Film, Review

Film Review: The Idea of You – A sappy feel-good rom-com

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Featured image: PA Media


In this sappy, heart-warming rom-com, two lovers meet at Coachella as Solène (Anne Hathaway) takes her daughter to a meet and greet at the Californian music festival. Known for her iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and The Princess Diaries (2001), Hathaway plays the role of a 40-year-old divorcee who falls in love with a younger musician.

Solène grapples with her new independent lifestyle while falling for Hayes Campbell, played by British actor Nicholas Galitzein. The art dealer and her new mid-20s lover bond over a shared love of art and music and are quickly drawn into a complex and secret relationship.

The film comes to life when the pair travel to Europe together and develop true feelings for each other. We watch their love grow and learn about how a love between different ages can be a beautiful thing and nothing to be ashamed of.

Things quickly unravel for the dreamy couple as news of their relationship is made public online. They face a lot of negativity, which seeps into their family lives. Carefree Hayes says he will do anything to make the relationship work as they battle external scrutiny.

The film explores more than just age-gap relationships, demonstrating how opinionated the world can be and how social media can damage people’s lives. If you want an easy watch to have your heartstrings pulled as you get attached to the characters, then this rom-com is for you. It is a modern, uplifting film with an unexpected ending where viewers are left with their hearts throbbing.

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Amy Corringham

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