First Glance: “May December”

Netflix has dropped a new trailer for their upcoming drama “May December” from director Todd Haynes. It’s written by Samy Burch and based on a story he conceived with Alex Mechanik. The film had its premiere in May at the Cannes Film Festival where it was promptly acquired by the Netflix for $11 million. The very premise is discomforting and by the looks of the trailer we’ll be able to say the same thing about the movie itself.

“May December” is anchored by two terrific leads, Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. Portman plays an actress who visits a married couple’s home to do research for a film about their lives. It turns out that 20 years earlier the wife (Moore) and her significantly younger husband (played by Charles Melton) were involved in a scandalous affair that made headlines across the country. Their relationship begins to crumble as they’re forced to relive their troubling past in the presence of their watchful guest. Without question there is an ickiness baked into the story. I’m anxious to see what Haynes does with it.

“May December” opens in select theaters on November 17th before streaming on Netflix on December 1st. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.

4 thoughts on “First Glance: “May December”

  1. I want to see it to see what slant they put on it. Julianne has chosen some edgy roles, including this one and Maps to the Stars, directed by Cronenberg. You’re right the preview shows a definite icky element.

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