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Writer's picturePaty Sesma

"The Idea of You" Movie: A Love Affair Fueled by Ideas and Opinions

Starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, the rom-com chronicles the love affair between a single mother and a member of a popular boy band, all while being affected by social media.

Actress Anne Hathaway (right) and Nicholas Galitzine face to face almost kissing
Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway in "The Idea of You" / Amazon Content Services LLC


First off, let me give you the lowdown on what "The Idea of You," is all about—no spoilers, I promise! This film revolves around the lives of two individuals: Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who unexpectedly begins a romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet.





It all starts when Solène Marchand—a gallery owner and divorcee—who's planning a solo camping trip while her ex-husband Daniel takes their daughter Izzy and her friends to Coachella. Sounds like a plan, right? Well, not quite.


When Daniel gets called away for work at the last minute, Solène is unexpectedly roped into chaperoning the Coachella trip instead. And guess what? It's not just any Coachella trip—it involves a meet and greet with the famous boy band August Moon, even though Izzy thinks they're "so seventh grade" — which sounds like a classic "seventh grade" attitude, right?


So, here's where it gets interesting. While waiting in the VIP area, Solène makes a hilarious (and slightly embarrassing) mistake—she walks into what she thinks is a public bathroom, only to find herself inside the trailer of none other than Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of August Moon.


Despite the unexpected encounter and the sixteen-year age gap between them, Solène and Hayes hit it off instantly. Sparks fly, but Solène feels a bit uneasy about their attraction due to their age difference. The intrigue deepens when Hayes decides to shake up the band's setlist during their performance and dedicate a song to her. Now, that's what I call a memorable Coachella moment! As for the rest of the story, well, you'll have to watch the full movie to find out—I promise no spoilers.




Is The Idea of You about Harry Styles?




While author Robinne Lee has clarified that her novel isn't directly based on the iconic pop star, Harry Styles, it's hard to ignore the striking parallels that emerge in the film adaptation. Let's delve a bit deeper into the intriguing connections between "The Idea of You" and Styles.


When the trailer for "The Idea of You" dropped on March 6, eagle-eyed fans were quick to draw comparisons between the character Hayes (played by Nicholas Galitzine) and Harry Styles. One scene in particular, where Hayes performs on stage with August Moon, evokes memories of Styles' electrifying One Direction performances from 2013.


Moreover, promotional materials featuring Galitzine striking poses reminiscent of memorable Harry Styles imagery added fuel to the speculation. Hayes' backstory of auditioning for a boyband echoes Styles' journey through "The X Factor," catapulting him into global stardom at a young age.


Throughout the film, Hayes grapples with the pressures of fame and the desire to break free from his "boyband" persona—a narrative that mirrors Styles' transition into a successful solo artist, shedding his previous image while staying true to his unique style and musical vision.


The similarities don't stop there. Hayes shares a similar familial background with divorced parents, paralleling Harry Styles' personal experiences. Even their fashion choices, including the frequent donning of cardigans, hint at a nod to Styles' distinctive wardrobe.


While the connections are undeniable, it's important to recognize that "The Idea of You" is a work of fiction that explores timeless themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Whether intentional or coincidental, these parallels add an intriguing layer to the film's narrative and spark lively discussions among audiences.




The Idea of You: How Social Media Comments Reflect Assumptions, Not Real Stories


Anne Hathaways screaming after seeing news of her on the Internet
The Idea of You / Amazon Prime

Now, let's shift gears a bit and talk about the powerful message it carries about the consequences of online comments and societal pressures.


First things first, let's set the scene. In "The Idea of You," Solène navigates this newfound love, but, she also faces the harsh reality of social media scrutiny. Hateful comments from strangers start to affect not only her but also her daughter, Izzy. The film highlights how social media comments can be destructive, fueling insecurities and doubts that impact real-life decisions.


Shots of movie The Idea of You
The Idea of You / Amazon Prime

"The Idea of You" movie is a stark reminder of how people can be quick to judge and voice opinions without knowing the full story. Social media gives everyone a platform, but sometimes that power can be misused, leading to misunderstandings and hurtful behavior.


The pressure of online negativity pushes Solène to a crossroads where she must choose between her own happiness and the expectations imposed by society. This raises important questions about the limits of hate speech and the ethical boundaries of expressing our insecurities at the expense of others.


So, where do we draw the line? When does criticism cross into toxicity, and when does our right to express ourselves become harmful? "The Idea of You" challenges us to reflect on our own behavior online and offline, urging us to practice empathy, tolerance, and understanding.



At the end of the day, the opinions we share don't necessarily match the true story behind closed doors. Therefore, the key takeaway from this movie experience is basically: live and let live!


Have you seen "The Idea of You"? What are your thoughts on its portrayal of social media's impact? Share your insights in the comments below. Until next time, let's spread love and positivity both on-screen and in our everyday lives.



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