The Idea of You

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2:20

The Idea of You

R

Released May 2, 2024

1h 55m

Romance

Drama

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

181 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Based on the acclaimed, contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter's trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn't long before Hayes' superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.

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Critics Consensus

The Idea of You offers a welcome reminder that Anne Hathaway remains a thoroughly delightful romcom lead -- and reaffirms that few filmmakers understand the genre better than Michael Showalter.

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Alejandra Martinez

TheWrap

Galitzine and Hathaway anchor the film and their chemistry is palpable, making every touch feel electric.

Aug 8, 2024

Full Review

Dwight Brown

DwightBrownInk.com

Within ten minutes, the story’s charm, beguiling characters and awkward situations are in full bloom.

Rated: 3/4

May 31, 2024

Full Review

Robert Levin

Newsday

This is a substantial movie with the veneer of a frothy romantic comedy.

Rated: 3/4

May 21, 2024

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

The unlikely relationship of a middle-aged art dealer and a young rock star that has all the elements of a rom-com.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 9, 2025

Full Review

Kevin Bourne

SHIFTER

The "Idea of You" follows in the footsteps of modern romantic comedies that forego the over-the-top fairytale endings of the 90’s to early 2000’s. This is a must-see for romantic comedy junkies and fans of stories of loving against the odds.

Sep 11, 2024

Full Review

Matt Pais

MattPais.com

Executes its supposedly taboo conceptual fantasy with all the controversy of a library card and the specificity of "I Want It That Way."

Rated: C

Sep 1, 2024

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justin b

Geez! Just terrible. I wanted to like this, but my gosh why? Nothing likable or interesting here. Turn it off, go live your life. Paint a wall do something productive with your life. This is an utter waste of your time.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/19/25

Full Review

Pam O

I loved this movie, great gf night out. Anne Hathaway sparkles, and it was engaging & fun to watch. No it wasn't Shakespeare, but I didn't expect that going in. Formulas work for a reason, and this works.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/25

Full Review

Jerod S

It's a feel good pop-band awkward rom com that tries to bring in some reality to it's sugary romance. If you can suspend your robbing the cradle beliefs, you'll enjoy.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/11/25

Full Review

Wayne M

The Idea of You is a warm, funny and pleasant film. It's very entertaining, even if it's not especially remarkable. It is though a smart modern day romantic comedy. Solene is an art gallery owner in Los Angeles. Her teenage daughter is going to Coachella with a highlight being to see the huge pop act August Moon. Solene's ex-husband was meant to take her but after bailing Solene goes in his place. Inadvertently she meets Hayes, the lead man of August Moon. Despite him being much younger they have a strong chemistry and before too long they strike up a romantic relationship. The love escalates when he takes her to Europe to follow the band around. But things get complicated for both when the media found out about them. This is quite a clever film with something to say about celebrity culture, but at its heart it's an old fashioned romantic comedy. This works due to the chemistry between the two leads, Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. A fun film that doesn't dumb it down.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/08/25

Full Review

M M

Surprisingly enjoyable! The lead actors have fantastic chemistry and make the story feel real. I really enjoyed this and will watch it again!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/04/25

Full Review

Daniel B

Anyone who thinks this is at all realistic should have their head examined, only the chemistry between them, especially the guy's acting, is at all worthwhile in this.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/25

Full Review

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Michael Showalter

Director

Anne Hathaway

Solene

Nicholas Galitzine

Hayes

Ella Rubin

Izzy

Annie Mumolo

Tracy

Reid Scott

Daniel

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The Idea of You: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Based on the acclaimed, contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter's trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn't long before Hayes' superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.

Director: Michael Showalter
Producer: Cathy Schulman, Gabrielle Union, Anne Hathaway, Robinne Lee, Eric Hayes, Jordana Mollick, Michael Showalter
Screenwriter: Michael Showalter, Jennifer Westfeldt
Distributor: Amazon Studios
Production Co: Welle Entertainment, Amazon Studios, Somewhere Pictures, I'll Have Another
Rating: R (Some Language|Sexual Content)
Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 2, 2024
Runtime: 1h 55m

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