It pleases me to no end to see that recent years have welcomed a blossoming renaissance in romantic comedies, marking a decisive moment for newer audiences to find their period-defining tales.  Movies such as Anyone But You, Música, Palm Springs, and Crazy Rich Asians have reinvigorated the genre, infusing traditional motifs with innovative storytelling that resonates with today’s digital-savvy (but often hard to pin down) viewers. I’m not a huge gambler, but I feel like Michael Showalter’s The Idea of You is in an excellent position to join these rewatchables, offering a story that balances heartfelt emotions with a touch of the realities of modern love.

At a time when the allure of celebrity and the yearning for connection are having major “meet cutes,” The Idea of You draws inspiration from what I consider the best rom-com of all time, 1999’s Notting Hill.  However, this new film premiering on Prime Video skillfully creates a narrative beyond superficial similarities, offering a fresh and captivating exploration of the complexities of love, age, and pursuing one’s dreams.

Solène Marchand (played with effortless charm by the ever-radiant Anne Hathaway) is a 40-year-old single mother navigating the unexpected waters of romance with Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), a 24-year-old pop star whom she meets during an impromptu trip to Coachella with her daughter (Ella Rubin).  The lead singer of the popular boy band August Moon, Hayes sweeps her off her feet and offers her the kind of equitable bond she never expected.  Their whirlwind romance may defy societal norms and challenge preconceived notions of age-appropriate relationships, but what harm is happening if they are both adult and single?  

Hathaway (The Hustle) shines as Solène, unsurprisingly bringing layers of authenticity and vulnerability to a part that requires a delicate balance between strength and sensitivity.  She’s got a strong partner in Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue), creating believable chemistry between partners who both want the same thing, a partnership that heats up during several tastefully filmed encounters.  Galitzine’s work as Hayes offers a fresh perspective on the tired trope of a young celebrity caught in the whirlwind of fame yet seeking something more profound. I also liked Rubin as Hathaway’s teenage daughter (once I did the math and realized that Hathaway could have a grown daughter!) because the role isn’t written like you’d expect, and she’s given slack to play it from a unique angle.

Showalter, known for his nuanced approach to directing in films like The Big Sick, Hello My Name is Doris, and Spoiler Alert, successfully walks the thin line between schmaltzy sentimentality and the richly substantive storytelling often missing from these genre-specific movies.   He’s a remarkably consistent director, and The Idea of You is another sharp feather in his cap.  While I still feel like his films tend to linger slightly longer than necessary, suggesting multiple climactic endings, time after time, they prove to engage audiences, quickly drawing them deeper into the emotional lives of the characters.  It helps that Showalter’s co-worker on this adaptation of Robinne Lee’s 2017 book was Jennifer Westfeldt, one of the secret stealth weapons of modern romantic comedies.

I knew early on that The Idea of You would be a title that I’d add to my rotation of rainy-day rom-coms for its sophisticated blend of humor balanced with emotional depth.  I’ve only recently come out of my period of misunderstanding Hathaway and am firmly enveloped in her charms.  These skills are on delightful display throughout the film, whether blushing when she knows that Hayes truly sees her or crumbling when she feels like her heart is breaking.  Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or simply seeking a brief detour from the complications of your day, this film is an easy recommendation.