The Idea of You has buried substance. Its formulaic plot brings obvious exposition, cringey banter, and repetitive tropes. However, it's saved by genuine attempts at drama and themes. The characters waver between flat and complex. Their connection is built on mutual trust issues, giving them motivation, flaws, internal conflicts, and arcs. Still, this only amounts to one trait, which runs thin. Thankfully, their age difference becomes an opportunity for social commentary, addressing ideas of feminism, media, privacy, and taboos. The acting balances melodrama, mildness, and contrivances with sincerity, chemistry, and vulnerability. Overall, The Idea of You is mixed but decent.
Technically, The Idea of You breaks up commercialization with heartfelt touches. The cinematography is mostly standard, with brief composition and colorful lighting. Its editing demonstrates craft (split screens and stop-motion), but its structure is drawn out and weightless. The sound design is underutilized, rarely elevating emotions. Its soundtrack feels largely generic yet offers restraint, plot relevance, and bookends. The production design adds slim senses of LA, the music industry, and globe-trotting. Its cast provides solid fame, good fit, and minimal depth. There are no noticeable effects, which suit the film's objectives. Ultimately, The Idea of You has marginal value.
Writing: 6/10
Direction: 5/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 4/10
Sound: 4/10
Score/Soundtrack: 6/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 5/10
Overall Score: 5.6/10
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