May December (2023)

January 3, 2024
the scores below are older than 30 days, do you wish to this information?
May December (2023)    Listen Movie Details
Happiness Meter
6.741/10 67%
Average of Ratings
76%
World Popularity
1%
Internet Movie Database
70%
Metacritic
81%
0.0
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%
Watch May December on:
Powered by AT & JustWatch

May December (2023) on global platforms:

May December (2023) movie is available to watch/stream on Netflix   Netflix has made May December (2023) movie available in CA country/region to watch/stream onlineMay December (2023) movie is available to watch/stream on Netflix basic with Ads   Netflix basic with Ads has made May December (2023) movie available in CA country/region to watch/stream onlineMay December (2023) movie is available to buy on Apple TV   Apple TV has made May December (2023) movie available in EG country/region to buy onlineMay December (2023) movie is available to watch/stream on Sky Go   Sky Go has made May December (2023) movie available in GB country/region to watch/stream onlineMay December (2023) movie is available to watch/stream on Now TV Cinema   Now TV Cinema has made May December (2023) movie available in GB country/region to watch/stream onlineMay December (2023) movie is available to watch/stream on Sky Go   Sky Go has made May December (2023) movie available in IE country/region to watch/stream onlineMay December (2023) movie is available to watch/stream on Now TV Cinema   Now TV Cinema has made May December (2023) movie available in IE country/region to watch/stream onlineMay December (2023) movie is available to watch/stream on Netflix   Netflix has made May December (2023) movie available in US country/region to watch/stream onlineMay December (2023) movie is available to watch/stream on Netflix basic with Ads   Netflix basic with Ads has made May December (2023) movie available in US country/region to watch/stream online

Movie basic details

Current status - Released
Total runtime - 117 mins.
Release date - 16-11-2023
Release year - 2023
Genres - Comedy, Drama

Overall ratings and scores for May December:
Happiness Score - 6.741/10, World Popularity Score - 10.3229/100, IMDB Score - 7.0, Metascore - 81, Internet Movie Database - 7.0/10, Metacritic - 81/100, .
May December movie has Total Global Votes - 166, Total IMD Votes - 26,430

May December Movie Introduction: Movie May December, release year 2023 is written by Samy Burch, Alex Mechanik and directed by Todd Haynes. The leading star-cast in this movie are Natalie Portman, Chris Tenzis, Charles Melton along with the other stars and crew members.

Movie overview and plot by

Movie in-short: Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.

Movie story-line: Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.

Movie synopsis: Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.

Highlights - May December (2023)

Total budget - $20,000,000.00
Total revenue - $223,505.00
Produced by - Gloria Sanchez ProductionsKiller FilmsMountainATaylor & DodgeProject Infinity
Produced in - United States of America
Available languages - English (English), Italian (Italiano),
Homepage URL - https://www.netflix.com/title/81702955
Awards won / Nominations - 20 wins & 112 nominations
Certificate(s) - FR : III GB : 15 GR : 14 IE : 12 NL : R NZ : 15+ PR : R PR : R

Lead Actors, Writer(s), Director(s) of May December (2023)

Lead Actors - Natalie Portman, Chris Tenzis, Charles Melton
Writer(s) - Samy Burch, Alex Mechanik
Director(s) - Todd Haynes

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) about May December (2023)

What is the release date of May December (2023)?
Release date of May December (2023) is 16-11-2023.


What is the total runtime of May December (2023) in minutes?
Total runtime of May December (2023) in minutes is 117 min.


What is the budget consumed to produce May December (2023) movie?
The budget consumed to produce May December (2023) movie is around $20,000,000.00.


How much revenue is expected from movie May December (2023)?
Expected revenue from movie movie May December (2023) is around $223,505.00.


What is the pupularity of May December (2023)?
Worldwide pupularity of May December (2023) movie is 10.3229%.


What is the name of the production company of film May December (2023)?
Production company of film May December (2023) is/are Gloria Sanchez Productions, Killer Films, MountainA, Taylor & Dodge, Project Infinity, .


Which country the film May December (2023) is produced in?
Film production country for the film May December (2023) is United States of America, .


Which language the film May December (2023) is produced in?
Film May December (2023) is produced in English (English), Italian (Italiano), language(s).


Which Genre the film May December (2023) belongs to?
Movie May December (2023) is categorized under Comedy, Drama genre(s).


Who are the lead actors of the film May December (2023)?
Lead actors of the film May December (2023) are Natalie Portman, Chris Tenzis, Charles Melton.


Who is the writer of the film May December (2023)?
The writer(s) of the film May December (2023) is/are Samy Burch, Alex Mechanik.


Who is the director of the film May December (2023)?
The director(s) of the film May December (2023) is/are Todd Haynes.


Which awards, nominations and recognitions are won by May December (2023) movie?
Movie May December (2023) has 20 wins & 112 nominations awards and nomination in it's profile.


What is the story of May December (2023) in-short?
Short plot of movie May December (2023): Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past..


What is the full story of May December (2023) movie?
Full plot of movie May December (2023): Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past..


Where to find full details of May December (2023) movie?
You can find the full details of movie May December (2023) at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13651794


Where to stream or watch movie May December (2023) online?
You can stream or watch online movie May December (2023) on Netflix, Netflix basic with Ads, Apple TV, Sky Go, Now TV Cinema, .


List of full Starcast and crew members of May December (2023)

Full Starcast:

profie photo of Natalie PortmanName: Natalie Portman
Character: Elizabeth

profie photo of Julianne MooreName: Julianne Moore
Character: Gracie

profie photo of Chris TenzisName: Chris Tenzis
Character: Aaron

profie photo of Charles MeltonName: Charles Melton
Character: Joe Yoo

profie photo of Andrea FrankleName: Andrea Frankle
Character: Rhonda

profie photo of Gabriel ChungName: Gabriel Chung
Character: Charlie Atherton-Yoo

profie photo of Mikenzie TaylorName: Mikenzie Taylor
Character: Molly

profie photo of Elizabeth YuName: Elizabeth Yu
Character: Mary Atherton-Yoo

profie photo of Piper CurdaName: Piper Curda
Character: Honor Atherton-Yoo

profie photo of Cory Michael SmithName: Cory Michael Smith
Character: Georgie

profie photo of D.W. MoffettName: D.W. Moffett
Character: Tom Atherton

profie photo of Kelvin Han YeeName: Kelvin Han Yee
Character: Joe Sr.

profie photo of Joan ReillyName: Joan Reilly
Character: Lydia

profie photo of Mike LopezName: Mike Lopez
Character: Ben

profie photo of Jocelyn ShelfoName: Jocelyn Shelfo
Character: Sofia

profie photo of Charles GreenName: Charles Green
Character: Mr. Henderson

profie photo of Christopher NguyenName: Christopher Nguyen
Character: Tyler Ko

profie photo of Lawrence ArancioName: Lawrence Arancio
Character: Morris Sperber

profie photo of Julie IveyName: Julie Ivey
Character: Mrs. Labriola

profie photo of Drew ScheidName: Drew Scheid
Character: Cameron

profie photo of Fatou JacksonName: Fatou Jackson
Character: Kimme

profie photo of Hans ObmaName: Hans Obma
Character: Roberto

profie photo of Allie McCullochName: Allie McCulloch
Character: TV Movie "Gracie"

profie photo of Evan ZhuName: Evan Zhu
Character: TV Movie "Joe"

profie photo of Hailey WistName: Hailey Wist
Character: Cassidy

profie photo of James R WilliamsName: James R Williams
Character: Tour Guide

profie photo of Hope Regina McElveenName: Hope Regina McElveen
Character: Valedictorian

profie photo of Derrick ButlerName: Derrick Butler
Character: The Principal

profie photo of Rocky DavisName: Rocky Davis
Character: Young Actor

profie photo of Adam WoodsName: Adam Woods
Character: Benny Kim / Boy Actor #3

profie photo of Zachary BranchName: Zachary Branch
Character: Peter (uncredited)

Crew Members:

profie photo of Natalie PortmanName: Natalie Portman
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Christine VachonName: Christine Vachon
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Martial CornevilleName: Martial Corneville
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Wigmaker

profie photo of Laura RosenthalName: Laura Rosenthal
Department: Production
Job/Role: Casting

profie photo of Will FerrellName: Will Ferrell
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Todd HaynesName: Todd Haynes
Department: Directing
Job/Role: Director

profie photo of April NapierName: April Napier
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Costume Design

profie photo of Leslie ShatzName: Leslie Shatz
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Sound Designer

profie photo of Leslie ShatzName: Leslie Shatz
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Sound Re-Recording Mixer

profie photo of Affonso GonçalvesName: Affonso Gonçalves
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Editor

profie photo of Marcelo ZarvosName: Marcelo Zarvos
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Original Music Composer

profie photo of Pamela KofflerName: Pamela Koffler
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Jessica ElbaumName: Jessica Elbaum
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Jason HamerName: Jason Hamer
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Prosthetic Makeup Artist

profie photo of Jeff TannerName: Jeff Tanner
Department: Camera
Job/Role: "B" Camera Operator

profie photo of Jeff RiceName: Jeff Rice
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Shaun BrennanName: Shaun Brennan
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Foley Artist

profie photo of Christopher BlauveltName: Christopher Blauvelt
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Director of Photography

profie photo of François DuhamelName: François Duhamel
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Still Photographer

profie photo of Paul AtkinsName: Paul Atkins
Department: Camera
Job/Role: "A" Camera Operator

profie photo of Jess RoyalName: Jess Royal
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Decoration

profie photo of Alex MechanikName: Alex Mechanik
Department: Writing
Job/Role: Story

profie photo of Drew KuninName: Drew Kunin
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Production Sound Mixer

profie photo of Ryan CollisonName: Ryan Collison
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Foley Mixer

profie photo of Meagan LewisName: Meagan Lewis
Department: Production
Job/Role: Local Casting

profie photo of Leslie BloomeName: Leslie Bloome
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Foley Artist

profie photo of Heba ThorisdottirName: Heba Thorisdottir
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Makeup Department Head

profie photo of Kim SantantonioName: Kim Santantonio
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Hair Department Head

profie photo of Richard BruntonName: Richard Brunton
Department: Art
Job/Role: Leadman

profie photo of Rebecca RobertsonName: Rebecca Robertson
Department: Directing
Job/Role: Script Supervisor

profie photo of Sam LisencoName: Sam Lisenco
Department: Art
Job/Role: Production Design

profie photo of Jonathan MontepareName: Jonathan Montepare
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Sean GollerName: Sean Goller
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Digital Imaging Technician

profie photo of Marian GreenName: Marian Green
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunt Coordinator

profie photo of Thomas RogersName: Thomas Rogers
Department: Lighting
Job/Role: Lighting Coordinator

profie photo of Susan Reilly LeHaneName: Susan Reilly LeHane
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Makeup Artist

profie photo of Eliza PaleyName: Eliza Paley
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Supervising Sound Editor

profie photo of Thorsten SchumacherName: Thorsten Schumacher
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Timothy BirdName: Timothy Bird
Department: Production
Job/Role: Co-Producer

profie photo of Timothy BirdName: Timothy Bird
Department: Directing
Job/Role: First Assistant Director

profie photo of Judd WildName: Judd Wild
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts

profie photo of Lee BrodaName: Lee Broda
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Mark GoodermoteName: Mark Goodermote
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Boom Operator

profie photo of Jade OlsonName: Jade Olson
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Costume Supervisor

profie photo of Chris HaneyName: Chris Haney
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: Visual Effects Supervisor

profie photo of Kim OstroyName: Kim Ostroy
Department: Production
Job/Role: Casting Associate

profie photo of Christina MyalName: Christina Myal
Department: Art
Job/Role: Graphic Designer

profie photo of Tyler W. KonneyName: Tyler W. Konney
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Gina NalliName: Gina Nalli
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Key Costumer

profie photo of Isabel HendersonName: Isabel Henderson
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Post Production Supervisor

profie photo of Adrian SeeryName: Adrian Seery
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Colorist

profie photo of Sophie MasName: Sophie Mas
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Randy MillerName: Randy Miller
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Orchestrator

profie photo of Grant S. JohnsonName: Grant S. Johnson
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Joe RynearsonName: Joe Rynearson
Department: Art
Job/Role: Property Master

profie photo of Jerrell SueltoName: Jerrell Suelto
Department: Sound
Job/Role: ADR Mixer

profie photo of Philip RothmanName: Philip Rothman
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Orchestrator

profie photo of Ryan WattersonName: Ryan Watterson
Department: Art
Job/Role: Location Scout

profie photo of Nicole BridgefordName: Nicole Bridgeford
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Hairstylist

profie photo of John RossName: John Ross
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts

profie photo of David CahillName: David Cahill
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Prop Maker

profie photo of Leo SatkovichName: Leo Satkovich
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Key Makeup Artist

profie photo of Samy BurchName: Samy Burch
Department: Writing
Job/Role: Screenplay

profie photo of Samy BurchName: Samy Burch
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Samy BurchName: Samy Burch
Department: Writing
Job/Role: Story

profie photo of Nick SeamanName: Nick Seaman
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Foley Editor

profie photo of Chris MacKenzieName: Chris MacKenzie
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: VFX Artist

profie photo of Bobby JohansonName: Bobby Johanson
Department: Sound
Job/Role: ADR Mixer

profie photo of Eric DeanName: Eric Dean
Department: Art
Job/Role: Art Direction

profie photo of Alexis LeggettName: Alexis Leggett
Department: Production
Job/Role: Extras Casting

profie photo of Steven YoungName: Steven Young
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Key Hair Stylist

profie photo of Kevin Bennett WilliamsName: Kevin Bennett Williams
Department: Art
Job/Role: Props

profie photo of Cheryl BeadlingName: Cheryl Beadling
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Assistant Editor

profie photo of Nicholas EricksonName: Nicholas Erickson
Department: Production
Job/Role: Associate Producer

profie photo of Rebecca CarfagnaName: Rebecca Carfagna
Department: Production
Job/Role: Local Casting

profie photo of Christian G. HawkinsName: Christian G. Hawkins
Department: Camera
Job/Role: First Assistant "B" Camera

profie photo of Kristina M. PetersonName: Kristina M. Peterson
Department: Directing
Job/Role: Second Assistant Director

profie photo of Jesse WineName: Jesse Wine
Department: Lighting
Job/Role: Gaffer

profie photo of Jesse WineName: Jesse Wine
Department: Lighting
Job/Role: Chief Lighting Technician

profie photo of Alex BrownName: Alex Brown
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Josh HeilbronnerName: Josh Heilbronner
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Assistant Sound Editor

profie photo of Leslie BellamyName: Leslie Bellamy
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Tailor

profie photo of Maegan RobinsonName: Maegan Robinson
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Set Costumer

profie photo of Harrison KrachtName: Harrison Kracht
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Steadicam Operator

profie photo of Harrison KrachtName: Harrison Kracht
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Dolly Grip

profie photo of Elizabeth NilesName: Elizabeth Niles
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Jarret BerkowitzName: Jarret Berkowitz
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Assistant Editor

profie photo of Rinny WilsonName: Rinny Wilson
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Loader

profie photo of Laura RobinsonName: Laura Robinson
Department: Camera
Job/Role: First Assistant "A" Camera

profie photo of Connor MeccayName: Connor Meccay
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Additional Grip

profie photo of Emily CookName: Emily Cook
Department: Art
Job/Role: Painter

profie photo of Mason PlottsName: Mason Plotts
Department: Production
Job/Role: Associate Producer

profie photo of Whitney TrowerName: Whitney Trower
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Color Assistant

profie photo of David FranzoName: David Franzo
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Color Assistant

profie photo of Steven C YoungName: Steven C Young
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Key Hair Stylist

profie photo of Dawn AngelettiName: Dawn Angeletti
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Makeup Artist

profie photo of Sara AlreadName: Sara Alread
Department: Production
Job/Role: Location Manager

profie photo of Jenny ElsingerName: Jenny Elsinger
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Utility Sound

profie photo of Samita WolfeName: Samita Wolfe
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Decoration Buyer

profie photo of Shawna BrazellName: Shawna Brazell
Department: Production
Job/Role: Casting Assistant

profie photo of Nick James FreemanName: Nick James Freeman
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Grip

profie photo of Nick James FreemanName: Nick James Freeman
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Additional Grip

profie photo of Thomas K RichardsName: Thomas K Richards
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Madeleine Rudin JohnsonName: Madeleine Rudin Johnson
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Henry LockeName: Henry Locke
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Additional Grip

profie photo of Kimberly Cutter-WilliamsName: Kimberly Cutter-Williams
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Hairstylist

profie photo of Wanda EdwardsName: Wanda Edwards
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Hairstylist

profie photo of Chris TenzisName: Chris Tenzis
Department: Editing
Job/Role: First Assistant Editor

profie photo of Haley RickerName: Haley Ricker
Department: Production
Job/Role: Associate Producer

profie photo of Jim ArgoName: Jim Argo
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Dresser

profie photo of Julia KoisName: Julia Kois
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Dresser

profie photo of Spencer BuckName: Spencer Buck
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Dresser

profie photo of Thomas DickensheetsName: Thomas Dickensheets
Department: Art
Job/Role: Painter

profie photo of Catherine GodshallName: Catherine Godshall
Department: Art
Job/Role: Painter

profie photo of Ashleigh HenryName: Ashleigh Henry
Department: Production
Job/Role: Extras Casting Assistant

profie photo of Gerrell BooneName: Gerrell Boone
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Key Grip

profie photo of Chris NowelsName: Chris Nowels
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: VFX Artist

profie photo of Ryan SearsName: Ryan Sears
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: VFX Artist

profie photo of Marika CooperName: Marika Cooper
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: VFX Artist

profie photo of Marlon CollinsName: Marlon Collins
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: VFX Artist

profie photo of Kraig KerstenName: Kraig Kersten
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Prop Maker

profie photo of Andy WaterhouseName: Andy Waterhouse
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Prop Maker

profie photo of Devon FarmerName: Devon Farmer
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Prop Maker

Movie Posters and Wallapapers - May December (2023)

movie poster 839369tt13651794-1movie poster 839369tt13651794-2movie poster 839369tt13651794-3movie poster 839369tt13651794-4movie poster 839369tt13651794-5movie poster 839369tt13651794-6movie poster 839369tt13651794-7movie poster 839369tt13651794-8movie poster 839369tt13651794-9movie poster 839369tt13651794-10movie poster 839369tt13651794-11movie poster 839369tt13651794-12movie poster 839369tt13651794-13movie poster 839369tt13651794-14movie poster 839369tt13651794-15movie poster 839369tt13651794-16movie poster 839369tt13651794-17movie poster 839369tt13651794-18movie poster 839369tt13651794-19movie poster 839369tt13651794-20movie poster 839369tt13651794-21movie poster 839369tt13651794-22movie poster 839369tt13651794-23movie poster 839369tt13651794-24movie poster 839369tt13651794-25movie poster 839369tt13651794-26movie poster 839369tt13651794-27movie poster 839369tt13651794-28movie poster 839369tt13651794-29movie poster 839369tt13651794-30movie poster 839369tt13651794-31movie poster 839369tt13651794-32movie poster 839369tt13651794-33movie poster 839369tt13651794-34movie poster 839369tt13651794-35movie poster 839369tt13651794-36movie poster 839369tt13651794-37movie poster 839369tt13651794-38movie poster 839369tt13651794-39movie poster 839369tt13651794-40movie poster 839369tt13651794-41movie poster 839369tt13651794-42movie poster 839369tt13651794-43movie poster 839369tt13651794-44movie poster 839369tt13651794-45movie poster 839369tt13651794-46movie poster 839369tt13651794-47movie poster 839369tt13651794-48movie poster 839369tt13651794-49movie poster 839369tt13651794-50movie poster 839369tt13651794-51movie poster 839369tt13651794-52



Reviews Section

rated 4 out of 5
May 29, 2023

INT. MOCKING-MOORE - DAY May December is an excellent satire with incredibly dark themes at times. Portman's Elizabeth is an actress tasked with researching her next role, a movie based on the massively dramatised life of Julianne Moore's character. Moore and Portman shine in their roles, and both can create believable characters whilst still pushing the unbelievable humour and situations they are put in. Portman, mainly with her fascination with making an actual 'true-to-life' performance as Gracie, copies her quirks and tendencies, providing the audience with laughs. Primarily the humour lies in the dark aspects of the film. The funniest, without spoiling, Gracie's relationship with her husband. It continuously evolves over the film, and we finally reach a satisfying conclusion. It's interesting how the comedy-drama has the best character arcs out of all of the dramas that premiered at Cannes. Overall, May December lands on both feet, standing tall against the competition. Satirical, well-acted and entertaining. FADE OUT


-- Lachlan Thiele
rated 3.5 out of 5
October 19, 2023

This actually reminded me a little of "All About Eve" (1950) as television actress "Elizabeth" (Natalie Portman) arrives at the home of "Gracie" (Julianne Moore) about whom she is to star in a biopic. Initially welcoming of her and keen to help, we follow the changing dynamic as we learn that "Gracie" has quite a past, and that her husband of 20-odd years, "Joe" (Charles Melton) is considerably younger than her and there was quite a furore when they first hooked up that saw the older woman incarcerated. The more she finds out, the more involved "Elizabeth" becomes and the more immersed we all become in this quite compelling story of a taboo that rather broke a mould or two and is now surrounded by an atmosphere of hypocrisy, faux-friendships, and lemon drizzle cake. There is a strong, increasingly well delivered, competitiveness between these two women and Melton delivers quite strongly too as the young man who seems devoid of much purpose as he heads towards his forties. The script is quite tight, frequently potent and Todd Haynes's overall style of intimate direction genuinely encourages us to invest a little in one of the women - I didn't manage to invest in both, especially as the denouement loomed (perhaps just a little predictably). This film quite successfully presents us with quite an interesting character study that works both ways in their relationship - and is well worth a watch.


-- CinemaSerf
rated 2.5 out of 5
November 24, 2023

In moviemaking, there’s subtlety, and then there’s subtlety carried too far. In the case of director Todd Haynes’s latest, the filmmaker unfortunately indulges himself far too much in the latter. This story of an actress (Natalie Portman) who visits a middle-aged sex offender (Julianne Moore) to prepare for a role she’s about to play in a movie about her subject’s life never seems to find a footing to stick with and explore. The narrative examines many different aspects of the back story behind the lives of the characters to be portrayed in this pending production without ever really resolving any of them by the time the credits roll. This includes not only the protagonist’s reasons for pursuing her once-underage husband (Charles Melton) – actions that got her jailed and made her fodder for countless tawdry tabloid cover stories – but also the nature of the actress’s real motivations in conducting such an excessively intense in-depth study of her character. In the process, virtually everyone comes across as somewhat unsavory, and, considering that the truth is never clearly revealed about any of them, it begs the question, why should we care about any of this? The film depicts all of this so subtly that it goes beyond nuance, veering into the realm of enigmatic, thereby further reinforcing the notion of why any of us should care. Ironically, these underplayed elements are in stark contrast to some rather obvious (and terribly trite) symbolism, particularly in images related to themes of transition and transformation. The picture’s inconsistent changes in tone don’t help, either, vacillating between allegedly serious drama and a seemingly underdeveloped desire to break out as an exercise in full-fledged camp (which, by the way, probably would have made this a much better offering). The script’s meandering flow and glacial pacing also don’t help, leaving viewers scratching their heads more often than not as to where this story is headed. In the end, all of the foregoing is ultimately quite unfortunate, because there’s definite potential in this project, but it’s never adequately defined and fleshed out. Leads Moore and (especially) Portman turn in admirable efforts to make this material fly, but they simply don’t have enough to work with to make that happen. While there appear to be allusions to themes like the difficulty involved in dealing with long-buried feelings and the fact that we may never be able to adequately grasp the truth behind them (either as outsiders looking in or as active participants in the midst of such dealings), the cryptic handling of those ideas undermines whatever meaningful messages or cinematic value they might have, making all of this seem like just such a big waste of time. Director Haynes has an impressive filmography behind him with such releases as “Poison” (1991), “Far From Heaven” (2002) and “Dark Waters” (2019), but, regrettably, “May December” certainly can’t be counted as part of that list.


-- Brent Marchant

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Submit Review