May December (2023) Review

Title: May December
Year: 2023
Director: Todd Haynes
Country: US
Language: English

This is a strange thing to say, but I love films that are about two women who slowly become interconnected with one another. My favourite film is All About Eve (1950) and another favourite would be Ingmar Bergman's Persona (1966). Based on promotional material, Todd Haynes is in a Youtube video stating his film is inspired by Persona,  May December is very much about this - and much more.

Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple (Julianne Moore and Chris Melton) buckles under pressure when an actress (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past.

Inspired by the real-life story of Mary Kay Letourneau, May December is about how people present themselves on the surface and exposing the uncomfortable reality within. The screenplay - by Samy Burch - puts us in uncomfortable situations as our exploration for truth reveals much of the families hidden skeletons. 

The actresses' interest in the family also has a mirroring effect where she slowly takes on her subjects' identity. This creates some darkly humorous "wtf" moments; in one scene she rejects all the child actors she is shown because "they aren't sexy enough,". Portman and Moore are outstanding in their roles, adding a complexity that less experienced actresses would struggle with.   

May December is a brilliant, nuanced film that is full of surprising moments that are certainly meant for repeated viewings. I find myself in great admiration for everyone involved in this picture.