How ‘The Idea Of You’ Movie Differs from the Book?

Anne Hathaway plays a 40-year-old gallery owner who captures the eye of a popular boy-band singer (Nicholas Galitzine) in The Idea of You, and fans can’t get enough of Soléne and Hayes’s love story. In this article we talk about How ‘The Idea Of You’ Movie Differs from the Book.

Based on the 2017 bestselling novel of the same name by Robinne Lee, the film tells “the story of a woman blooming,” as Hathaway told PEOPLE at the SXSW premiere.

In The Idea of You, her character Soléne embarks on a life-altering romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, a member of August Moon (a One Direction-esque group), after a chance meeting at Coachella.

As Hathaway reflected on the overarching story the film tells, “I don’t know why we don’t have more stories about human beings blooming at any age. We’re always coming of age, all the time.”

The movie debuted on Prime Video on May 2, and while it stems from the novel, some major changes were made to bring the story to life.

Soléne and Hayes’s First Meeting

In the book, a chic Soléne accompanies her 12-year-old daughter Isabelle and two friends to an August Moon meet-and-greet in a Las Vegas hotel basement before their concert. Hayes cheekily asks if Soléne is Isabelle’s sister before convincing her to pose for a photo and asks where they’re sitting so he can visit backstage.

In the film, Soléne accidentally walks into Hayes’ trailer at Coachella, thinking it’s a bathroom. She brought 16-year-old daughter Izzy and three friends to meet August Moon before their set. During the meet-and-greet there’s palpable chemistry between Hayes and Soléne. Later, Hayes only has eyes for her in the crowd.

Soléne’s Daughter’s Relationship with Hayes

In the book, meeting August Moon makes 12-year-old Izzy’s dreams come true. Hayes remembering her devastates her, so him dating her mom gut-wrenchingly drives them apart.

In the film, Izzy makes it clear August Moon is “so seventh grade.” While starstruck meeting her favorite member Rory, overall she’s unfazed. As photos of Hayes and her mom break the internet, calm Izzy encourages Soléne to rekindle things with Hayes. She and friends even agree to delete social media to allow the relationship.

Soléne’s Relationship with Her Ex-Husband Daniel

In the book, recently separated Soléne sees her ex Daniel move on quickly, proposing to and marrying Eva, who gets pregnant—salt in Soléne’s wounds as she navigates her rocky relationship.

In the film, Soléne shares deeper distrust with her ex-husband Daniel, who cheated with lawyer Eva. Midway through the film, Eva reveals she’s leaving cheating Daniel and shockingly asks Soléne for dinner.

Soléne’s Dynamic with Hayes’s Bandmate Oliver

A primary conflict in the book arises from Hayes’s bandmate Oliver, who inappropriately pursues Soléne to sabotage her relationship with Hayes. Things escalate violently when Oliver discovers Hayes lost his virginity to Oliver’s sister.

In the film, Hayes’ relationship with his bandmates is secondary. Cheeky moments from Oliver don’t manifest into romantic interest in Soléne. An insensitive poolside comment from Oliver does initially drive Soléne away from Hayes.

Soléne’s Gallery and Hayes’s Generosity

In the book, Soléne co-owns her gallery with best friend Lulit, who serves as her relationship confidant. Hayes makes an effort to learn about Soléne’s art world, accompanying her to shows and meeting friends. He doesn’t buy out her gallery immediately.

In the film, Hayes’ first visit to the gallery ends in purchasing the entire collection, an excuse to be near Soléne. His dedication to her work is still evident, but the dynamic differs without Lulit’s presence as Soléne’s confidant. Instead, she relies on her employee Tracy.

Soléne and Hayes’s Fate

The book ends with heartbreak: Soléne tells Hayes she loved the idea of him, not him, and they part ways forever, despite Hayes’ pleading messages.

The film ends hopefully: Soléne and Hayes promise to reconnect in five years if available. A flash forward shows them possibly reuniting when Hayes announces on TV he’s taking a break to see someone in LA before arriving at Soléne’s gallery.

In summary, while the film stems from the novel, significant changes were made regarding characters’ ages, relationships, scenes like the initial meeting, and ultimately Soléne and Hayes’s fate. The movie aims for a more hopeful ending than the definitive heartbreak that concludes the book. But both portray a moving narrative of connection and personal growth. I sincerely hope you like reading this “How ‘The Idea Of You’ Movie Differs from the Book?” article.