The Idea of You: The Book's Ending Is Changed for the Better by "The Idea of You"

The Book’s Conclusion Is Changed for the Better by “The Idea of You”

The Idea of You, which is based on the critically acclaimed modern love story of the same name, follows 40-year-old single mother Solène (Anne Hathaway) as she embarks on an impromptu romance with 24-year-old August Moon lead singer Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine).

The Idea of You: How to Watch The Idea of You & know about cast, story line

It’s faithful to the book’s fictional plot: Hathaway plays Solenn, a newly single mother of a teenager who falls into a whirlwind, sex-forward romance with Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of an international boy band, after they meet by chance backstage at a concert.

The Idea of You – Official Trailer | Prime Video

(Note: The film’s screenwriters, Jennifer Westfeldt, and director Michael Showalter, make the very smart choice of increasing the ages of both Solenn’s daughter and Hayes himself by a few years from their book versions.)

The Book’ Ending of “The Idea of You”

But in Robyn Lee’s original 2017 book, despite the fluffy rom-com premise, Solenn and Hayes don’t stay together. After their final breakup chat — basically a version of what’s shown in the film, in which Solenn realizes that ultimately her life, and her daughter’s life, won’t coincide with international fame — she tearfully lets him go.

In the final pages of the novel Solenn tells Hayes that she doesn’t love him (a lie) and that she just “loves the idea of [him].” Hayes constantly sends messages and pleads to reconsider and then one day… he doesn’t anymore. He’s moved on. But we know Solenn still loves him.

Are you kidding? I love a good sentimental story just as much as anyone else, but when I first read the book, I have to admit: it felt like the carpet was pulled out from under me. I didn’t feel like I knew where the story was going, you know? I was trying to enjoy a thrilling story about two hot girls who defy all logic and sense to ride off into the sunset instead of contemplating the difficulties of adult life and fame in the modern age.

Fortunately, director Showalter agreed that the original depressing ending should be readjusted.