Todd Haynes is a master at directing female stars, earning him the title of the new-age George Cukor. From Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in “Carol” to Kate Winslet in HBO’s “Mildred Pierce” and Julianne Moore in “Far From Heaven,” Haynes has a knack for bringing out the best in his leading ladies. And his latest film, “May December,” which premiered at Cannes, is no exception. Starring Natalie Portman and Moore (in their fourth film together), this movie is a deliciously entertaining showcase of their talents.
The premise of the film is classic Hollywood melodrama with a contemporary twist. Portman plays Elizabeth Berry, a TV actress who descends upon Savannah, Georgia to research her latest role as Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), a real-life woman who scandalized the world by marrying a 13-year-old boy 20 years earlier. Berry slowly ingratiates herself into Gracie’s life, trying to learn everything she can about her character. The result is a complex psychological portrait that is both fascinating and funny.
Portman and Moore are front and center in this film, delivering juicy performances that confirm their status as two of the best actresses in the business. Charles Melton is also believable and vulnerable as the 33-year-old version of the boy who married Gracie, while Cory Michael Smith amusingly nails the role of Gracie’s first-born son.
The music, adapted from Michel Legrand’s score for “The Go Between,” is terrific and adds to the film’s mysterious and revealing tone. “May December” is currently seeking distribution, but with a production team that includes Portman, Will Ferrell, and several other heavy hitters, it’s sure to find a home soon.
