading actor’s chemistry. It’s the word that continues to come up throughout reviews, with someone even saying, “Anne Hathaway and Nicolas Galitzine together? Sign me up.”
While the film is ultimately a feel-good, easy watch, it touches on the idea of public perception and societal expectations that fall onto both women and relationships. From ageism to social media’s impact on relationships, there’s far more than meets the eye with this plotline.
With Solene being 40 years old and Hayes being 24, their relationship leads to intense scrutiny from fans of the band and members of the public. Although the ending offers a hopeful future for the two of them, agreeing to meet again one day, away from the pressures of fame, will the spark still be there?
One viewer described the plot to be “fairly straightforward”, and it’s this accessible re-watchability of the film that draws so many people in. They continued to say: “It plays like a rom-com, although there’s no com; instead, the delicious chemistry of its stars and the unapologetic fantasy of it are juxtaposed against the choice to take seriously how the pitiless cannibalism of celebrity culture stretches the natural canvas of life to its breaking point.”
If you’re looking to dive into your next romance, The Idea Of You is available to stream now on Amazon Prime. With a pretty strong overall rating on the review site Rotten Tomatoes, at 80%, it offers a promising night in front of the TV.