In Amazon’s ‘The Idea of You’, actor Nicholas Galitzine highlights the profound feminist message embedded within the film’s steamy scenes. Galitzine, a self-proclaimed feminist, portrays Hayes Campbell, a 24-year-old boy band heartthrob who unexpectedly falls in love with 40-year-old single mother Solène (Anne Hathaway).
The film, like its source material, unabashedly embraces its sensual moments, which Galitzine candidly discusses. He asserts that ‘female pleasure is the protagonist’ of the film, emphasizing that the intimate scenes are not gratuitous but rather deeply connective, showcasing the emotional and physical bond between two individuals.
Galitzine particularly notes a scene where Hayes and Solène dance around their hotel room in post-coital bliss, describing it as a testament to ‘beautiful aftercare and connectivity.’ He believes the film offers a message of hope, challenging the notion that life for women is over at 40.
While acknowledging the parallels drawn to Harry Styles, Galitzine distances Hayes from direct comparisons, emphasizing the character’s unique identity. However, he reveals that August Moon, the fictional band in the film, and One Direction, Styles’ real-life band, share a songwriter, Savan Kotecha.
Galitzine acknowledges the influence of the ‘golden age of rom-coms,’ particularly ‘Sleepless in Seattle,’ and sees ‘The Idea of You’ as a return to the comforting and uplifting essence of those beloved classics. He notes that both ‘The Idea of You’ and ‘After’ tap into the fantasy of a celebrity crush becoming a reality, and he expresses his gratitude for having the opportunity to embody that dream by working with Anne Hathaway, a celebrity crush for many.
