At 40, Solène Marchand thought her days of crushing on musicians were long gone. But when a chance encounter at Coachella leads to an unexpected affair with Hayes Campbell, the 24-year-old heartthrob of the boy band August Moon, Solène rediscovers the thrill of fandom – and the pleasures of being desired.
In “The Idea of You,” the new film based on Robinne Lee’s novel, Anne Hathaway plays Solène, a newly divorced gallery owner trying to move on from her ex’s betrayal. Her teenage daughter’s obsession with August Moon initially leaves Solène feeling like an outsider. But after meeting Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine) backstage, a spark ignites between the unlikely pair.
What follows is a whirlwind romance that allows Solène to tap into the carefree spirit of youth she thought she’d lost. As she joins Hayes on tour, the film revels in the fantasy of a Middle-aged woman getting swept up in the glamorous world of a pop idol – luxurious hotel suites, private jets, and the undivided attention of a gorgeous younger man.
While Galitzine’s performance as Hayes lacks the magnetic charisma of a true rock star, Hathaway shines as Solène, radiating vulnerability and a newfound sense of desirability. Her presence easily sells the central concept: that even after 40, a woman can still experience the giddy thrill of celebrity infatuation.
More than just a salacious May-December romance, “The Idea of You” is something of a celebration of mature feminine sexuality and the power of dismantling societal expectations. As Solène allows herself to indulge in her “idea” of Hayes – sensitive artist, adoring lover – she reclaims the right to feel desired, passionate, and very much alive.
Although the film could embrace its escapist fantasy more wholeheartedly, it ultimately delivers a surprisingly sultry and seductive tale. Because why should teenagers have all the fun of falling for a pop star? Sometimes, even grownups need to let their inner fangirl loose.
The Idea of You premiered on Thursday and is available for streaming on Prime Video.
