The much-anticipated Anne Hathaway romantic comedy, “The Idea of You,” made its debut on Amazon Prime to the delight of fans. The film follows the story of a single mother who finds love with a younger British singer at the Coachella music festival, portrayed by Nicholas Galitizine. Fans have drawn parallels between Galitizine’s character and pop sensation Harry Styles, noting similarities in their charismatic personalities and boy band backgrounds.
Author Robinne Lee, who penned the novel the movie is based on, initially described the male lead as a blend of “Prince Harry meets Harry [Styles],” drawing from her personal experiences for inspiration. However, Lee has since expressed her frustration with the comparisons to Styles, feeling that they oversimplify the complex nature of the character she created. Galitizine himself has also distanced himself from the comparisons, emphasizing that his character is unique and not solely based on Styles.
Lee has explained that while there are elements of Styles in the character, there are numerous other influences at play. She mentioned references to Prince Harry in the book as well as inspiration from various artists and boy bands. Despite the comparisons, “The Idea of You” has received positive reviews from critics, with an 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film has been praised for its portrayal of a unique love story and the chemistry between the lead characters.
Lee revealed that the idea for “The Idea of You” was sparked by watching a boy band’s music videos, leading her to explore the concept of a love affair with the lead singer. The novel, published in 2017, gained popularity during the pandemic and has resonated with readers seeking stories of rediscovery and reclaiming sexuality. The film adaptation has also been well-received, with critics noting Galitizine’s portrayal of a Harry Styles-like figure with charisma and mystery.
Interestingly, Harry Styles has been a source of inspiration for other novels as well. Author Anna Todd’s “After” series was inspired by Styles, with the books gaining a widespread fan following and subsequent film adaptations. The connection between Styles and romantic fiction seems to resonate with audiences, showcasing the enduring appeal of the musician’s persona in creative works. Despite the comparisons and influences, “The Idea of You” stands as a unique and engaging love story that has captivated audiences with its fresh take on romance and self-discovery.
