Prime Video has unveiled the official trailer for its highly anticipated adult-animated anthology series, Secret Level. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blur Studio, the series delivers captivating original stories inspired by some of the most beloved video games. Premiering exclusively on Prime Video on December 10, Secret Level will be available in over 240 countries and territories, with new episodes rolling out until December 17.
An A-List Cast Brings Video Game Worlds to Life
Secret Level features an impressive ensemble cast, including:
Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator Franchise)
Kevin Hart (Jumanji)
Keanu Reeves (John Wick)
Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett)
Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie)
Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian)
Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us)
Ricky Whittle (American Gods)
Claudia Doumit (The Boys)
Laura Bailey (The Legend of Vox Machina)
This star-studded lineup promises to immerse audiences in a rich blend of storytelling, action, and nostalgia.
What to Expect from Secret Level
The series, created by Tim Miller (LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS), celebrates gaming culture through unique, game-inspired narratives. With each episode offering its own distinct story, Secret Level is a tribute to gamers and the universes they love to explore. Dave Wilson serves as the supervising director, ensuring a visually stunning and narratively engaging experience.
Exclusive Content and Limited-Time Gaming Deals
Mark your calendars! Starting November 18, fans can access episode-specific content on Secret Level’s official social media channels.
To celebrate the series premiere, U.S. Prime members can enjoy 10% off select digital gaming currencies for 48 hours. Participating brands include Secret Level partners Xbox and Epic Games. Deals will be available directly on Amazon.
Get Ready to Hit Secret Level
Prepare for an unforgettable journey into the worlds of your favorite video games. Stream Secret Level exclusively on Prime Video starting December 10. Whether you’re a gamer, an animation fan, or just love great storytelling, this series promises to unlock a whole new level of entertainment.
As November 2024 rolls in, Prime Video is set to delight audiences with an exciting lineup of TV shows and movies. From highly anticipated premieres to binge-worthy new seasons and film releases, there’s something for everyone this month. Whether you’re in the mood for thrilling adventures, heartwarming dramas, or laugh-out-loud comedies, Prime Video’s November offerings promise endless entertainment. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming to your screens!
Blind tells the story of Ryu Sung Joon (Ok Taec-Yeon), a detective known for his sharp instincts and dedication to solving difficult cases. However, his life changes drastically when he is faced with a series of murders that seem to be connected. In his quest to uncover the truth, Sung Joon finds that these cases are more complicated than he imagined, involving a huge conspiracy and a dark secret hidden behind them.
Citadel: Honey Bunny has a riveting narrative that fuses the pulse-pounding elements of a gritty spy action thriller with the heartwarming allure of a love story, all set against the vibrant tapestry of the ‘90s. Honey Bunny is the Indian series within the Citadel Universe.
In this fresh coming-of-age story, an 18th birthday mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott (Maisy Stella) face-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza). But when Elliott’s “old ass” starts handing out warnings about what her younger self should and shouldn’t do, Elliott realizes she has to rethink everything about family, love, and what’s becoming a transformative summer.
A theatrical adaptation of the manga published in Jump+ in 2021, Look Back by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the artist popularly known for Chainsaw Man and Fire Punch, narrates the beautifully intertwined story of two young girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, connected by their earnest desire for manga and the unfortunate incident that upends their lives. Following their journey, their shared love for manga, and the shocking event that shatters everything between them.
September 19, 1985. An 8.1 magnitude earthquake strikes Mexico City, causing one of the country’s greatest tragedies. In the first hours, a doctor and his nurses become unexpected heroes as they work tirelessly to rescue those trapped beneath the General Hospital, a journalist reports on the disaster as she traverses the city, and a family attempts to reunite amidst the rubble.
Starring Aldis Hodge, Cross is a crime thriller series that follows ALEX CROSS, a decorated D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist who faces a sadistic serial killer leaving a string of bodies strewn around the city. As Alex and his partner, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), track this killer, a mysterious threat from Cross’ past appears, aiming to destroy what he’s done to keep his grieving family, career, and life together. Ryan Eggold, Alona Tal, and Johnny Ray Gill also star; Ben Watkins serves as showrunner.
In this new adaptation, Cruel Intentions follows the elite students of Manchester College, a Washington, D.C. -adjacent university, where reputation means everything, fraternities and sororities are the gold standard, and two ruthless step-siblings, Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Belmont, will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy. After a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Greek Life system, they’ll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputation – even if that means seducing Annie Grover, the daughter of the Vice President of the United States. Hearts will be broken, loyalties will be tested, and secrets will be revealed in this modern-day royal court that is Manchester College.
Saving Grace is the Philippine adaptation of the award-winning Japanese drama Mother which has also been successfully remade in China, France, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and Ukraine.
A teacher struggling to find her purpose in life impulsively kidnaps a young student who’s being abused and mistreated by her own mother. When this simple act of saving turns into a national manhunt, she does everything in her power to protect the child; as she realizes that the person who needs saving the most is herself.
Julia Montes, Janice de Belen, Sam Milby, Christian Babbles, Jennica Garcia, Ellise Joson, Eric Fructuoso and Sharon Cuneta topbill the series which also introduces Zia Grace.
A live-action of the globally popular manga franchise comes to Prime Video worldwide.【OSHI NO KO】is one of the biggest manga series to be adapted as a drama series and a movie. The anime that aired in 2023 was lauded and appreciated, attracting attention for its accurate depiction and true to the original storyline, delicate and beautiful drawings, along with innovative and fresh live scenes.
With so many exciting shows and movies arriving on Prime Video this November, your watchlist is sure to grow longer. From captivating new series to blockbuster films, there’s a variety of content to enjoy throughout the month. Be sure to stay tuned to Prime Video for these can’t-miss releases, Don’t miss out—grab your popcorn and start streaming!
Prime Video has just revealed the official trailer and exclusive first-look images for its highly anticipated crime thriller series, “CROSS,” starring Aldis Hodge as the iconic detective Alex Cross. Mark your calendars, as all eight episodes will be available for streaming on November 14, exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.
This pulse-pounding series, based on the beloved characters from James Patterson’s best-selling “Alex Cross” book series, promises an intense blend of drama, suspense, and action. Ben Watkins, the brilliant mind behind the show, serves as the series’ showrunner and writer, ensuring that “CROSS” stays true to the gripping nature of Patterson’s storytelling.
Meet Alex Cross: A Detective with a Difference
Aldis Hodge brings his signature charisma and intensity to the role of Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist with an uncanny ability to unravel the twisted psyches of killers and their victims. This rare talent makes him an unstoppable force in the quest to capture some of the most dangerous murderers, making “CROSS” a must-watch for fans of crime dramas with an edge.
The creation of “CROSS” is the result of the collaboration between some of the best talents in the industry. Ben Watkinsserves as the showrunner and executive producer through his Blue Monday Productions. Other executive producers include Sam Ernst, Jim Dunn, and Craig Siebels.
The legendary James Patterson himself is involved as an executive producer, alongside Bill Robinson and Patrick Santa from James Patterson Entertainment. Representing Skydance Television are David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Bill Bost, adding even more star power behind the scenes.
The Perfect Blend of Talent and Storytelling
“CROSS” is the result of a powerhouse collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Television Studios, and Skydance Television. With such a talented team behind the camera and an equally impressive cast in front, this series promises to be a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience that fans of crime thrillers won’t want to miss.
So, prepare yourself for a journey into the mind of one of the most fascinating detectives ever written. The countdown has begun, and “CROSS” is ready to take you on a heart-pounding ride starting November 14, only on Prime Video.
I was not a fan of the first season of ‘The Rings of Power,’ the Prime Video streaming series based on the appendices of JRR Tolkien’s beloved ‘Lord of the Rings’ books. My biggest gripe was in the depiction of the elves as people who were just as frivolous and emotionally unstable as the humans. I talked about the inevitable comparisons that were going to be made between the show and Peter Jackson’s vision of that world in his ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. But considering the amount of money that Prime Video has thrown at this show, I was curious to see if things would get better on its second round.
The second season is now focused on the forging of the titular Rings of Power. The eight-episode season is focused on Sauron (Charlie Vickers), who has now disguised himself as the elf Annatar manipulates the elvish smith Celebrimbor (Charles Edward) to forge more rings for the dwarves and the race of man. Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) must face the consequences of her actions in season one as she is forced to confess of her dealings with Sauron, when he was disguised as the human Halbrand to Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker) and Elron (Robert Aramayo). The dwarves are in disarray as an earthquake caused by the rise of a volcano in Mordor destroys the sun shafts in Kaza-dum forcing King Durin (Peter Mulan) and his son Durin (Owain Arthus) to navigate their tempestuous relationship. The Harfoots Nori (Markella Kavanagh) and Poppy (Megan Richards) continue to accompany the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) to find the point of the stars while, in later episodes, we discover the chaos that is happening in the realms of men, highlighting the story of Queen Regent Miriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) and Isildur (Maxim Baldry) as the orcs march out of Mordor led by Adar (Sam Hazeldine).
It’s a lot of stories that is happening simultaneously and what is attractive about the show is how the immense budget is reflected in the CGI and the production of each scene. The show looks expensive, and the special effects are convincing enough, giving life to giant spiders, ents, trolls, and even the Barrow-Wights. The world is immersive, with hundreds of extras keeping the world populated and making sure the show doesn’t feel small.
In fact, with all the storylines at play, it’s just a marvel at how much all of this must cost.
There is an enjoyable aspect to the narrative: a classic epic adventure story with multiple protagonists on their own quests to strive towards stopping a great evil. But as we are now into the second season, several characters have yet to interact and some of the storylines have yet to fully intersect, which slows down the pace of the whole show altogether. At eight episodes, the Stranger and his quest for his forgotten memories and his name takes forever and while it continues to strengthen the bond between him and the two Harfoots, his storyline still feels adjunct to the main narrative.
The ones who get the most focus are the elves, and this is still my most sour spot on the whole show. For beings that live for thousands of years, they make the most foolish mistakes and make the most questionable of actions. Galadriel’s insistence of facing Sauron despite the fact that he has fooled her for almost all of the first season should be a cause for self-reflection and instead, it emboldens her to do more acts that feel impulsive and reckless. The same can be said for Elrond and the way by which Celebrimbor is so easily swayed and manipulated by Sauron-as-Annatar does not feel at all seemly for the character of the elves.
The highlights of the show are the moments when it focuses on the Dwarves. Disa is still one of the most realised characters in the show and is performed extremely well by Sophia Nomvete. Their storyline is the one that moves at a proper pace yet still manages to delve into the emotional weight of the issues at hand. Things get even worse when the dwarven rings come into play.
Season 2 grounds itself by exploring the corrupting effect of power and fame and glory. It’s best when it navigates this as best seen in the storyline of the Dwarves or when Elrond argues with Galadriel regarding her ring (though Galadriel’s position, considering her past experience with Sauron, makes for a weak argument) or the way by which Sauron plays with Celebrimbor’s own pride. It would have been interesting to see this play out if the writing was stronger and tighter (which means removing the adjunct stories like The Stranger’s or Isildur’s) but all of this is bogged down by the rest of the storylines that all don’t push towards a clear focus.
And, by the end of the season, there’s still so many storylines left opened – of course, for the eventual third season – but none of which feels even partially resolved. It still feels like the first act of the larger story and that can get quite tedious.
My Rating:
The Lord of the Rings – The Rings of Power is now streaming on Prime Video. Watch it here.
Ahead of the global premiere of the highly anticipated second season of The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video, the cast and creators of the series visited Singapore for a special Asia Pacific screening. The star-studded premiere was graced by showrunner J.D. Payne, director Charlotte Brändström, and the talented ensemble cast, including Charlie Vickers, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Megan Richards, Markella Kavenagh, Charles Edwards, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Tyroe Muhafidin, and Trystan Gravelle.
During the course of their tour, the team attended a special screening of the series’ first two episodes, with ardent fans of the franchise in attendance alongside media from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and India. Kicking off the momentous event was David Simonsen, Director of Amazon Prime Video SEA and MENA, followed by the grand screening. The team of this highly anticipated franchise also took over the city, visiting major attraction site Gardens By The Bay.
Building on season one’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is on the brink of calamity. As friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, elves, dwarves, orcs, men, wizards, and Harfoots face a growing struggle. In the face of mounting adversity, the forces of good fight fiercely to hold on to what matters to them the most: each other.
The winds of change are sweeping across Middle-earth as the highly anticipated Season Two of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is set to premiere on August 29, 2024. The first three episodes will drop simultaneously, followed by new episodes released weekly, leading up to the thrilling finale on October 3, 2024.
Final Trailer Teases Middle-earth’s Greatest Battle Yet
Prime Video has just unveiled the final trailer for Season Two, setting the stage for the epic return of Sauron. The trailer paints a picture of a world on the brink, with kingdoms teetering on the edge of destruction. The seeds of discord sown by Sauron have taken root, leading to the forging of more Rings of Power and the dawn of an all-consuming war.
This season will finally bring to life the legendary Siege of Eregion, a pivotal event in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age of Middle-earth. As alliances are forged in fire and friendships tested, the battle lines are drawn in a war that will change the fate of Middle-earth forever.
Sauron Rises: A New Era of Darkness
After being cast out by Galadriel, Sauron returns, more dangerous and cunning than ever. Stripped of his army, the Dark Lord must rely on his wits and guile to rebuild his power and oversee the creation of the Rings that will bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his dark will.
Season Two delves deeper into the hearts of its beloved characters, pushing them to the limits as they face overwhelming odds. The tension between elves and dwarves, men and orcs, and even the seemingly innocent Harfoots, will reach new heights as the forces of good fight to preserve the fragile peace of their world.
A Journey Through Middle-earth’s Greatest Legends
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power takes viewers on an unparalleled journey through the Second Age of Middle-earth, a time when great powers were forged, and kingdoms rose and fell. From the shadowy depths of the Misty Mountains to the majestic forests of Lindon and the distant shores of Númenor, this series captures the essence of Tolkien’s legendary world.
Following an ensemble cast of both familiar and new characters, the series explores the reemergence of evil that threatens to engulf Middle-earth in darkness. As heroes are tested and legacies forged, viewers will be transported back to a time when hope was fleeting, and the fate of the world hung by the finest of threads.
A Global Phenomenon Returns
The first season of The Rings of Power was a monumental success, drawing over 100 million viewers worldwide and generating more than 32 billion streaming minutes. The show’s debut shattered records, becoming Prime Video’s biggest premiere ever and igniting a global conversation. With hashtags like #TheRingsofPower trending for days, the series became a cultural phenomenon.
Now, with Season Two on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever. Fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite characters and the continuation of this epic saga.
Don’t Miss the Return of Sauron
Mark your calendars for August 29, 2024, as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power returns to Prime Video. With the first three episodes dropping on premiere day, followed by weekly releases, this season promises to be a game-changer in the world of fantasy television.
Set in the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth, thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this epic drama explores the forging of great powers, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the emergence of unlikely heroes. The Rings of Power is an ambitious exploration of Tolkien’s world, where darkness threatens to engulf the light, and hope is a fragile, precious thing.
Produced by showrunners J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay, along with an exceptional team of executive producers, directors, and creatives, Season Two promises to elevate the series to new heights, drawing audiences deeper into the lore of Middle-earth.
Prime Video is set to release its latest action-comedy sensation, JACKPOT!, on August 15, 2024. Directed by the acclaimed Paul Feig, this film delivers a rollercoaster of laughs and thrills with a unique twist on the classic lottery theme: in this high-stakes game, the real challenge is surviving until sundown.
Watch the Trailer Now!
The newly released trailer for JACKPOT! gives audiences a sneak peek into the chaotic and comedic adventure that awaits. Filled with fast-paced action, hilarious encounters, and unexpected twists, the trailer sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most entertaining films of the year.
Plot and Star-Studded Cast
JACKPOT! centers on Katie Kim, played by the hilarious Awkwafina, who accidentally stumbles upon a winning lottery ticket worth billions. However, there’s a deadly catch: the prize can only be claimed if the winner survives until sundown. In her bid to outlast the competition, Katie teams up with Noel Cassidy, an amateur lottery protection agent portrayed by John Cena, promising him a share of her winnings. Their unlikely alliance faces numerous challenges, especially from Noel’s cunning adversary Louis Lewis, played by Simu Liu, who is determined to get his hands on the jackpot by any means necessary.
Paul Feig’s masterful direction ensures that JACKPOT! is not just an action-packed thrill ride but also a comedic gem. Awkwafina and John Cena bring to life a hilarious duo that audiences will undoubtedly fall in love with, blending humor and action seamlessly.
Behind the Scenes
Produced by industry heavyweights Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, p.g.a., Paul Feig, p.g.a., and Laura Fischer, p.g.a., with executive producers including John Cena and Michelle Morrissey, JACKPOT! promises a cinematic experience packed with laughter and adrenaline. The creative team’s dedication to bringing a fresh and entertaining story to the screen is evident in every scene.
Mark your calendars for August 15, 2024, and prepare for a thrilling journey with JACKPOT! exclusively on Prime Video. Get ready to laugh, gasp, and cheer as Awkwafina and John Cena navigate the wild world of a Grand Lottery like you’ve never seen before. This film is sure to be a hit, delivering a perfect blend of comedy and action that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Prime Video has just announced its highly anticipated lineup for 2024 and 2025, featuring a mix of thrilling TV series, blockbuster films, and premier sports events. During its inaugural upfront presentation in New York on May 14, Amazon showcased the extensive range of content available on the world’s largest ad-supported premium streaming service, with appearances by top talent in film, television, and sports.
A Glimpse into the Future of Prime Video
Mike Hopkins, Senior Vice President and Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, highlighted Prime Video’s unparalleled reach, boasting over 200 million viewers worldwide, including 115 million in the United States. “No other streaming service can reach the number of customers with premium entertainment that we can,” he said.
Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon MGM Studios, emphasized Amazon’s unique ability to create new cultural phenomena across multiple platforms. “Welcome to the next hundred years of Amazon MGM Studios,” she declared, noting the studio’s expansive reach across books, podcasts, music, fashion, and games.
Major Announcements and Highlights
Jake Gyllenhaal & Conor McGregor in “Road House” – Sequel
Road House – Sequel Jake Gyllenhaal joined Salke to celebrate the success of Road House, which has captivated nearly 80 million viewers since its March 21 premiere. Gyllenhaal will reprise his role as ex-UFC fighter Dalton in an upcoming sequel.
The Boys – Season Five
The Boys – Season Five The hit series The Boys has been renewed for a fifth season, ahead of its Season Four premiere on June 13.
Cross Based on James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels, the thriller Cross, starring Aldis Hodge, has been renewed for a second season even before its debut later this year.
Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”
Mr. & Mrs. Smith Co-created by Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane, the popular series Mr. & Mrs. Smith has been renewed for a second season following its successful debut in February.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Fans were treated to a sneak peek of the upcoming second season. The series’ first season was a global sensation, attracting over 100 million viewers and driving record Prime sign-ups.
Elle This Legally Blonde prequel series will explore the origins of Elle Woods. Created by Laura Kitrell and produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, the series promises to charm audiences with its fresh take on a beloved character.
Noir Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage will star in Noir, a new series inspired by the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir. The series will debut on the MGM+ linear channel and Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.
Tomb Raider Phoebe Waller-Bridge is set to write and executive produce a new Tomb Raider series. The project will explore the legendary adventures of Lara Croft and marks the beginning of an expansive collaboration between Crystal Dynamics and Amazon MGM Studios.
Will Ferrell & Reese Witherspoon in “You’re Cordially Invited”
You’re Cordially Invited Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell gave a first look at their new comedy film. The movie centers on two families who must navigate the chaos of planning double-booked destination weddings.
Sports Extravaganza
Thursday Night Football The 2024-25 season will launch on September 12 with a high-stakes AFC rivalry between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins.
NASCAR Prime Video will exclusively broadcast the Coca-Cola 600 night race on May 25, 2025, live from Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Sports Documentaries
Prime Video has greenlit several new sports documentaries, including:
A four-part series on NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr.
A series on the history of the Madden video game franchise
An anthology on the most epic Game 7s in sports history
A true-crime documentary on ChiefsAholic, the infamous Kansas City Chiefs superfan and bank robber
Prime Video also announced the premiere date and teaser trailer for Federer: Twelve Final Days, a documentary chronicling the last 12 days of Roger Federer’s professional tennis career, set to premiere on June 20.
Excitement Builds for Prime Video’s Upcoming Slate
With an impressive lineup of returning favorites, new series, and exclusive sports content, Prime Video is set to deliver a year filled with captivating entertainment. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare for a thrilling 2024 and 2025 on Prime Video!
I’m surprised at how utterly relatable ‘The Idea of You’ was for me, and all the screaming gays and women in the cinema I was in when watching the Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine romantic drama/comedy about an older divorced mother of a teenager and her relationship with a 24-year-old pop star. I may not have children, but I do love my idol groups and as someone who has reached middle age and feeling the brunt of adulting in a very difficult and tedious world, the fantasy of getting swept off of my feet by a younger, handsome pop star is a fantasy I didn’t realise was a very real thing that was stirring inside.
And the direction by Michael Showalter and the screenplay by Showalter and Jennifer Westfeldt (based on the book by Robinne Lee) really plays into the fantasy of it. Everything within the set-up of this narrative to the way the element of the story plays out is all so fictional and so convenient for this sort of story. Hathaway plays Solene Marchand, who runs an art gallery in Silver Lake. She has a teenage daughter, Izzy (Ella Rubin) and her ex-husband has, of course, cheated on her with a younger workmate. Her ex-husband pays for VIP passes and a meet and greet with Izzy’s favorite band when she was in seventh grade, August Moon, in Coachella and gets Solene to take them there. At Coachella, she accidentally meets Hayes Campbell, a member of August Moon and he is smitten by her. Their love story begins.
Of course, Hayes loves art. The trust issues both have – Solene from her failed marriage while Hayes stems from his stardom and the pitfalls of money and fame – allows them to find some sort of peace and safety with each other. The fact that Solene had a baby at such a young age (it was mentioned that it was unplanned) meant that she never got to really experience the wild and crazy time that we are expected to have in our 20s. Hayes becomes an avenue for her to find out who she truly is as a person outside the choices that she made in her lost her youth.
Everything about the first hour and a half of this film plays so well to the fantasy of this dramatic situation. It’s passionate. It helps that both actors are so ridiculously good-looking and that they do an amazing job of really selling the love story. There’s this youthful longing that Galitzine dips into and throws at Hathaway and there’s a way that Hathaway takes this unbelievable character and makes her so real. It’s as if she understands and makes her character understand that this situation is crazy, and she still runs with it. She has a way to make each facial expression – whether she’s hurt or in the throes of joy or in a state of disbelief – seem so real and natural. Showalter also doesn’t hold back in making their relationship sexual and despite its frequency, it never feels gratuitous or obscene. It’s really rooted in Hayes’ youth and Solene’s desire to reclaim hers.
It’s the last half hour when the film pushes away from the fantasy to try and delve into the real-world issues that comes with the territory. It highlights the double standards that the world has on women dating younger men, and the ways by which the world and society boxes them into certain roles. Of course, there’s no way a global pop star can keep a relationship secret and it shows off how ugly it can all be.
And while the film manages to convey the hurt this “scandal” does to Solene but the film never tries to put judgement on all the delusional people on the internet who makes these sort of judgments to people they do not know, whose business they have no right to comment on or pass judgement. I know it’s not the film’s job to moralize against this, but I felt that it was in the right space to make some sort of statement about the public’s delusion that they have a right to say whatever they want on the lives of people they do not know – even if it’s a pop star who works in the public sphere.
The film feels young without trying too hard. It’s chock full of songs both new (to showcase August Moon with Nicholas Galitzine credited for singing all his parts) and some really nice, older songs like St Vincent and Fiona Apple. ‘The Idea of You’ is a wonderful little fantasy that comes alive on screen. It never really pretends to be serious or realistic, jumping certain narrative beats because it can, and because it does, it’s this lovely little escape that pulls down your guard so that it can explore some really important core issues before coming back and finishing it off in the tone and mood that it began with.
From his breakout roles in Prime Video originals like Red, White & Royal Blue and Bottoms to his latest upcoming performance in The Idea of You, Nicholas Galitzine continues to mesmerize audiences worldwide with his exceptional talent and presence.
In Red, White & Royal Blue, Galitzine’s portrayal of Prince Henry captivated viewers, offering a nuanced depiction of a charming yet conflicted royal. Adapted from the bestselling novel, the film delved into themes of love, identity, and acceptance against political intrigue and familial expectations, earning Galitzine critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following.
Transitioning into Bottoms, Galitzine delivered a standout performance as Eddie, a young man navigating the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery within London’s vibrant underground music scene. His authentic portrayal resonated deeply, capturing the essence of a generation in flux and offering a poignant exploration of youth culture and authenticity.
Now, Galitzine steps into the shoes of Hayes in The Idea of You, a captivating romantic drama poised to tug at audiences’ heartstrings worldwide. Portraying the 24-year-old lead singer of the planet’s hottest boy band, August Moon, Galitzine’s Hayes begins an unexpected romance with Solène, a 40-year-old single mom portrayed by Anne Hathaway. The film offers a poignant exploration of passion, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love, navigating the challenges of age, distance, and fame with courage and unwavering commitment.
Undoubtedly, Galitzine’s unique blend of charm, depth, and vulnerability continues to leave audiences spellbound as he graces screens with his magnetic presence on Prime Video titles.
The Idea of You streams exclusively on Prime Video beginning May 2. For those eager to see Galitzine’s other performances, his films are available on Prime Video. Subscribers can watch movies and series on hundreds of compatible devices from anywhere, anytime, and even download episodes for offline viewing at no extra cost. Prime Video is available in the Philippines for only PHP149 a month.
