Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine's 'The Idea of You' ending explained

Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine's 'The Idea of You' ending explained
04 May 2024

Amazon Prime Video's latest romantic comedy, The Idea of You, starring Anne Hathaway as Solène Marchand, a 40-year-old woman who falls for a young pop star, delves into the complexities of a May-December romance.

The narrative centers around her relationship with Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the 24-year-old frontman of a band, August Moon.

Directed by Michael Showalter and co-written by Showalter and Jennifer Westfeldt, this film is an adaptation of Robinne Lee's 2017 novel.

So, do Solène-Hayes end up together?

Plot focuses on relationship's impact on personal life
Storyline details

The plot primarily revolves around the relationship between Marchand and Campbell and its effects on Marchand's personal life, especially her teenage daughter, Izzy.

Their romance, characterized by a significant age gap, draws public criticism leading to two separations through the course of the film.

It is after the second breakup that the audience is left wondering whether the leads will get a happy ending.

Film departs from original novel with happy ending
Spoiler alert

In a deviation from Lee's original narrative, the movie provides Marchand and Campbell with a happy ending, albeit after a five-year wait.

Following their second breakup, Campbell asks Marchand to reconsider their relationship in five years' time.

The film concludes with Campbell reappearing at Marchand's art gallery half a decade later, hinting at a potential reunion.

While we don't see anything concrete, we can expect them to get together.

Why their relationship will work 5 years later
Character dynamics

The film examines how Marchand's relationship with Campbell affects her other relationships.

Her daughter Izzy and ex-husband Daniel struggle with her involvement with a younger man who happens to be a celebrity.

The public backlash proves too much for both Marchand and Izzy, resulting in Marchand ending things with Campbell twice.

However, five years later, Izzy is away at college, and although Campbell is still famous at 29, his getting involved with a now 45-year-old Marchand is less shocking.

Here's why the time-jump trope was important
Career transition

So, while the rom-com had to rest on the time-jump trope to make a happy ending happen, it succeeds.

Another subplot that adds a layer to Campbell's character development is his desire to establish his personal musical voice.

Throughout the movie, Campbell reflects on his career, hinting at his desire to leave August Moon for a solo journey.

By the end, he is seen performing solo on The Graham Norton Show-another transition we'd not have gotten sans the time jump.