BBC viewers are in for a treat tonight as the critically acclaimed romantic comedy 'The Idea of You' makes its television debut, featuring sizzling chemistry between Hollywood star Anne Hathaway and British actor Nicholas Galitzine.
From Page to Screen: A Steamy Romance
Based on Robinne Lee's bestselling 2017 novel, the film follows the story of Solène Marchand, a divorced art gallery owner played by Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway. When her ex-husband cancels their daughter's trip to the Coachella music festival, Solène finds herself accompanying the teenage girls instead.
During a pre-arranged meet-and-greet with fictional boy band August Moon, she encounters the handsome lead singer Hayes Campbell, portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine. What begins as a chance meeting quickly escalates into a passionate, secret affair between the older woman and the younger pop sensation.
Real-Life Inspirations Behind the Fiction
The film's premise sparked immediate comparisons to real-life celebrity relationships, particularly Harry Styles' documented preference for older partners during his One Direction heyday. Author Robinne Lee confirmed these connections in an interview with Vogue, revealing that the heartthrob singer served as one of her primary muses.
"I made him into my dream guy... like Prince Harry meets Harry," Lee explained, noting that she also drew inspiration from some of her own former lovers and the British royal.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Since its 2024 release on Amazon Prime Video, 'The Idea of You' has earned impressive reviews, achieving an 80% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have particularly praised the electric chemistry between the two leads during intimate scenes.
One review highlighted: "Galitzine and Hathaway anchor the film and their chemistry is palpable, making every touch feel electric." Another described the film as "fantastical, seductive and so easy to watch," while a third commended its feminist perspective on female happiness later in life.
Directed by Michael Showalter, the movie has been recommended for fans of modern romantic comedies that move beyond traditional fairytale endings. As one critic noted: "This is a must-see for romantic comedy junkies and fans of stories of loving against the odds."
'The Idea of You' airs on BBC3 at 9pm tonight, Wednesday 26 November, offering viewers the perfect midweek escape into a world of rock star glamour and forbidden romance.
