The Idea of You

 

The Idea of You is a romantic comedy based on the debut novel of the same name by actress and author Robinne Lee. Starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine in an unlikely romance between a divorced mom, Solène, and Hayes Campbell, the charismatic lead singer of a popular boy band.

 

The film's greatest strength lies in its leads. Both Hathaway and Galitzine delivered captivating performances with palpable chemistry. Solène, played by Hathaway, was a testament to a woman's right to choose. She was beautiful, confident, and brave in her defiance of societal expectations. Hathaway's portrayal was a breath of fresh air, reminding us that love and desire have no age limit. Galitzine, a rising star with impressive range, shined as Hayes Campbell. Kind, firm in his convictions, and unwavering in what he wants, Hayes was a refreshing departure from typical heartthrob stereotypes. This is only the second project I've seen Galitzine in, and I'm eagerly anticipating his next.

The cinematography was beautifully cut as we are taken on a whirlwind of a love story though different sets and counties. The story itself was refreshingly unique, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as Solène grapples with the pressures of an age-gap and the complexities of fame. The film tugs at the heartstrings, exploring themes of second chances and defying expectations.

Adding to its charm, the film boasts a welcome dose of diversity in its casting. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore these particular characters, leaving them feeling underdeveloped and one dimensional.

In the end, even with its flaws, The Idea of You still managed to deliver a heartwarming and engaging story. If you're looking for a charming romantic comedy, that will strike an emotional cord, this film is worth a watch or two.

Challengers

Challengers is a romantic sports drama starring Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor. The film follows Tashi, played by Zendaya, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, who is laser-focused on one thing: winning. When her husband Art, played by Faist, a champion she molded, falls into a slump, she throws him into a low-level tournament where he faces Patrick, played by O'Connor, Tashi's ex-boyfriend and Art's former best friend. This sets off a steamy love triangle loaded with repressed desires and past baggage.

Zendaya aced her first leading role in a film. She was able to successfully portray a woman who was ruthless in her pursuit of victory, and her frosty demeanor made it clear that anything less was a personal failure. Her performance was the heart of the film, perfectly capturing a woman driven by a singular passion. I also thought that her costumes were beautiful and a perfect paring for her character. Supporting performances by Faist and O'Connor were equally strong, which helped to create a palpable web of sexual tension and unspoken desires that fueled the film's emotional core.

I could see some themes of repressed longing that were similar to what director Luca Guadagnino tackled in his acclaimed film Call Me By Your Name. The muted LGBTQ+ subplot added a layer of intrigue and was a welcome step towards more nuanced representation, even if it didn’t receive full exploration. Representation in mainstream media is crucial, and despite its shortcomings, Challengers offered a glimpse of questioning or potentially bisexual characters navigating complex relationships.

Unfortunately Challengers stumbled with its storytelling. The narrative was a confusing volley of flashbacks that disrupted the flow of the story. Guadagnino's stylistic cinematography choices, like filming from the players' perspectives during matches, was more disorienting than engaging. And the techno-heavy soundtrack also felt like a strange choice with the film's overall mood.

Despite these narrative stumbles, Challengers did not entirely disappoint. The central trio's chemistry was undeniable, and the exploration of ambition, desire, and the price of victory was thought-provoking. If you're a Zendaya fan, this film might be worth a watch. Just be prepared for some uneven editing and a soundtrack that might leave you reaching for the mute button.