Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore’s ‘May-December’ Movie: Unveiling the Plot, Star-Studded Cast, and Much More!
“May December” is a movie that explores the challenges faced by a couple dealing with a significant age difference, drawing inspiration from the notorious romance of Mary Kay Letourneau and her student Vili Fualaau, who had a 22-year age gap.
As per the plot summary, the movie unfolds several years after the nation was captivated by the controversial love story of Gracie (played by Moore) and Joe (portrayed by Charles Melton). With a 23-year age difference, the couple is preparing to send their children to college when Elizabeth (Portman) arrives in town to prepare for a new film based on their relationship. As the actress delves into researching Gracie and Joe’s history, their relationship begins to unravel, and Joe confronts the events of his youth.
“May December” initially achieved acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, where it received a standing ovation lasting six minutes. Subsequently, Netflix acquired the rights to the film and announced plans for a broader distribution, including both theatrical release and streaming availability.
Prior to the film reaching a broader audience, director Todd Haynes shared insights into the rapid process of bringing the project to fruition in under a month.
“It was crucial for Natalie and Julie to bond because Julie’s character had to establish a certain physical demeanor that Natalie’s character would gradually adopt throughout the film,” he explained to The Hollywood Reporter during that period. “This placed an added responsibility on Julianne to define Gracie’s character swiftly. We made an effort to spend time socially with Julianne, Charles, and the two key young actors in the film. All those casual conversations and interactions were beneficial. While we didn’t have as much dedicated time in the rehearsal room or script readings as we would have preferred, it was time well spent.”
Continue reading for a comprehensive overview of “May December:”
In the movie, we delve into the lives of a married couple (portrayed by Moore and Melton) who grapple with the challenges of their significant age difference. Their world takes a turn when an actress (played by Portman) comes into their lives to conduct research for a film based on their history.
Who Comprises the Cast of ‘May December’?
The movie features Portman, Moore, and Melton in leading roles, with a supporting cast that includes D.W. Moffett, Piper Curda, Elizabeth Yu, Gabriel Chung, Cory Michael Smith, and Lawrence Arancio.
What Does the Official Trailer Unveil?
In the initial teaser for the movie, which Netflix unveiled in September 2023, Moore and Portman are depicted standing opposite each other in front of a mirror. Portman’s character appears to be mimicking Moore’s gestures while uttering the words, “You’re always on my mind.”
“Both women are observing each other closely and attempting to understand one another,” Haynes explained in a September 2023 interview with Netflix’s Tudum, following the release of an extended trailer. “I believe a significant part of the story revolves around building trust, with Elizabeth, played by Natalie, aiming to earn Gracie’s trust. Elizabeth’s mission is to gradually navigate through these barriers.”
When Is the Release Date for ‘May December’?
The film had its initial theatrical premiere on November 17, 2023, followed by its availability for streaming on Netflix starting December 1, 2023.
What Is the Film’s Underlying Message?
In May 2023, Portman shared her attraction to the project, stating in Vogue, ‘Exploring the role of an actress and delving into the depiction of a real-life narrative was truly captivating. It prompts contemplation about one’s potential influence on a story—a question that documentary makers or journalists might ponder—as well as the ethical dimension of how one’s portrayal can impact a narrative. It also delves into the realm of whether art can be morally neutral.’
Portman commended Haynes for his impartial handling of the film’s narrative, expressing in a Variety interview four months later, “He possesses a profound insight into human behavior. His female characters are intricate and multifaceted.”
Which Real-Life Incidents Shaped ‘May December’?
Haynes had previously praised the screenwriter Samy Burch’s creative vision for the narrative. He explained, “I truly appreciated the distinction in Samy’s script compared to some well-known tabloid stories like Mary Kay Letourneau. I was more interested in seeking cinematic parallels because the script keeps you in a state of uncertainty about how to perceive these individuals,” he shared with The Hollywood Reporter in May 2023. “The reliability initially associated with Elizabeth, the character portrayed by Natalie Portman, starts to waver as the film unfolds. It keeps you in a perpetual state of reassessment.
He went on to say, “Thus, my curiosity lay in how we could narrate this story in a way that makes all those various interpretations enjoyable and allows the audience to anticipate a film that’s engaging to navigate.”
What’s the connection between Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau and the movie?
In 1996, Letourneau gained widespread attention due to her involvement with Fualaau, who was a sixth-grade student at the time. Following Letourneau’s imprisonment, they married in 2005 and raised their daughters, Audrey and Georgia. However, their relationship ended in 2019, and tragically, Letourneau passed away from colorectal cancer a year later.
Movie enthusiasts have noticed significant parallels between “May December” and Letourneau’s real-life story.
