--- title: "The Idea of You" year: 2024 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-idea-of-you" fi1m_id: "the-idea-of-you" imdb_id: "tt9466114" tmdb_id: 843527 wikidata_id: "Q115010349" fi1m_score: 73 critics_score: 70 critics_reviews: 24 published: "2026-09-24T02:50:17.379040+00:00" updated: "2026-09-24T02:50:17.991770+00:00" region: "PT" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Idea of You (2024) Directed by Michael Showalter · 1h 56m · Music, Comedy, Romance, Drama ## Identity The Idea of You - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-idea-of-you - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** the-idea-of-you - **IMDb ID:** tt9466114 - **TMDB ID:** 843527 - **Wikidata ID:** Q115010349 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9466114/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/843527, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115010349 **Fi1m score: 73** · Critics 70 from 24 reviews *In a sentence:* Anne Hathaway makes dating a pop star look almost worth the nuisance > Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine make this uneven romance worth the evening. Their attraction is convincing, though a thinly written pop star and some laboured obstacles leave the actors doing more than their share. ## Synopsis Solène (Anne Hathaway) is a mother beginning a romance with Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine), a younger member of a boy band. She wants to explore the attraction without having her choices judged by everyone else. His fame makes that difficult, while the difference in their ages invites scrutiny she cannot simply set aside. The supporting cast includes Ella Rubin as Izzy, Annie Mumolo as Tracy and Reid Scott as Daniel. As Solène considers how much room to give this relationship, the pair face the problem of getting to know each other under public attention. ## Review Michael Showalter’s *The Idea of You* is an enjoyable romance whose leads keep rescuing it from some thin writing. It wants to take a woman’s desire seriously while giving us the pleasures of an improbable courtship, and those aims sit comfortably together. Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine make the attraction convincing enough that we stop questioning the premise. The difficulties introduced to keep them apart need more work, particularly when celebrity becomes the explanation for everything. Anne Hathaway gives Solène the emotional life that the film needs. We were moved by the embarrassment she allows into Solène’s pleasure: being wanted is welcome, but accepting it does not come easily. There is humour in that uncertainty, too, and the performance makes her hesitation understandable without letting it become her only characteristic. The script gives her a familiar romantic dilemma; she makes us care about the person having it. Nicholas Galitzine is an appealing partner, and the intimacy between Hayes and Solène supplies the film’s strongest reason to exist. He makes the attention Hayes pays her feel welcome rather than calculated. But Hayes has been written with too little to occupy him beyond the relationship, so charm has to account for most of his personality. That is enough to make the courtship pleasurable, though it limits how much we can care about his side of it. Jim Frohna’s cinematography gives the romance an inviting polish, and that finish suits a film asking us to enjoy its central attraction. Amy Williams’s production design works on similar terms, contributing to the pleasure without making the surroundings especially revealing about the people occupying them. Both serve the fantasy more effectively than they establish a convincing celebrity life. The actors remain the most interesting things to look at, which is a reasonable priority for this kind of film. Siddhartha Khosla’s music supports the tenderness without making the quieter feelings seem small. That suits Anne Hathaway’s performance, which does not need much assistance to hold our attention. The boy-band songs are a weaker proposition, and do little to explain the scale of the devotion the group is supposed to inspire. It is a small but persistent problem when so much of the relationship’s difficulty depends upon Hayes being famous. Jennifer Westfeldt and Michael Showalter’s screenplay struggles to sustain interesting conversations once the attraction has been established. The talk becomes blander, and the writing leans on public judgement when the couple themselves might have offered more interesting difficulties. The double standard facing Solène is worth examining, but the film does not pursue it with much depth. Peter Teschner’s editing cannot quite disguise the repetition in this middle stretch. At 116 minutes, there is time to give both lovers more to say for themselves. Romantic comedies do not need surprising plots to work, but they do need people whose happiness matters. This one has that, even if Anne Hathaway is doing a disproportionate amount of the work. It also allows desire to be pleasurable without constantly apologising for the fantasy, which is welcome. Choose it for the courtship, and be prepared to forgive the rather less persuasive obstacles. *Fi1m score 73, published 24 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find The Idea of You an engaging, emotionally persuasive romance, with praise clustering around Anne Hathaway’s vulnerable performance and her chemistry with Nicholas Galitzine. The reviews repeatedly credit her with giving the romantic fantasy humour and depth, even when the writing offers less support. Several also welcome its treatment of female desire and relationship double standards. Reservations centre on thinly drawn characters, contrived plotting and underdeveloped boy-band material, though the verdicts range from enthusiastic to firmly negative. The film’s handling of celebrity divides opinion: Empire finds its account of online hate perceptive, while other reviews want more from the fame-related conflict. Deadline notably questions the central romance’s credibility, preferring the mother-daughter relationship. Sight and Sound offers a stronger dissent, finding the romance flat, saccharine and insincere despite moments of intimacy between the leads. Most critics are more forgiving, finding enough charm in the performances to enjoy the familiar setup. ## Straight answers **Is The Idea of You worth watching?** *The Idea of You* is worth watching for its convincing central attraction and Anne Hathaway’s performance, and we score it 73/100. We recommend it to romance lovers willing to forgive a thinly written pop star, repetitive conversations and laboured obstacles in exchange for a courtship whose happiness matters. **How long is The Idea of You, and what is it rated?** *The Idea of You* runs 1h 56m. It is a music and comedy film. **Where can I watch The Idea of You in Portugal?** *The Idea of You* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Portugal, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is The Idea of You, and is it suitable for children?** *The Idea of You* carries a UK 15 certificate, so it is not suitable for children under 15. The classification indicates material intended for older teenagers and adults, but we cannot give a specific warning about violence or frightening scenes from the certificate alone. **How does The Idea of You compare to Notting Hill?** *The Idea of You* is our choice for the tenderness of its central attraction, while [*Notting Hill*](https://film.one/film/notting-hill) is the better choice for comedy about the practical inconvenience of dating someone famous. We find both romances easy to care about, though both labour over the obstacles keeping their couples apart. **Is The Idea of You based on a true story or a book?** *The Idea of You* is adapted from a novel by Robinne Lee, rather than presented as a true story. We find the romance accessible on its own, so reading the book is not a prerequisite, though we make no claim about how faithfully the film follows it. ### Reviews we read (24) - **The AV Club**, Matthew Jackson (A-): The critic calls it one of the best recent romantic comedies, despite a middle section that struggles to find an organic conflict. Anne Hathaway’s vulnerable, emotionally rich performance is singled out for exceptional praise. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/the-idea-of-you-movie-review-anne-hathaway-1851343653) - **Empire**, Ella Kemp (85/100, inferred): The review finds the film intelligent, hopeful, and surprisingly perceptive. It especially praises its nuanced take on online hate and celebrity culture, alongside Hathaway and Galitzine’s chemistry. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/the-idea-of-you/) - **IndieWire**, Rafael Motamayor (B+): The critic praises the film as a fresh, poignant rom-com and coming-of-age story, with Anne Hathaway delivering a vulnerable, self-assured performance. They criticize the fictional boyband’s lack of convincing superstar charisma. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-idea-of-you-review-1234965268/) - **Evening Standard**, Saskia Kemsley (4/5): The critic finds this age-gap rom-com surprisingly enjoyable, witty, and emotionally engaging. She praises the electric chemistry between Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine and the film’s message about relationship double standards. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-idea-of-you-review-anne-hathaway-nicholas-galitzine-b1153677.html) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge (78/100, inferred): Debruge finds the romance engaging and sees Anne Hathaway’s performance as the film’s great strength. He particularly praises the believable chemistry between Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, while noting that the contrived meet-cute is less convincing. [Read](https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/the-idea-of-you-review-anne-hathaway-nicholas-galitzine-1235943836/) - **Slant Magazine**, Rocco T. Thompson (3/4): The critic finds the film a sensitive, dewy-eyed romance and a strong argument for the romcom genre’s continued vitality. They praise Anne Hathaway’s star-making charm and the emotional connection she shares with Nicholas Galitzine, while noting that the fame-related conflict is underplayed. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-idea-of-you-review-anne-hathaway-nicholas-galitzine/) - **Radio Times**, Jayne Nelson (70/100, inferred): Nelson finds the romcom playful and entertaining, despite its failure to deliver on deeper messaging. She singles out the charm of Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/the-idea-of-you-review/) - **Screen Daily**, Nikki Baughan (70/100, inferred): The available text gives a positive verdict on the steamy romcom. It singles out Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine for hitting the right notes. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-idea-of-you-review/5192858.article) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Lovia Gyarkye (70/100, inferred): Gyarkye finds the film a carefree, feel-good romantic comedy that works best as a fleeting treat. She praises Anne Hathaway’s humor and depth, while noting that the romance’s conversations grow bland as it progresses. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-idea-of-you-review-anne-hathaway-michael-showalter-1235852525/) - **The New Yorker**, Katy Waldman (70/100, inferred): Waldman finds the film an appealing revival of the rom-com, while arguing that its ideas are less compelling than its emotional wish fulfillment. She singles out Anne Hathaway’s performance and the film’s use of fan culture to turn shame into affirmation. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-idea-of-you-and-the-notion-of-the-hot-mom) - **Vulture**, Alison Willmore (70/100, inferred): Willmore finds the film surprisingly seductive, though it could be more indulgent and its romance is interrupted by reality too soon. She especially praises Anne Hathaway’s lovely, vulnerable performance as a woman reconnecting with desire. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/the-idea-of-you-review-a-mostly-not-guilty-pleasure.html) - **The Guardian**, Benjamin Lee (68/100, inferred): The critic finds it a solid, enjoyable romance that falls short of the genre’s best. Hathaway’s charm and the film’s polished direction stand out, while its dreamily constructed characters lack texture. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/may/01/the-idea-of-you-review-anne-hathaway) - **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The article body was inaccessible, so the critic’s verdict cannot be established. No specific praise or complaint could be verified. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/movies/the-idea-of-you-review.html) - **Little White Lies**, Hannah Strong (2/3/3): Strong finds the rom-com schmaltzy but unexpectedly entertaining, with a sweet charm despite its flaws. She praises the pleasant chemistry between Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, while criticizing the dreadful original songs and thinly sketched characters. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-idea-of-you) - **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (3/5): The review presents the film as a sweet, charming romcom with a throwback feel. It singles out the spark between Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine for praise. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-idea-of-you-review-2024) - **Total Film**, Neil Smith (2/5): The critic finds the rom-com glossy but shallow, saying Anne Hathaway must work overtime to give it substance. He singles out its flimsy meet-cute and lightweight, disposable feel as weaknesses. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-idea-of-you-review/) - **Sight and Sound**, BFI (30/100, inferred): The review finds the romance flat and overly saccharine, with clichés that leave it feeling insincere and oddly unromantic. It gives some credit to the leads’ moments of intimacy, but says the film’s parallels to a real pop star create an uncanny quality. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/idea-you-pop-star-romance-has-strangely-inhuman-quality) - **/Film**, Ryan Scott (8 out of 10): The review calls the film a standout rom-com, praising its fresh approach to romance and its believable emotional weight. It especially celebrates Anne Hathaway’s performance and the chemistry she shares with Nicholas Galitzine. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1541497/the-idea-of-you-review-anne-hathaway-review-sxsw-2024/) - **Paste**, Sage Dunlap (8.0/10): The critic finds it an empowering, heartfelt romance that rises above familiar rom-com rhythms. They single out Hathaway and Galitzine’s chemistry and Solène’s character development for praise. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/anne-hathaway/the-idea-of-you-review) - **The Wrap** (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the romance charming, sensual and worth getting swept up in. They especially praise the palpable chemistry between Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/anne-hathaway-the-idea-of-you-review/) - **HeyUGuys** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a sunny, timely, and heart-warming romance, though not the year’s best romcom. They praise Anne Hathaway’s vulnerable performance and the film’s feminist outlook, while noting the screenplay leaves Galitzine’s character one-dimensional. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/the-idea-of-you-review/) - **The Playlist** (75/100, inferred): The headline presents the film as a successful romantic comedy. It singles out Anne Hathaway’s performance for praise. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/the-idea-of-you-review-anne-hathaway-shines-in-this-romantic-comedy-done-right-sxsw-20240318/) - **Collider**, Isabella Soares (7/10): The review finds the rom-com charming, praising the leads’ chemistry and Solène’s compelling coming-of-age journey. It criticizes the film for leaving Hayes and the boy-band elements underdeveloped. [Read](https://collider.com/the-idea-of-you-review/) - **Deadline**, Valerie Complex (55/100, inferred): Complex finds the rom-com entertaining at times but uneven, overlong, and ultimately a fleeting pleasure. She praises the emotional core of Solene’s relationship with her daughter, while criticizing the less-believable central romance. [Read](https://deadline.com/2024/03/the-idea-of-you-review-anne-hathaway-anchors-michael-showalters-story-unconventional-romance-sxsw-1235860679/) ## Details - **Director:** Michael Showalter - **Director:** Michael Showalter - **Screenplay:** Jennifer Westfeldt, Michael Showalter - **Novel:** Robinne Lee - **Cinematography:** Jim Frohna - **Editor:** Peter Teschner - **Music:** Siddhartha Khosla - **Production design:** Amy Williams - **Costume design:** Jacqueline Oknaian Demeterio - **Producer:** Cathy Schulman, Gabrielle Union, Anne Hathaway - **Cast:** Anne Hathaway as Solène; Nicholas Galitzine as Hayes; Ella Rubin as Izzy; Annie Mumolo as Tracy; Reid Scott as Daniel; Perry Mattfeld as Eva; Jordan Aaron Hall as Zeke; Mathilda Gianopoulos as Georgia - **Runtime:** 1h 56m - **First release (the US):** 16 March 2024 - **Genres:** Music, Comedy, Romance, Drama - **Box office:** $36,178 - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz6qx4n2Ewc ## Where to watch in Portugal - Amazon Prime Video: streaming, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, hd - Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd - Apple TV: buy €6.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy €9.99, hd *Checked 2026-09-24.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TH, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Notting Hill* (1999), Fi1m 78: Another celebrity courtship, with more jokes about the practical inconvenience of fame. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/notting-hill.md) - *Ali: Fear Eats the Soul* (1974): A much tougher look at an age-gap relationship and the neighbours’ disapproval. - *Beyond the Lights* (2014): Pop stardom complicates another romance, with more attention to the singer’s inner life. - *The Lunchbox* (2013): For another tentative connection between adults who had stopped expecting much from love. - *Good Luck to You, Leo Grande* (2022): A more intimate exploration of an older woman’s desire, awkwardness and growing confidence. --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-idea-of-you