May December Release Date: Todd Haynes, acclaimed for his transgressive and provocative work, presents “May December,” a mesmerizing blend of romance and dark humor. This film reunites Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, following their earlier collaborations in renowned projects like “Far From Good” and “I’m Not There.”
Premiere and Release Details
“May December” had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, garnering universal acclaim. Subsequently, it is set to open the 61st New York Film Festival. The movie is scheduled for a theatrical release in select U.S. theaters on November 17, 2023. It will then be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 1, 2023.
Trailers Unveiled
Netflix introduced the first teaser for “May December” on September 5, offering glimpses of the film’s evocative visuals and rave reviews. The official trailer was released on December 26, 2023, providing a deeper look into the characters and their stories.
A Distinctive Take on a Real-Life Scandal
“May December” draws inspiration from the scandalous romance of Mary Kay Letourneau, an American schoolteacher, and her student, Vili Fualaau, which began when he was just twelve years old. The film adopts Todd Haynes’ signature untraditional narrative style and explores the story through a unique lens. Natalie Portman portrays an actress researching the couple’s life for a film, leading to a disturbing and humorously meta exploration of their love.
Outstanding Cast
The film is primarily a two-hander, with Natalie Portman stepping into the role of Julianne Moore within the film. Both Academy Award-winning actresses have received critical acclaim for their performances. Charles Melton, known for his roles in “Riverdale” and “The Sun Also A Star,” delivers a standout performance as Julianne Moore’s partner. The cast also includes D.W. Moffett, Piper Curda, Cory Michael Smith, Drew Scheid, Elizabeth Yu, Gabriel Chung, and Lawrence Arancio, among others.
The Creative Team
“May December” marks Todd Haynes’ ninth feature film. He directs the movie from a screenplay by Samy Burch, based on a story by Burch and Alex Mechanik. Natalie Portman serves as a producer, along with a team that includes Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, Christine Vachon, Pam Koffler, Sophie Mas, Grant S. Johnson, and Tyler W. Konney. Christopher Blauvelt, celebrated for his work on “Zodiac” and “Speed,” serves as the cinematographer, while Afonso Goncalves, a frequent collaborator of Haynes, edits the film. The production took place over 23 days in Savannah, Georgia, concluding in November 2022.
“May December” promises to be another exceptional addition to Todd Haynes’ impressive filmography, offering a thought-provoking and intriguing take on an unconventional love story.
