Unconventional Romances and Rising Above Judgment
Hey mamas! Exhausted from juggling work, kids, and everything in between? Craving a movie night that’s more than just mindless fluff? Look no further than “The Idea of You”! This film is a breath of fresh air, offering a heartwarming and thought-provoking story alongside some serious girl-power vibes.
Why You’ll Love It:
A Rom-Com with Bite: Forget the predictable rom-coms filled with clichés. “The Idea of You” offers a modern twist on the genre. Meet Solène, a divorced, 40-year-old art gallery owner and mother. When she unexpectedly finds herself chaperoning her teenage daughter to Coachella, the last thing she expects is to fall for a charming pop star named Hayes (think Harry Styles with a dash of vulnerability! I read somewhere that this is actually a fan fiction for Hary Styles so figures!). Anyway -their unlikely connection challenges societal expectations and proves that love can blossom anywhere, anytime. Plus, the chemistry is absolutely KILIG!
Nicholas Galitzine was convincing as the lead and he brought a certain ommph to his role. Those eyes are just killer! Of course, we watched him grow up and there were times when I’m a bit uncomfortable but he nailed it. Anne Hathaway, though is really the bomb! She absolutely owned her role as Solène to the point that she sort of overpowered everything else in the movie. She’s strong, independent, and shows us that you can be a great mom and chase your own dreams at the same time. PREACH! Solene is who we want to be when we grow up to 40. She looks so good in a cardigan. Darn. (I’m past 40 but that’s not the point. Lol) The movie’s beginning was a slow start, particularly the scenes with the fictional boy band however, once the narrative moved past these points, it was scream and tili time! They really upped the kilig level on this one. Now sandwich and cookies sounds sexy!
Beyond the Age Gap: This film cleverly dismantles the double standard surrounding age-gap relationships. Society loves to throw shade at women who date younger men, but “The Idea of You” flips the script. Solène’s journey is about defying expectations and embracing happiness on her own terms. It’s a message that resonates deeply with moms who often put their own needs on hold. Also, if you’ve ever felt pressured to conform to outdated ideas about relationships, this film will resonate deeply. If you’re into Kdramas -there’s a whole trope there that the Americans (and British) are only discovering now. Lol. Certain plot points (like the daughter conveniently being away at camp) are a bit contrived but the movie handled its themes well.
A Journey of Self-Rediscovery: The movie is a love story but at its core, “The Idea of You” is a story about self-discovery and following your heart, no matter what life throws your way. What I love the most is how it shows that we really need to forgive our younger selves -for when we give up something in order to get a shot at peace, love, and family and then it blows back in our face, Also, it’s a small part in the movie, but talking about adultery and betrayal -that made Solene how she is today and that courage to find love again -so precious. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t stop after a certain age. We can still pursue happiness, adventure, and even a little bit of rockstar romance!
A Soundtrack You Can Dance To: Get ready to ditch the lullabies and crank up the volume! The film features original songs by the fictional band August Moon, and the tunes perfectly capture the energy and emotions of the story. Sorta 80ish with a vibe. Whether it’s the heart-pounding rhythm of “Dance Before We Walk” or the wistful melody of “The Idea Of You,” the soundtrack is a character in itself, immersing you in the world of the film. I checked Youtube and August Moon fans are certainly asking for more!
Bonus: Make it a Mom’s Night Out!
- Gather your besties! Send the kids to sleep! Make some popcorn, bring your favorite drink (wine not included, but totally mom-approved!), and comfy clothes are a must.
- Post-Movie Chat: After the credits roll, dig into a heart-to-heart with your girlfriends. Be vulnerable! Discuss what resonated with you, who your favorite character was, what will you do if your husband cheats on you, and if you’d ever be brave enough to date someone younger (be honest, we all have our secret crushes!).
- Laughter is the Best Medicine: Need a good laugh after the emotional rollercoaster? Hop online and check out some of the hilarious memes inspired by the movie. There’s plenty of online content to keep the fun going long after the movie ends.
Because let’s be honest, as the amazing Annie Mumolo reminds us in the film, “People hate happy women.” This short but powerful statement rings true. So ditch the stress of everyday life and treat yourself to a night of pure enjoyment with this heartwarming and thought-provoking film. Remember, mamas, you deserve to laugh, love, and live life on your own terms.
