May December (2023) is a dark comedy-drama directed by Todd Haynes, based on a screenplay by Samy Burch, who co-wrote the story with Alex Mechanik. The film explores the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between public personas and private lives. Set against the backdrop of a scandalous tabloid case, May December delves into the consequences of media attention, obsession with fame, and the toll of living in the public eye. The film features a stellar cast, including Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton, bringing the emotionally charged story to life.

The plot of May December revolves around a high-profile media event that centers on a controversial relationship between a much older man, Joe, and a young woman, Elizabeth, whom he married after a scandal involving her as a teenager. As a new movie about their story is being made, a Hollywood actress, played by Natalie Portman, arrives to research her role and immerse herself in the lives of the real-life subjects. As the actress spends time with the couple, the boundaries between their past and present, truth and fiction, begin to blur.

The film examines how people reconstruct their own narratives and identities, particularly when faced with public judgment. Elizabeth, played by Julianne Moore, is grappling with the media’s portrayal of her life and the scrutiny she faces as the subject of both a real and fictionalized scandal. The story explores the tensions between Elizabeth’s public persona, shaped by the media, and her personal feelings of guilt and confusion. Meanwhile, Joe, her older husband, is similarly struggling to maintain his reputation while reconciling his past actions.

A key theme in May December is the role of the media and celebrity culture in shaping public opinion. The film satirizes the obsession with scandal, fame, and the way the media consumes and manipulates personal stories for entertainment value. The presence of the actress, who is preparing to play Elizabeth in the film, highlights the stark contrast between the fabricated version of the story and the reality of what these people have lived through. Through this lens, May December critiques society’s tendency to sensationalize and exploit the lives of others.

The film’s dark humor shines through in its portrayal of the characters’ contradictions. There is an underlying absurdity in the way they navigate their lives amidst public scrutiny. The film subtly mocks the idea of “healing” from a traumatic event through spectacle and spectacle-driven storytelling. This is particularly evident in the complex relationships between the real-life characters and the actress who is immersing herself in their world, suggesting that people are sometimes more concerned with how they are perceived than with the truth of their experiences.

Ultimately, May December is a thought-provoking and complex exploration of human behavior, identity, and the power of media. It raises important questions about how we construct our personal narratives and how we navigate our past in a world that constantly seeks to redefine us. With its sharp writing, nuanced performances, and darkly comedic tone, May December is a captivating film that leaves audiences reflecting on the complicated intersection of fame, truth, and perception.