The emotional journey of “The Idea of You” aims to evoke tears by its conclusion. However, whether those tears are of joy or sorrow depends on whether you’re immersed in Robinne Lee’s original 2017 novel or watching the Prime Video adaptation starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. The movie takes a surprising turn by completely altering the ending from the book.
In Lee’s bestselling novel, readers are introduced to the unconventional yet intense romance between 40-year-old divorced single mom Solène and 24-year-old British boy band member Hayes Campbell. Despite their efforts to sustain their genuine relationship, Solène ultimately believes it’s untenable due to its negative impact on her young daughter, her business, and her overall life. She breaks up with Hayes multiple times, but it doesn’t stick until her final attempt. The book concludes tragically with Solène struggling to move on from her love for Hayes while he moves forward without contacting her again.
In contrast, the movie provides Solène (portrayed by Hathaway) and Hayes (played by Galitzine) with the happy ending they never had in the book. A five-year time jump after their breakup shows Hayes successfully pursuing his solo career outside of August Moon, fulfilling his promise to reunite with Solène once her daughter is older. He appears at her gallery, and her tearful smile suggests they’re finally getting the happy ending unexpected by many—especially the author.
Lee, however, isn’t surprised by the departure from her original story, as she wasn’t involved in the adaptation process. While she hasn’t directly discussed the changes with director Michael Showalter, she’s aware of some through her husband, a producer on the project. Lee maintains understanding about the alterations, recognizing the challenges of translating a book to screen and the necessity to cater to a different medium and audience.
Despite the differences, Lee hopes fans of her book can discover new elements to appreciate in the movie. However, she emphasizes that she never intended to grant Solène and Hayes a happy ending and was taken aback by its inclusion in the film’s epilogue.
While understanding the desire for feel-good endings in movies, Lee personally finds catharsis in emotional experiences, even citing her love for “Titanic” as an example. However, she acknowledges the shift in audience expectations between books and films, particularly in American cinema.
Regarding the potential for a happy ending in the book, Lee believes it wouldn’t align with the story she aimed to tell. She emphasizes Solène’s prioritization of her daughter and her business over her romance with Hayes, reflecting the complexities of women’s choices and sacrifices.
While Lee is open to revisiting Solène and Hayes’s relationship in the future, she acknowledges the significant impact of seemingly minor changes, such as aging Hayes up from 20 to 24 in the movie. This shift alters the dynamics and implications of their age gap, affecting the narrative’s depth and subtext.
In the end, while the movie offers resolution and closure, Lee’s original intent in the book remains true to her vision—a poignant portrayal of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of life.
