The Idea of You Is Not Your Typical Fanfic-Turned-Film

(SPOT.ph) If you're a millennial, chances are you've most likely read a couple (or a lot) of fanfiction. For those unfamiliar, fanfics offer us a chance to indulge in our wildest fantasies within the familiar worlds of our fave fictional characters. In the past few years, the concept of fanfics has moved past the world of fiction, often putting celebrities—may it be actors, athletes, or even pop stars—into the spotlight. Think of it as the best way to entertain our "deluluness" where we can explore forbidden romances and have that happily-ever-after we desperately crave. Some stories are badly written to the point that cringing becomes a reflex, but some are so good, that they end up becoming a novel (and subsequently as a film) on their own—albeit with major name and location changes. Take Fifty Shades of Grey, originally Twilight fanfiction, for example.

The Idea of You, starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, is a film based on the novel of the same name by Robinne Lee and it's currently streaming on Prime Video. It's allegedly a One Direction fanfic, at least according to some fan theories.

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SPOT.ph's The Idea of You Movie Review

At first glance, you'd think the film is one of those Wattpad stories wherein the meet-cute happens at a concert despite the female lead's reluctant attendance. Sure, certain nuances that portray the cliché—like bringing a book to a concert—can be found in the film but it acts as establishing elements for Solène (Hathaway) and Hayes Campbell's (Galitzine) characters.

As a film that heavily marketed a fictional boy band, you'd think they'd have more screen time but sad to say, the other members of August Moon have been relegated to background status, mere figures in a montage to establish the passage of time in the film. Perhaps it was a deliberate move considering the audience this movie caters to are folks who grew up with Hathaway—people who are now in their mid-20s and early 30s and have grown past the boy band phase.

Intimate scenes, which are heavy on the first act, somewhat felt rushed but then again, that usual in fanfiction territory. You'd think that the film would approach sex scenes the way Fifty Shades did, but director Micahel Showalter did the complete opposite. Instead of the frantic and lewd scramble fanfiction readers are accustomed to, Hathaway and Galitzine's performance gives you want, excitement, and anticipation—something that you would expect from a couple with a 20-year age gap. It doesn't feel forced, rather, it feels like you're living vicariously through Solène.

The Idea of You is not just a story of a May-December affair. It's much more than that. Not only does it highlight the balance needed to navigate delicate familial relationships, but it also focuses on a very important aspect of being a woman: her happiness.

"People hate happy women," a short but powerful statement delivered by supporting cast member Annie Mumolo in the final leg of the movie rings true. Women have always been expected to conform to the expectations of others. You have to be a good mom, a fantastic wife, or a person who contributes enough to society. There's no room for a second chance at love, especially for a 40-year-old divorcée.

Had it not been Anne Hathaway, perhaps this movie might have been what we all thought it would be; a cheesy fanfic-turned-novel-turned-film. But her experience as an actor—and her age—brings a lot to the table. Her approach to Solène's emotions warrants her a standing ovation. You could feel the longing for Hayes, the worry for her daughter Izz, and her frustration at society and how people criticize her actions.

Speaking of Hayes, Nicholas Galitzine goes toe-to-toe with Hathaway throughout the entire film. His approach to Hayes Campbell gives an insightful look into the life of a celebrity and any corresponding consequences without having to feel sensationalized. His voice, which was a complete surprise to us, further adds to the illusion and makes us wish he pursue a singing career in the future.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

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The Idea of You is now streaming on Prime Video.