May December was the topic of conversation at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and now – having officially been released on Netflix in the US and Sky Cinema in the UK – has got people talking again. From the parallels the film shares with Mary Kay Letourneau’s story (more on this below) to the praise being heaped on the phenomenal performances by the star-studded cast, May December is one to watch this awards season.
The official synopsis, released by Sky, tells you all you need to know about what you can expect without giving too much away: “May December follows married couple Gracie and Joe Atherton-Yoo, played by Julianne Moore and Charles Melton, whose 23-year age gap sparked a notorious tabloid romance that gripped the nation two decades ago. Cut to modern day, and their marriage comes under renewed strain when Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry, played by Natalie Portman, comes to spend time with the family to better understand Gracie, who she will be playing in a film about the scandal.”
If the post-Cannes buzz, social media reaction and current Rotten Tomatoes rating are anything to go by, this is one film you’re going to want to have on your ‘must-view’ list of 2023.
Fancy a little look at what you can expect? Then have a watch of the official trailer released by Sky on 26 September 2023:
What is the UK release date for May December?
The movie premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival before landing in UK cinemas on 17 November. But if you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, no need to worry as May December is available to watch now on Sky Cinema.
Where can I watch May December?
In the UK, May December was released in cinemas on 17 November with the movie available to watch now on Sky Cinema. It cannot be watched on Netflix in the UK.
For those of you expecting to watch May December on Netflix you’re not completely wrong. If you’re in the US, you’ll be able to find the film on Netflix but if you’re in the UK, it can only be watched on Sky Cinema.
What does May December mean?
May December is used to describe a romantic relationship between two people, where one is young and the other is considerably older – just like Gracie and Joe’s.
Is May December a movie?
May December is a movie directed by acclaimed film director Todd Haynes.
Is May December based on a true story?
Although May December is a fictional film, it is based on a real-life story and does take inspiration from Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau’s relationship.
In 1996, Letourneau was 34 years old, married with four children and working as a teacher when her relationship first began with 12-year-old student Vili Fualaau. Just a year later she was arrested and pled guilty to rape. While the trial was taking place, Letourneau gave birth to her first child with Fualaau and shortly after was handed a six-year prison sentence. After making a plea agreement, which prevented her having any contact with Fualaau, the sentence was reduced to six months but after Letourneau was caught breaking the agreement she returned to prison to serve a seven-year sentence. During this time, she gave birth to her second child with Fualaau.
In 2004 Letourneau was released from prison and a year later married Fualaau. They remained together for 14 years before separating in 2019. The story was subject to widespread media attention, with the story shocking the nation.
Who stars in May December?
May December has several Hollywood names attached to the project, including Oscar winners Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman. The film also stars Charles Melton, best known for his role in Riverdale, Piper Curda, Elizabeth Yu, Gabriel Chung, Cory Michael Smith, D.W Moffeet and Lawrence Arancio.
May December reviews
“Todd Haynes’s dark comedy about a woman haunted by her past features brilliant performances by the stars”
The Times “The Oscar winners are brilliant in Todd Haynes’s disturbing and fascinatingly-layered Hollywood tale about consent, denial and exploitation”
The Telegraph “Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman are tremendous in this daring black comedy”
The Independent “Wildly enjoyable Todd Haynes melodrama”
The Observer “Deliciously dark-edged melodrama”
Time Out