Speaking as one who read the book first, I can understand what the director was going for. And after reading other reviews, especially about the changes made to make the movie a true Rom-Com, I really wanted to hate this movie. I'm a bit of a purist, you see. But I couldn't. And can't. I may not be madly in love with the movie, but I do know that it was enjoyable and faithful to the book in spirit, anyway.
The book is very powerful in the story it tells. And the movie retains a flavor of it but the truth is, aging up the daughter to 16, aging up Hayes, other changes in the story watered the story down. Supposedly to make Solene more likable. She was already pretty darn likable. A recently divorced woman finding her way in the world and refusing to be an old fuddy duddy at 40. A sexual reawakening and if life begins at 40, then a definitely coming of age story. I didn't miss the big fight over Hayes having an affair with Oliver's sister. Some of those changes weren't a bad thing. But some things should have been left alone and if the writer couldn't find away to make that happen and show that Solene was a good, honest, decent woman, that's on the writer.
But there is a lot good in this film. The chemistry between Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada, The Princess Diaries) and Nicholas Galitzine (Red White & Royal Blue, Mary & George) is electric. Seeing them onscreen together made this film come alive. The story they played was, in turn, vibrant, romantic, erotic, heart-breaking. It was so easy to get lost in the story, fall for the characters. I really wanted to hate this film and yet I couldn't. I've watched it a time or two now. And might even watch it a few more times.
Definitely a 4 out of 5 stars and a darn good watch.
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