“May December” (2023)

Drama

Running Time: 97 minutes

Written by: Samy Burch

Directed by: Todd Haynes

Featuring: Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton

Gracie: “Insecure people are very dangerous, aren’t they? I’m secure. Make sure you put that in there.”

“May December,” directed by Todd Haynes, is a provocative and deeply nuanced drama that delves into the complexities of relationships, identity, and the public gaze. The film stars Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, who deliver outstanding performances, elevating the already compelling narrative to extraordinary heights.

The film revolves around the unconventional and controversial relationship between Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) and her significantly younger husband, Joe Yoo (Charles Melton). Their love story, which began when Gracie was Joe’s teacher and he was still a teenager, drew national attention and scandal years ago. Now, as their past fades into relative obscurity, their lives are disrupted by the arrival of Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), an actress preparing to play Gracie in a biographical film.

“May December” navigates a labyrinth of themes, including the morality of age-disparate relationships, the influence of media on personal lives, and the fluid nature of identity. The film is less interested in passing judgment on its characters and more in exploring the layers of their experiences and emotions.

One of the central themes is the idea of public versus private identity. Gracie and Joe’s relationship, once a national scandal, is now a private, albeit complex, family dynamic. Elizabeth’s intrusion into their lives serves as a catalyst, forcing the couple to confront their past decisions and the reality of their present situation. Elizabeth herself becomes a mirror, reflecting and distorting the characters’ perceptions of themselves and each other.

Julianne Moore is exceptional as Gracie, capturing the character’s vulnerability and steely resolve. She portrays Gracie as a woman who has made peace with her controversial past, yet is perpetually aware of its shadow. Moore’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety, using minute facial expressions and body language to convey a wide range of emotions.

Natalie Portman, as Elizabeth, is equally compelling. She brings a sense of curiosity and determination to the role, portraying Elizabeth as a woman on a quest for truth, both in her portrayal of Gracie and in understanding her own life. Portman’s interactions with Moore are electric, filled with tension and unspoken understanding.

Charles Melton’s portrayal of Joe Yoo is nuanced and heartfelt. He captures the confusion and inner turmoil of a man who has grown up under the public eye and is still grappling with the implications of his past. Melton’s performance is particularly effective in scenes where Joe’s internal conflict is laid bare, showing the audience the fragility beneath his composed exterior.

Todd Haynes’s direction is meticulous and thoughtful. He creates a rich, immersive world that feels both intimate and expansive. Haynes’s use of visual storytelling is particularly striking, with each shot carefully composed to enhance the narrative’s emotional depth. The film’s color palette and lighting play a significant role in setting the tone, often reflecting the inner states of the characters.

The cinematography by Edward Lachman is exquisite, capturing the lush, almost dreamlike quality of the setting. The camera work often lingers on the characters’ faces, allowing the audience to delve deeper into their psyches. This visual approach complements the film’s introspective nature, inviting viewers to become fully immersed in the characters’ journeys.

The screenplay, written by Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik, is sharp and insightful. The dialogue is natural yet loaded with subtext, revealing the characters’ motivations and fears without overt exposition. The script does an excellent job of balancing moments of quiet introspection with more intense, dramatic scenes, creating a rhythm that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

The musical score of “May December,” composed by Carter Burwell, plays a pivotal role in shaping the film’s atmosphere. Burwell, known for his ability to enhance emotional undertones through music, delivers a soundtrack that complements the film’s mood perfectly. The score is haunting and melancholic at times, underscoring the characters’ internal struggles, while lighter, more whimsical pieces highlight moments of tenderness and introspection. The music subtly guides the audience’s emotional journey, adding layers of meaning to the visual and narrative elements.

The editing, overseen by Affonso Gonçalves, is precise and effective in maintaining the film’s deliberate pace. “May December” takes its time to unravel the story, allowing the audience to fully absorb the intricate dynamics between the characters. The transitions between scenes are smooth, often using visual or thematic motifs to create a cohesive flow. This careful pacing ensures that each moment resonates, giving the film a contemplative quality that encourages viewers to reflect on the unfolding drama.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its deep and thoughtful character development. Gracie, Joe, and Elizabeth are richly layered characters, each with their own distinct arc. Gracie’s journey is one of self-examination, as she grapples with the consequences of her past actions and their impact on her present life. Julianne Moore’s portrayal brings out the complexity of a woman who is both remorseful and defiant, seeking redemption while stubbornly clinging to her narrative.

Joe’s character, played with remarkable sensitivity by Charles Melton, evolves from a seemingly passive participant in his own life to someone who begins to question the foundations of his relationship with Gracie. His interactions with Elizabeth serve as a catalyst for this transformation, as he confronts the reality of his experiences and the choices he has made.

Elizabeth, portrayed by Natalie Portman, undergoes a significant transformation as well. Initially driven by professional curiosity, she becomes increasingly personally invested in the lives of Gracie and Joe. This investment forces her to confront her own values and the ethical implications of her role in their story. Portman captures this evolution beautifully, showing Elizabeth’s growing empathy and understanding.

“May December” also serves as a commentary on the broader societal issues of scandal, media sensationalism, and the public’s appetite for controversy. The film critiques the way society tends to sensationalize personal tragedies and scandals, often reducing complex human experiences to simplistic narratives for public consumption. Through Elizabeth’s character, the film explores the ethical responsibilities of those who seek to retell real-life stories, highlighting the fine line between artistic exploration and exploitation.

The film’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise directed towards the performances of Moore and Portman. Critics have lauded Haynes’s direction and the film’s ability to tackle difficult subject matter with sensitivity and depth. The nuanced portrayal of a controversial relationship has sparked discussions about morality, consent, and the lasting impact of our past actions on our present lives.

“May December” is a remarkable film that challenges viewers to look beyond surface judgments and consider the complexities of human relationships. It is a story about love, regret, and the ways in which our past shapes our present. With stellar performances from its cast, masterful direction from Todd Haynes, and a script that is both poignant and thought-provoking, “May December” is a cinematic triumph that will linger in the minds of its audience long after the credits roll.

This film is not just a commentary on the nature of scandal and public perception but also a profound exploration of personal truth and the often blurred lines between right and wrong. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates films that provoke thought and evoke deep emotional responses.