The Idea of You

The Idea of You ★★★

Solène Marchand is a divorced gallery owner in Los Angeles who is planning a solo camping trip while her ex-husband Daniel takes their teenage daughter Izzy and her friends to Coachella. When he is called away on work, she reluctantly agrees to accompany them.

Daniel has arranged for a meet and greet with famous boy band August Moon, despite Izzy dismissing them as "so seventh grade". While waiting in the VIP area, Solène enters what she believes is a bathroom, only to discover that it is August Moon member Hayes Campbell's trailer. The two are quickly taken with each other, although Solène, who is sixteen years older than Hayes, is uncomfortable with their attraction. During August Moon's performance, Hayes seemingly changes the show's setlist, dedicating a song to her.

A full-blown relationship explodes between them, and the strains of a celebrity relationship takes its toll.

The movie is full of the expected cliches given the storyline. It's all very superficial and predictable. Solène's family in particular come across as very pretentious and selfish. Does no one care about her happiness?

What does work here is that the film is sweeter and a little deeper than expected. Much of the credit goes to Hathaway who is beautiful and classy. Along with the couple's chemistry, it lifts the storytelling.

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