Sarah Moore
Scandalous romances have long captured the public’s imagination, from Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor to Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn. This fall, director Todd Haynes tackles a fictional tabloid tale with his new melodrama May December. Led by Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, the Netflix film promises a provocative look at relationships, reputation, and blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
Portman and Moore Shine in Scandalous New Drama May December
Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore lead the cast in director Todd Haynes’ latest melodrama about a tabloid romance gone wrong. The new Netflix film explores the tangled relationship between a teacher and her former student. Portman plays an actress researching the real-life scandal for an upcoming role. Moore stars as the teacher who went to prison 20 years ago.
Delving Into A Tabloid Scandal
In May December, popular TV actor Elizabeth Berry (Portman) heads to Savannah to research a new film role. She’s set to play Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), who went to prison 20 years ago for a relationship with her 13-year-old student, Joe (Charles Melton). Now married with three kids, Gracie and Joe’s untraditional relationship still holds some secrets. As Elizabeth spends time with the family, long-buried emotions rise to the surface.
A Powerhouse Cast
Portman takes on the complex role of Elizabeth, an actress whose motivations grow murky. Moore reunites with director Haynes to play the fragile yet stubborn Gracie. Newcomer Melton impresses as the conflicted husband stuck in an uneasy marriage. The A-list cast brings nuance and complexity to the twisting story.
Cannes to NY Film Festival to Netflix
After premiering at Cannes, May December will have its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival. Director Haynes has a long history with NYFF, making it an apt venue for the film’s next debut. May December arrives in select theaters November 17 before streaming on Netflix December 1.
With its talented cast and provocative premise, May December promises to be one of the most talked-about films this awards season. Haynes has crafted a psychologically complex look at relationships, reputation, and the nature of truth. Portman and Moore seem sure to deliver powerhouse performances in this tangled drama. Whether on the big screen or small, May December will linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll.
