May December (2023)
From the brilliance of Todd Haynes, comes pitch-perfect melodrama May December. After its world premiere at Cannes in May this year, it has its UK premiere at the London Film Festival before releasing onto Netflix later this year. Twenty years after the tabloid romance of Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) and Joe Yoo (Charles Melton) gripped the nation, actor Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past causing the couple to buckle under pressure.
Story and screenplay, both written by Samy Burch, first time screenwriter, were brought to the attention of Haynes by Portman and her production team. While introducing the film, Haynes told the audience that he found the script so compelling and well-written that he decided to direct it. He also said he knew who his actors (Portman and Moore) were just from reading the script. While the script may not be perfect, Haynes uses his particular flare to make it the best it can be. Having Haynes direct the film and his regular Julianne Moore, as well as Natalie Portman star in it were the best decisions made.
Unsurprisingly, the film’s leads give brilliant performances, even Charles Melton has given a career changing performance. With Elizabeth (Portman) interrupting the quiet lives of Gracie (Moore) and Joe (Melton) after things finally settled, it makes sense that the film would involve tension and complex dynamics between the characters and within the environment. Through great directing and sheer talent, the three actors are able to portray these emotions and dynamics that arise between the characters as Elizabeth weens her way deeper into the lives of Gracie and Joe. Acting alongside the power houses that are Portman and Moore, Melton held his own and delivered just as brilliant of a performance. And of course, a creepingly good performance from Portman while her role is embodying that of another for a part within the film.
As with every Todd Haynes film, he brings an energy and style to the screen that he himself has claimed and you just know it is a film directed by him. The opening credits start the film off on a high, melodramatic, note which is just what is needed for the plot of the film. The chosen shots and the score that accompany them work wonders together. The tense tone of the music right during the opening credits as well as the choice to film monarch butterflies alludes to the future of the film’s plot. The score is mesmerizing and memorable as it will be stuck in my head for a while to come.
Another strong directorial choice was the use of reflections throughout the film, whether it be mirrors, glass or other choices. Viewing the characters through their reflections instead of direct shots helped add to the complexity of them as well as showing an “outside looking in” point of view when considering the plot.
Even though most of Haynes’ films involve him as the scriptwriter, he is able to take any script given to him, so long as he has a passion for the story and apply his greatness to it to make an excellent film. May December is just that, twists and turns, eery feelings, delve deep into the lives of two lovers as it gets dissected by an outsider. Make sure you catch May December when it releases on Netflix December 1st, 2023.
Promotional photo credits to IMDb.
