Anne Hathaway’s Hollywood journey began 23 years ago with the iconic family movie “The Princess Diaries,” where her character discovered she was royalty—a dream scenario for every teenage girl. Now at 41, she’s back with another dose of escapism in “The Idea of You,” catering to older millennials who grew up with “The Princess Diaries” and now crave something a bit steamier.
In this guilty-pleasure rom-com, Hathaway plays Solène Marchand, a 40-year-old art gallerist and single mom who finds herself entangled with a 24-year-old British boybander named Hayes Campbell, played by Nicholas Galitzine. Directed by Michael Showalter, the film, based on Robinne Lee’s novel, explores the fantasy of a passionate affair with a young heartthrob—a stark departure from the mundane realities of adulthood.
Hathaway delivers a nuanced performance, grounding the film’s implausible storyline with authenticity and depth. Despite the supermarket pulp premise, she never overacts, bringing believability to her character’s whirlwind romance with a celebrity.
The chemistry between Hathaway and Galitzine is electric, propelling the narrative as their characters jet set across Europe, from New York to Paris and Barcelona. However, their clandestine affair soon becomes fodder for tabloids, thrusting Solène into the unforgiving spotlight of fame.
“The Idea of You” offers a modern take on the classic rom-com formula, tackling themes of fame, love, and age with wit and sensitivity. While some scenes may feel contrived, Jennifer Westfeldt’s sharp script navigates the complexities of celebrity culture and social media scrutiny with finesse.
Overall, “The Idea of You” is a charming and heartfelt film that captures the allure of forbidden love in the age of constant surveillance.
