May December Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An actress researches her role by stalking the woman she’s playing, who is currently married to a guy she groomed as a minor, and things get… weird.

🍿 May December: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Actress Arrives

Elizabeth Berry, an actress, arrives in Savannah, Georgia, to research her role as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in an upcoming film. Gracie was involved in a scandalous relationship with Joe Yoo, who was 13 at the time, while she was 36. Their relationship became a national tabloid sensation.

Life Under Scrutiny

Gracie and Joe are now married with children. Elizabeth spends time with them, observing their daily lives and interviewing them about their relationship. The community still harbors resentment towards Gracie, evident through disturbing acts like leaving feces on their doorstep. Elizabeth uncovers the complexities of their relationship and the subtle power dynamics at play.

Unraveling the Past

Elizabeth delves deeper into Gracie’s past by speaking with her ex-husband and son. She learns different perspectives on Gracie’s personality and motivations. Joe grapples with his past and begins to question the nature of his relationship with Gracie, particularly whether he was too young to make such a significant decision.

Ethical Boundaries Blurred

Elizabeth crosses ethical boundaries by having sex with Joe. She tells him that he still has time to start a new life. The encounter blurs the lines between her research and personal involvement. Elizabeth’s actions raise questions about the exploitative nature of her role as an actress.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman): An actress researching the role of Gracie, Elizabeth becomes increasingly immersed in and affected by the scandalous story she’s investigating.
• Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore): A woman with a scandalous past, Gracie is the subject of the film Elizabeth is preparing for, and maintains a carefully constructed facade of normalcy.
• Joe Yoo (Charles Melton): Gracie’s much younger husband, Joe grapples with suppressed emotions and a growing awareness of the unusual circumstances of his life.
• Mary Atherton-Yoo (Elizabeth Yu): One of Gracie and Joe’s twin daughters, Mary is about to graduate from high school.
• Charlie Atherton-Yoo (Gabriel Chung): One of Gracie and Joe’s twin sons, Charlie is about to graduate from high school.
• Georgie (Cory Michael Smith): Gracie’s son from a previous marriage, Georgie adds another layer of complexity to the central scandal.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gracie: “I didn’t groom him, I loved him.” – Gracie’s defensive claim, revealing her distorted perception of her past actions.
• Elizabeth: “I need to understand you, Gracie.” – Elizabeth’s declaration of purpose, highlighting her complex and perhaps naive approach to studying Gracie.
• Joe: “I just want things to go back to normal.” – Joe’s wish for normalcy, underscoring the lasting impact of his and Gracie’s scandalous past.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: $11,914,421

💥 May December Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘May December’ messed with my head in the best way. Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman are incredible, and the whole film is just so deliciously uncomfortable. I spent the whole movie squirming in my seat, but I couldn’t look away. Definitely one of those movies that sticks with you for days after. The ending was especially powerful and left me with so many questions. Highly recommend if you like your dramas a little twisted!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about complex relationships”
  • “Those who appreciate nuanced character studies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of child sexual abuse”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore deliver powerhouse performances in this disquieting drama. The film deftly navigates uncomfortable themes with sharp wit and unsettling realism. The movie explores complex power dynamics and societal judgment. A darkly comic and thought-provoking film.
• Metacritic: “Director Todd Haynes delivers a masterclass in tension and discomfort. The script is brilliantly written, keeping you guessing until the very end. The acting is superb, and the story is gripping.

Audience Reactions

The performances are phenomenal and make the disturbing story incredibly gripping.: Viewers agree that the acting is outstanding, especially Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman’s performances.

Overall Consensus: A sharply written and unsettling drama with brilliant performances that explores the complexities of truth and perception.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore were attached to the project before Charles Melton, which helped secure financing.”
• “The film’s ambiguous tone, blending satire and melodrama, was carefully crafted to provoke discussion and avoid easy answers.”
• “Director Todd Haynes allowed the actors considerable freedom in improvisation, especially during the tense dinner scenes, contributing to the film’s naturalistic feel.”

🖥️ How to Watch May December?

May December is available for streaming on Netflix. You may be able to rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed May December, you might like these similar films:

• Notes on a Scandal (2006): Explores a similarly controversial relationship with power dynamics and social judgment.
• American Beauty (1999): Delves into the hidden complexities and dark secrets within seemingly perfect suburban lives.
• Monster (2003): Features a character study of a controversial figure, inviting viewers to grapple with difficult moral questions.

🛒 May December Related Products

• May December [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and director, providing a deeper look into the making of the movie.
• Todd Haynes: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): An in-depth look at the career and artistic vision of director Todd Haynes. Explore his unique approach to filmmaking and gain insights into his directorial choices for ‘May December’ and other acclaimed works.
• Unwanted Sexual Advances DVD: The movie Unwanted Sexual Advances, starring Julianne Moore, this movie delves into the life of Gracie, whose scandalous past returns as an actress prepares to play her in a film.
• May December – Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official ‘May December’ movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office, this poster captures the film’s haunting beauty and intriguing atmosphere.

🎧 Soundtrack

May December features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Go-Between” – performed by Michel Legrand
• “I’m Not in Love” – performed by 10cc

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

May December: Analyzing A Shocking True Story & Problematic Trope | Controversy Explained

Ever wondered about the real story behind ‘May December’? This video breaks down the shocking real-life scandal that inspired the movie and dives into the problematic tropes it explores. Seriously fascinating and a little disturbing!

Inside story of shock interview with Mary Kay Letourneau from ‘May December’ | 7 News Australia

Want to see the actual interview with Mary Kay Letourneau? This gives a chilling inside look at the real woman behind the ‘May December’ story. Definitely worth a watch to understand the full picture.

The worst note Natalie Portman ever got!

What’s the worst note a director ever gave Natalie Portman? This short clip with Natalie, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton sharing some hilarious stories from the set is a must-see! Gives you a fun glimpse into their experiences filming.

The PSYCHOLOGY, SYMBOLISM, and TRUE STORY of May December Explained | Non-Spoiler Video Essay

Dig deeper into the themes of ‘May December’ with this insightful video essay. It breaks down the psychology and symbolism of the film without any spoilers! Super interesting if you want to really understand the movie’s message.

✨ Rate