In Todd Haynes’ latest psychological drama ‘May December’ the acclaimed director takes audiences on a riveting journey into the complexities of truth, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. Anchored by stellar performances from Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and breakout star Charles Melton, the film explores the aftermath of a scandalous affair and its enduring impact on the lives of those involved.
Set in 2015, the narrative revolves around Elizabeth (Portman), an actress immersed in researching Gracie (Moore), a woman whose life was thrust into the spotlight in 1992 due to her illicit affair with a seventh-grader, Joe. Gracie’s subsequent incarceration and the birth of their daughter, Honor, cast a long shadow over the family, and Elizabeth seeks to unravel the layers of this tumultuous past for an upcoming film.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its deliberate pacing and strategic information delivery. Each scene becomes a puzzle piece, contributing to the enigma of Gracie’s character. As Elizabeth interviews vital figures, including Gracie, Joe, and others connected to the scandal, the audience is left to decipher the authenticity of the revelations.
Haynes masterfully plays with the viewer’s perception, leaving them questioning what is fact and what is fiction. Gracie’s motivations remain shrouded in mystery, and as Elizabeth delves deeper into her subject, the narrative becomes a captivating exploration of manipulation and seduction.
The film’s tension is heightened by Marcelo Zarvos’ haunting score, establishing a sinister atmosphere. Mirrors are cleverly employed to reflect the characters’ scrutiny of each other, adding a visual layer to the psychological drama. A particularly impactful scene features Gracie applying makeup to Elizabeth, highlighting their power dynamic.
‘May December’ eschews a conventional crescendo, opting for organic storytelling that allows significant emotional and dramatic moments to unfold naturally. The three lead performances elevate the film, with Portman portraying Elizabeth’s intricate dance between mimicry and genuine understanding of Gracie.
Moore’s portrayal of Gracie is outstanding, capturing the character’s fragility beneath a seemingly self-assured exterior. The revelation of Gracie’s true nature occurs in scenes where Elizabeth is not present, offering a glimpse into the genuine struggles and dynamics within the family.
Charles Melton’s breakout performance as Joe brings emotional depth to the narrative. Scenes of Joe navigating the aftermath of his past actions and engaging in heartfelt conversations with his family showcase Melton’s versatility as an actor. However, a subplot involving monarch butterflies feels somewhat heavy-handed in an otherwise nuanced exploration of morality.
The film succeeds in portraying morally ambiguous characters, challenging viewers to grapple with the characters’ choices and actions. The narrative resists providing easy answers, leaving the moral decision-making to the audience. The exploration of right and wrong in the context of the characters’ lives is both thought-provoking and unsettling.
While ‘May December’ excels as a showcase for exceptional performances, particularly from Melton, it occasionally falls short in delving deeper into the psychological thriller aspect. The film attempts to understand Gracie’s motives, yet the lack of sympathy from both Elizabeth and the audience may leave some narrative threads feeling less compelling.
Ultimately, ‘May December’ is a film that lingers on the fringes of morality, offering a complex exploration of a troubled family’s dynamics. The outstanding performances and the film’s ability to provoke contemplation on a societal fascination with moral ambiguity contribute to its overall impact. Despite its flaws, ‘May December’ is a compelling addition to Todd Haynes’ work. ‘May December’ is currently available for streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to unravel the layers of its intricate narrative and engage with the moral dilemmas presented by its enigmatic characters