Imagine the lead singer of the hottest British boy band dedicating a love song to you while he’s on stage performing for tens of thousands of fans at Coachella. It’s pretty much every teen girl’s dream and in Michael Showalter’s romantic drama The Idea of You, this fairytale is lived out by the most unexpected person: a middle-aged single mom from Silverlake. Part escapist fantasy, part grounded love story that transcends conventional dating taboos, The Idea of You strikes all the right chords in its portrayal of two people living life on their terms.

Anne Hathaway takes command as Solène, an art gallery owner navigating through a complicated relationship with her recently divorced ex-husband, Daniel (Reid Scott), and his much younger girlfriend. Solène and Daniel share custody of their teenage daughter Izzy (Ella Rubin) and she is in the adolescent stage where she’d rather hang out with friends than her parents. Still, Izzy is ecstatic when Solène agrees to accompany her and her friends to Coachella. Making it a point to stay out of her daughter’s way, Solène stumbles into the presence of Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of the UK pop group August Moon. Almost immediately, Hayes is mesmerized by Solène’s maturity, confidence, and ignorance of his fame. Solène, on the other hand, meets his flirty advances with politeness but it isn’t until Hayes subtly dedicates a love song to her during their set that she unexpectedly begins to form a crush.

What follows is a rush of young love that spans continents, high highs and low lows. Despite their age difference and very different life circumstances, their connection is electric and undeniably authentic. However, Solène can’t help but feel out of her element when she is constantly faced with Hayes’ youth and mischievous behavior, especially in the form of past girlfriends and hookups. This is the most alive Solène has felt in a long time but still, she questions whether this spark is worth the personal and psychological strain that the relationship is putting on her daughter and, if she’s being honest, also herself.

Watch The Idea of You trailer here.

There is a lot to love in this Michael Showalter-directed film, especially the strong casting choices. Anne Hathaway effortlessly slips into the role of Solène, her cool-girl style and graceful aging give off icon status. The only moments I couldn’t get behind were the few times she insecurely compares her body to the teenage girls she is surrounded by, because in reality, Hathaway looks better than most supermodels. Nicholas Galitzine, who plays the heartthrob Hayes, nails the Harry Styles vibe. Not only does he give a compelling performance as an infatuated young man who may or may not have mommy issues, but his musical talent is equally impressive. Singing and dancing the way he does, it’s no wonder Solène fell under his spell.

Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Robinne Lee, The Idea of You is an irresistible story about love, art, and complicated relationships. The film premiered on the Closing Night of SXSW and was nominated for an Audience Award in the Headliner category. The Idea of You comes to Prime Video on May 2nd.