Amazon’s latest foray into adapting fanfiction, The Idea of You, delivers a glossy, escapist romance with a healthy dose of wish fulfillment. Building on the success of last year’s Red, White and Royal Blue, the film swaps royal fantasy for a whirlwind affair between a 40-something divorcée and a Harry Styles-esque pop star.
The Idea of You
Anne Hathaway’s undeniable star power anchors the film. Her Solène, glamorous yet wounded, navigates an age-gap romance with Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine), the charming lead singer of the chart-topping band August Moon. Director Michael Showalter and screenwriter Jennifer Westfeldt create a visually polished, studio-quality picture that surpasses the standards of many recent streaming rom-coms.
The film draws its power from a simple premise: what if a regular woman found extraordinary love? While Hathaway sells the fantasy, the script only skims the surface of issues like misogyny and ageism, focusing on the dreamy aspects of Solène and Hayes’ jet-setting romance. Despite occasionally thin characters and a predictable plot, a genuine spark exists between the leads. The film even boasts a surprisingly strong roster of fictional pop songs.
Where The Idea of You stumbles is its reluctance to dive deeper. Solène and Hayes remain somewhat idealized, making it harder to fully immerse oneself in their relationship. The lack of focus on supporting characters further isolates the central romance within its bubble.
Despite its flaws, The Idea of You shines brighter than many recent rom-coms. Hathaway brings warmth and charisma to the role, while Showalter’s direction and the film’s overall polished feel elevate it beyond its fanfiction roots. While it may not reinvent the genre, it offers a satisfying and undeniably entertaining escape. A theatrical release could have further amplified its appeal, positioning it as a throwback to the crowd-pleasing romantic comedies of earlier eras.
Ultimately, The Idea of You is a perfectly enjoyable watch, especially for Hathaway fans or anyone seeking a lighthearted, escapist romance with a touch of star-crossed fantasy.
