Hollywood has officially entered a ‘MILF-aissance’. Following the critical acclaim of ‘May December,’ studios are embracing the age-gap romance, particularly older women paired with younger men. This trend is a testament to the film’s success, showcasing a fascination with the dynamic and its exploration of themes like love, power, and desire. Since ‘May December’ premiered last year, a wave of films featuring this trope have been announced. Notably, Nicole Kidman stars in two of these upcoming projects.
While the older-man-younger-woman dynamic is more prevalent in both film and real life, examples of the inverse are plentiful. Cher, for instance, is 40 years older than her boyfriend, Alexander Edwards; Kris Jenner is 25 years older than her partner, Corey Gamble; even ‘May December’ star Natalie Portman was linked to Paul Mescal earlier this summer.
Previously, this trope was often used for comedic effect. TLC’s ‘MILF Manor’ last year echoed the fictional ‘MILF Island’ from ’30 Rock,’ playing on the concept. However, ‘May December’ explored the complexity of these relationships with a darkly comic lens, proving that the topic of age gaps transcends genre.
‘The Idea of You,’ starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, brought a One Direction-esque romance to life, while Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson are set to explore the erotic-drama side of the trope in ‘Babygirl.’
These films, often described with words like ‘sordid,’ ‘torrid,’ and ‘intoxicating,’ represent a refreshing change from the clichéd dynamic of the older, wise man and the younger, innocent woman. They provide exciting new material for actresses of a certain age, challenging conventional narratives and exploring the nuances of desire across generations.
Here’s a glimpse at the post-‘May December’ films to add to your watch list:
The Idea of You
*
Starring:
Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine*
Premise:
Solène Marchand (Hathaway), a 40-year-old divorcée and gallery owner, finds herself chaperoning her daughter at Coachella, where she forms a connection with Hayes Campbell (Galitzine), a young musician. A whirlwind romance ensues.Babygirl
*
Starring:
Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson*
Premise:
CEO Romy (Kidman), risking her stable life and marriage, is drawn to Samuel (Dickinson), her company’s new intern assigned as her mentee. Kidman described the film as a raw exploration of desire, a glimpse into something rarely shared publicly.A Family Affair
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Starring:
Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King*
Premise:
Zara (King), working as a personal assistant to a demanding movie star (Efron), finds herself entangled in a love triangle with her mother, Brooke (Kidman), and the star himself.Lonely Planet
*
Starring:
Laura Dern, Liam Hemsworth*
Premise:
A novelist (Dern) seeks inspiration at a Moroccan creative retreat, finding an unexpected connection with a younger man (Hemsworth). The film explores not just romance, but the search for understanding and connection, universal themes resonating with audiences.I Want Your Sex
*
Starring:
Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman*
Premise:
Erika (Wilde), an artist, draws Elliott (Hoffman) into her world as her muse, but their relationship spirals into chaos. Expect a film filled with sex, power, and even murder.This wave of films promises a captivating exploration of the age-gap dynamic, offering unique perspectives on desire, love, and the complexities of relationships in a rapidly changing world.
