Entering the world of fan fiction often promises a delightful escape into a realm where you, the reader, charmingly encounter your beloved celebrity and embark on a journey of love. However, "The Idea of You" presents a starkly different narrative. In this tale, Solène (played by Anne Hathaway) stumbles upon Hayes (inspired by Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of her daughter's cherished childhood band, at Coachella, igniting accidental sparks. He's constantly shadowed by paparazzi, while she, a chic gallery owner, remains indifferent to his fame, sparking the beginning of their entanglement. Initially, the movie sets a tone of sexy, carefree fun, but it swiftly morphs into a horror flick when one realizes the perils of dating a celebrity in today's intrusive world.
I anticipated a superficially romantic storyline, but "The Idea of You" starkly illuminates a disheartening truth: being a woman involved with a celebrity is a grueling ordeal. The initial allure of Solène's whirlwind romance with Hayes, particularly when envisioning him as a modern-day Harry Styles, quickly dissipates amidst moments of fleeting joy. Solène's facade of fun evaporates as secrecy shrouds her relationship with Hayes, even from her blissfully unaware daughter. While clandestine affairs can exude allure, in this narrative, it becomes a source of tension bordering on tragedy. The portrayal of an older woman's romance with a younger man feels uncomfortably realistic rather than a whimsical fantasy.
Regardless of the couple, celebrity relationships attract trolls, with women often bearing the brunt of vitriol. Olivia Wilde's relationship with Styles, marked by a significant age gap, incited a barrage of hate, portraying her as a predator and questioning her motherhood. Similarly, in "The Idea of You," once Solène's relationship is exposed, she faces relentless scrutiny and animosity from the public, reminiscent of real-life scenarios like that of Bad Bunny's ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Berlingeri. While the movie attempts to highlight the double standards women endure, juxtaposing Solène's romance with Hayes against her ex-husband's infidelity, it fails to offer substantial commentary, rendering it unnecessary.
Moreover, there's a subtle implication throughout the film that Solène shoulders the blame for her predicament, internalizing societal judgment. The narrative flirts with slut-shaming, undermining the intended allure of a steamy fan fiction. While I welcomed Solène's liberation post-divorce, the film's portrayal of the relentless agony accompanying celebrity entanglements dampened any romanticized notions.
In reality, dating a celebrity offers no respite. Every moment is fraught with scrutiny and judgment. Simple pleasures like a hung-over bagel run or a casual outing become laden with expectations and pressures. "The Idea of You" underscores the harsh reality: the only viable course of action in celebrity romances is to indulge briefly and then swiftly forget.