The Idea of You

Original characters in a contemporary romance; no established or source characters are swapped.

Solène is a confident, capable older woman, but the film doesn't vilify or mock men as a message; Hayes is portrayed sympathetically.

• Solène runs her own art gallery and asserts her independence
• Hayes is depicted as genuine and emotionally vulnerable, not a foil

A heterosexual romance with no significant LGBTQ+ characters or storylines.

A diverse modern cast that fits a contemporary Los Angeles / boy-band setting; nothing that contradicts lore.

• Multi-ethnic boy band members reflect a plausible modern pop group

Touches on ageism, double standards, and tabloid misogyny but folds them into the story rather than sermonizing.

• Solène faces judgment for dating a younger man
• Commentary on how women are scrutinized more harshly than men for age-gap relationships

No framing of masculinity or the West as toxic; conflict is personal and media-driven.

Adapted from Robinne Lee's novel; changes (notably the ending) are creative choices, not identity-driven rewrites.

• (spoiler) The film alters the novel's bittersweet ending toward a more hopeful resolution