May December

May December tries to tackle a provocative subject but often feels more like a half-baked exploration than a fully realized narrative. While it attempts to blend drama with dark comedy, the execution leaves much to be desired.

A Scandalous Past Resurfaces

The film focuses on a married couple, Gracie (Julianne Moore) and Joe (Charles Melton), who became infamous two decades ago for their scandalous relationship that captivated the public. When Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), a young actress, arrives to research their tumultuous past for a film, the couple struggles to cope with the resurfacing of old wounds. As the actress attempts to understand the couple’s history, tensions rise, and the couple's fragile relationship is put to the test. The premise has potential, but at times it feels like a superficial treatment of deeper issues surrounding love and exploitation.

Performances with Mixed Impact

Julianne Moore delivers a solid performance, grounding Gracie with a mix of vulnerability and strength. Charles Melton as Joe feels somewhat underwhelming, often overshadowed by Moore and Portman, which detracts from the emotional stakes of his character. Portman’s portrayal as Elizabeth is commendable, yet her character sometimes veers into caricature, which can be jarring. The ensemble cast, including secondary characters like Georgie (Cory Michael Smith), feels more like background noise rather than a cohesive unit, leaving you wishing for deeper character development.

Visuals That Miss the Mark

Todd Haynes attempts to create a visually striking film, but the direction occasionally falters. While there are moments of aesthetic beauty, the pacing feels uneven, especially in the middle section where lengthy dialogue sequences drag. Some scenes that should be impactful come across as flat, lacking the tension they aim to build. The cinematography, while competent, doesn’t quite elevate the mundane settings to the level of the story's potential, and the tonal shifts between drama and dark comedy can be disorienting.

Frustrating Emotional Disconnect

Watching May December is a mixed bag; moments of intrigue are often interrupted by stretches of tedium. The emotional resonance is hampered by a lack of focus on character motivations and feelings. There are instances that should feel gut-wrenching or enlightening, yet they fall short, leaving you wondering what the characters truly feel. The film's exploration of its themes can be frustratingly superficial, making it hard to connect on a deeper emotional level and leading to some inevitable boredom as the runtime drags on.