Wake up! Call in sick to work. Spend your entire day on the couch with a pint of ice cream and a bottle of wine. The Idea of You movie releases today! (May 2, 2024!)
Thanks to Amazon Studios and Robinne Lee, I was able to catch an advance screening of the Idea of You movie. I had mixed emotions going into the theater tonight. Let me first say that I have always had a love/hate relationship with this book by the incredibly talented Robinne Lee. Back in 2018, I had to read the book in stops and starts, a mix of Kindle and audiobook. And it became very apparent to me that the book, while heavily featuring romantic themes, was NOT a romance! I loved the characters. I loved the premise. I loved the writing. But, I have always been gutted by the ending. So much so that my little brain has created an alternate ending that turns this great book into a true Romance and the characters will forever live in that space in my imagination.
So I went into the theater tonight fairly low expectations. I really thought I would come out of the movie and think “meh that was OK.” There has been a bit of controversy in the book world surrounding the film. There were questions about casting, wardrobe, screenwriting, all of the usual grumps and grumbles that accompany a beloved-book to film adaptation. I was apprehensive but withholding judgment.
I am so excited to say, I was completely blown away! This movie was absolutely fantastic. The emotion and conflict of the story played out on the screen, but the banter, humor and romance was truly brought to life. I think Ann Hathaway‘s performance is stunning. She truly becomes Solene. Nicholas Galitzine is an absolutely brilliant actor. His range of emotions from humor to sadness to love to playfulness to brokenhearted are on full display. On top of that, he’s also an incredible singer, performer and musician truly bringing the Hayes Campbell character to life. For years, I’ve been a part of debates about “who would be your Hayes Campbell?“ For me the question is finally answered and it will forever be Nicholas Galitzine.
What truly puts this movie over the top for me is the ending. The movie brings the ending that nearly every book reader has wished and dreamed for. Inside the theater, my friend and I cried and laughed and swooned and walked out completely satisfied and thoroughly enthralled.
I’m telling you – “don’t wait to watch this movie.” It is funny, sweet, sad, hopeful, swoon-y, and definitely spicy. Lovers of the book will be pleased to see so many scenes play out on the screen. But, even if you didn’t read the book, I’m certain the movie will be completely entertaining.
I was incredibly impressed with Amazon Studios’ adaptation of Red, White and Royal Blue. After seeing the care and skill, they applied to another of my favorite books, I’m ready for many many more book to movie collabs.
I’m certain reviews of the movie, especially from the diehard book lovers will be mixed. But for me, the movie is an absolute hit! What are you waiting for? Check it out now on Amazon Prime!
PS: two older ladies in the row behind us had obviously NOT read the book. They were practically clutching their pearls with the number of sex scenes in the movie. We didn’t bother to tell them about the book! I’m guessing they would have been well and truly scandalized .
