Already nominated for the Palme d’Or, May December joins the awards season catalog with little hype, though the psychological drama deserves a lot more. Past December Netflix releases like The Lost Daughter occupy a similar space to visionary director Todd Haynes’ new film, and even if only a select few have put this in the “best of the year” category, well-deserved nominations from the more highly publicized awards presentations will arrive shortly in May December‘s favor.
‘May December’ Plot Summary
Tabloids ate up the story of criminal Gracie Atherton (Julianne Moore), who now tries to get by in life after suffering national attention. 20 years later, an actress (Natalie Portman) visits Atherton’s home, studying to play her in a film adaptation of her life. The drama and stress unravel Atherton and her tenuous, difficult home life with her husband.
The Big Draws in ‘May December’: Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman
The early argument for lead actresses Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman’s Oscar potential in May December has legs. These two seasoned performers put thought and work into their characters, befitting a story about an actress working on depicting someone’s life. Those resistant to the unsavory story elements will still enjoy Moore and Portman’s interactions with each other, and supporting actor Charles Melton’s complex place in the mix makes their performances the height of the viewing experience.
Though the accuracy of this film’s connection to the similar tale of Mary Kay Letourneau is loose, the outcomes are ultimately relatively predictable if you have read this individual’s Wikipedia page. Haynes, writer Samy Burch, and the actors mostly avoid melodrama for a more moving, evocative experience, with part of the analysis of Atherton’s/Letourneau’s mindset involving the balance of truth and fiction. Outside of the borrowed aspects, May December poses more questions than answers, but in all likelihood, viewers will stick around to see Moore and Portman do some of their best acting.
The Unexpected Winner: Supporting Actor Charles Melton
Charles Melton in ‘May December’
The unpredictable success of May December so far lies in the performance of Charles Melton, who plays Atherton’s husband, Joe Yoo. Critics’ attention to his role demonstrates interest in understanding the victim of the Letourneau story, and Melton puts dedication and authenticity into the role for brilliant ensemble work. Melton’s character follows the outcome of the true story a little too closely, somewhat undermining the potential complexity Burch sought for the overall message. Nevertheless, Melton’s clear commitment to his vision of Yoo is a joy to watch.
Who Should Check Out ‘May December’?
Though May December treads on dangerous territory, Haynes drenches the film in beautiful, slow-burning images to illuminate the intricate psyches of the characters. Each has faults and brokenness to deal with, relying more on discussing the act of depicting truth than somehow showing truth through a fictionalized story. The themes and questions May December deals with might not be easy, but Moore and Portman make the experience thrilling enough to consider the film one of the best of the year.
May December is streaming now on Netflix.