Review of the novel and movie “The Idea of You”

If you’re a fan of complex and passionate romances, you’ve probably heard of *The Idea of You*, a novel by Robinne Lee published in 2017. The story follows Solène Marchand, a 39-year-old woman who, after an unexpected encounter with Hayes Campbell, a 20-year-old member of a boy band, begins a romance that challenges societal norms. The book was pretty well-received, especially among contemporary romance readers, praised for the emotional complexity of its characters and its portrayal of an empowered, mature woman.

On the left the cover of the book "The idea of you" by Robinne Lee, on the right the promotional poster of the film released in 2024

The Book:

Since its release, *The Idea of You* has been praised for its originality, though it has also sparked debates over its portrayal of a significant age gap in a romantic relationship. Many reviews have highlighted how Robinne Lee brings a fresh take on topics like female desire in midlife and the challenges of love under public scrutiny. Like many other readers, I felt deeply connected with Solène, a protagonist who defies social expectations and navigates the complexities of being a mother, a businesswoman, and a lover.

Personally, I really enjoyed the book, and I think its greatest strength is how it addresses the internal struggles of the characters without falling into simplistic stereotypes.

The Movie:

In 2024, the story made its way to Amazon Prime Video, directed by Michael Showalter. Starring Anne Hathaway as Solène and Nicholas Galitzine as Hayes, the movie stays true to the premise of the book but introduces a few changes, giving it a distinct style of its own.

The movie received mixed reviews. While the performances were praised, some fans of the book felt that the film didn’t quite capture the same level of emotional depth.

Although I enjoyed both the book and the movie, I feel that the emotional depth of the book surpasses the film version. In the movie, the plot becomes more accessible to a broader audience, simplifying some of the internal dilemmas Solène faces in the novel. The focus on the relationship is a bit lighter, whereas the book dives deeper into themes of identity, aging, and motherhood with a much more introspective approach.

One of the most noticeable changes is how the film softens the public and tense nature of Solène and Hayes’s relationship, reducing some of the emotional intensity that made the book so compelling. However, Hathaway and Galitzine’s performances are sincere and manage to capture the chemistry between the characters.

Final Verdict:

While I really enjoyed the movie, I think the book offers a richer emotional experience and more nuanced character development. Lee’s narrative has a rhythm and depth that simply doesn’t fully translate to the screen. That said, if you’re a fan of romance, both the movie and the book offer a delightful experience, and both are definitely worth your time.