When The Idea of You was released, all eyes were on Hathaway, the star of the movie, and they expected a light rom-com. Instead, they were presented with a complicated story about love in which the protagonist had to navigate through an emotionally layered, age-gap romance set against a dreamy setting. The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes score was equally surprising and has since caused division among critics.
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A Closer Look at “The Idea of You” Rotten Tomatoes Score

At the moment, The Idea of You has a Rotten Tomatoes score in the 60% range. This means that it is “fresh,” but fresh in quotation marks. Critics have mixed opinions, feeling crying scenes are emotionally vulnerable writing, and hating excess romantic tropes.
Anne Hathaway as Sophie, a 40-year-old single mother who unexpectedly falls for a 24-year-old pop star, played by Nicholas Galitzine. Many viewers consider the emotional authenticity and portrayal of contemporary relationships to rise above the standard rom-com. Still, some critics take issue with how far the film goes with its motifs.
This critical split is reflected in The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes reviews, some calling it “charming and refreshing,” others dismissing it as “fan-fiction fantasy.”
Fan Love and Emotional Impact
Though critics had mixed feelings, the film in question has seen a huge surge in social media activity and attention from fans. Sophie’s story and character are relatable to many viewers, including her emotional struggle, her reluctance to love again, and her unexpected bond with a stranger from another universe.
In fact, The Idea of You has become a cultural phenomenon, gaining more attention than other films dealing with similar subject matters and even The Trap. The trap movie showtimes score and The Trap rotten tomatoes reviews do not reflect well on the film, but The Idea of You seems to have captured the hearts of many.
Comparing It to “The Trap”
With the release of The Trap, critics seemed much harsher than with The Idea of You. With a glance at their Rotten Tomatoes page, The Trap automatically has significantly lower ratings.
The Trap reviews often talk about lackluster storylines and forgetable performances. While both films undoubtedly tackle the age-old tale of romance and personal struggle, The Idea of You indeed addresses those issues with an emotional gravitas and powerful acting that The Trap sorely missed.
Moreover, people immediately lost interest in the Trap movie showtimes, while The Idea of You still sparks conversations weeks after the premiere.
Why “The Idea of You” Still Works
Even with the critiques, Anne’s film succeeds very well. It invites the audience to reflect on the perception of age, desire, motherhood, the act of loving, and the courage to step out of societal expectations. Her performance is softened but strengthened by her chemistry with Galitzine, which is genuine and tender.
Also adding to the film’s charm is its beautiful visual appeal. Many viewers have been curious about where was Idea of You” was filmed, given its stunning backdrops.
Even if critics can’t see eye to eye, The Idea of You dares to be honest in an extremely corporate world drowning with well-established directions, and that is also the reason why it keeps working.
Why are critics conflicted over The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes?
Critics are torn since, on the one hand, there are those that see the movie as a superficial love fantasy, and others that enjoy it as an alluring perspective on feminine desire and power.
The setup of the movie a mature woman in love with a young pop star breaks rom‑com convention, and this has created a dichotomy of those that admire its boldness and those that decry its perceived impossibility. The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes scores reflect this very split, underscoring how a daring premise can simultaneously captivate and confound audiences.
What are the main criticisms of The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes film?
Critics counter that The Idea of You is overly dependent on fantasy and lacks sufficient character depth. Others critique that the plot hews too closely to celebrity fan-fiction clichés, decreasing its believability and emotional impact.
Additionally, inconsistency in both dialogue and pacing has been cited as a weakness. These criticisms are reflected in The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes reviews, where the film’s polarizing reception highlights the divide between fans of its romantic escapism and those seeking a more grounded narrative.
Why does the The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes film still resonate with audiences despite the criticism?
The film resonates as it speaks to themes that are not reflected in mainstream cinema, namely, older women’s sex and love lives. It provides escapism but with heart, and Anne Hathaway’s performance adds a sense of authenticity and emotional truth to the narrative. It is appealing in that it is the emotional fantasy for a lot of viewers.
The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes reviews highlight this aspect, with several critics praising its fresh perspective and Hathaway’s compelling portrayal.
How does The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes challenge traditional rom-com narratives?
It defies convention with its 40 something woman in the romantic lead and its positive portrayal of her empowering, satisfying relationship arc. The film also upends traditional age-discrepancy romances by featuring the woman in the older partner’s role, something that is infrequently explored in mainstream cinema in a positive light.
What role does Anne Hathaway play in the film’s reception?
Hathaway’s nuanced, charismatic performance has received widespread acclaim and is believed to be able to elevate the movie. Through her star power and emotional truth, she manages to make the relationship believable and relatable, toning down the more fantastical aspects of the movie.
The Idea of You Rotten Tomatoes reviews often highlight her performance as a standout factor that helps ground the film and connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level.