And it is a fact: The idea of having you, an adaptation of the book of the same name by Robbine Lee, is one of Prime Video’s most successful films. Also, a phenomenon that already accumulates more than 50 million views on the platform. The story of Solène (Anne Hathaway), a forty-year-old gallery owner and single mother, and Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine), a 24-year-old pop star, has sparked controversy. Not only because of the obvious age difference, but also the way the film explores female maturity, women’s happiness, and public scrutiny. All, in a time of hyper-communication and the preeminence of social networks.
But one of the points that most caught the attention of fans of the book was the fact that the film substantially modifies the final section of the story. If in the original on paper, Solène and Hayes ended in a forced separation due to public pressure on both, the adaptation is less harsh in this regard.
In fact, it shows what seems to be the possibility of the future for the couple. And although it is not explicit about it — the film concludes with a fleeting meeting between its protagonists — it is much more hopeful than the original. In this, the characters accept that there is no future for what they share and each one follows different paths.
Try Amazon Prime Video completely free for 30 days and enjoy the platform’s complete catalog without limits. Just by signing up you will have instant access to the best movies and series, as well as free shipping on Amazon and other advantages.
A change that gives a second wind to history
The most curious thing is that the final twist of the film brings the story much closer to what seems to be the genre from which it comes. In fact, the writer admitted, since the publication of her work in 2017, that the novel was an evolution of the popular fanfics. Much more, when with the passage of time, A large number of details seemed to indicate that the fiction had taken its characters directly from real life.
And to be specific, from the group One Direction and the singer Harry Styles. So the traumatic conclusion was more realistic but noticeably far from the friendly and carefree tone of popular fan stories. Something that The idea of having you seems to fix. Particularly, by providing a renewed air to the premise, which even opens the possibility of a second part.
Which makes it obvious that the decision to change was not at all a casual turn. Director Michael Showalter commented in an interview with TV Insider, which the final scene, modifies the message of the premise, at the same time, giving new depth to the characters’ decisions. And although the issue of public overexposure and its damage is still present, the change gives the couple the possibility of resuming the relationship. As you may remember, the film culminates when, after a five-year separation, Solène and Hayes reunite. Which promises a new stage in your relationship.
A generous look for ‘The idea of having you’
For Michael Showalter, the idea of the romantic comedy includes a reflection on the possibilities of love. Therefore, the point of view of a definitive closure contradicts the central message. Something that goes deeper into the tape, leaving the door open for a continuation — even imaginary — of the romance.
“There is a long history in romantic films that change their endings so that their protagonists can be together,” the director explained to TV Insider. “There is a reason for that and it is that the viewer of a film wants there to be, at least, some hope for the protagonists. We don’t have to tell the public how things ended, but at least we give him the opportunity to try to find out for himself.”
The producer, Cathy Schulman, comments the same, who in the same interview points out that the book and the film are aimed at different audiences. So the endings can be different, to honor different sensibilities. “I feel that the satisfaction factor is different when you are reading a book at home. But in a film the visual impact is very strong, so we have to believe that there are possibilities for the future.” Something that has been made clear on the tape.
