Warning: Spoilers forMay December.
In the latest film from Netflix,May December, nothing is what it seems, and the truth is uncomfortably subjective. At least, that’s what it feels like once the credits roll. The movie follows Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), an actress who embeds herself in the lives of Gracie (Julianne Moore) and her husband Joe (Charles Melton) for an upcoming TV movie about their surreptitious past. In a film that appears fairly straightforward in its premise, likea true story, the trajectory of its storytelling is anything but. In fact, by the time it’s over, the viewer is left wondering if they should laugh at the film’s final scene or simply condemn the characters altogether.
As indicated by the title, Gracie and Joe are no conventional couple. Having begun their illicit relationship when Gracie was 36, and Joe was just 13,May Decemberseeks to peek through the window of such a relationship 20 years after the fact via Elizabeth’s perspective, who happens to possess her own skewed perceptions of reality. As soon as she enters the fray, the elephant in the room is obvious, and the tension and distance between the characters feel palpable. In a film with incredible nuance, the ending doesn’t necessarily offer the kind of finality audiences might be looking for. Nonetheless, its ending is worth exploring.
The Façade Begins to Unravel in May December
May December
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May Decembergenerally unfolds as expected until Gracie and Joe’s eldest daughter returns from college for her younger brother and sister’s high school graduation. With Elizabeth in tow, the family patronizes a local restaurant to celebrate. While there, Gracie’s ex-husband and other children cross their path. There, to celebrate the upcoming graduation of Gracie’s granddaughter, who happens to be the same age as her youngest children, the awkward tension quickly develops. It’s clear Gracie’s façade of the perfect family and perfect life is unraveling in front of Elizabeth. However, it was never structurally sound to begin with.
After dinner, Gracie and Elizabeth have a moment in the restroom in which Elizabeth softly confronts Gracie about her naivety in expecting her life to be perfect. Gracie affirms she’s naïve and even explains it’s been her saving grace at times, which speaks volumes to her character as well as the choices she’s made that have led to her current situation. They uncouthly part ways before Gracie insists Joe drive Elizabeth back to her hotel room after he drops off the family at home.
While Elizabeth waits for Joe, she’s confronted by Gracie’s eldest son, Georgie (Cory Michael Smith), who suggests his mother’s nefarious behavior with Joe 20 years prior all leads back to her ownchildhood trauma. He overtly implies her older brothers began their own inappropriate relations with Gracie when she was only 12, which explains everything. Shocked but not surprised, Elizabeth exits their interaction as soon as Joe arrives to take her back to her hotel.
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Elizabeth Crosses the Line With Joe
On the drive back, Elizabeth’s intentions with Joe take shape after she plays dumb and asks for his help with her nebulizer. Feeling as though the two have made a real connection, Joe gives Elizabeth a letter Gracie wrote him when he was 13 during theirinappropriate relationship. Hoping it’ll help with her research, he insists she read it later. Elizabeth answers his request by kissing him before the two quickly sleep with one another. Once the deed is done, Elizabeth can be seen attempting to read Joe’s letter when he’s not looking, confirming just how much she’s crossed the line regarding her “research.” In many ways, she’s just as predatory as Gracie was two decades ago.
In the wake of their misdeed, Elizabeth brings up Gracie and their story, which prompts Joe to realize his mistake with Elizabeth, who’s clearly preyed on him and his emotions. Her nonchalant attitude in the face of his response unsettles something inside him. When he asks Elizabeth what it is about between the two of them, she responds by telling him, “This is just what grown-ups do.” Such a response speaks toJoe’s innocenceeven in adulthood and her willingness to cross ethical lines for the sake of some perceived deeper truth buried within Joe and Gracie’s story.
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The Truth Remains Ambiguous in May December
Following his interaction with Elizabeth, Joe confronts Gracie about the origins of their relationship and questions whether he was too young. Visually shaken, Joe struggles to formulate his thoughts, especially when faced with Gracie’s claim that Joe seduced her despite thecreepy age differencebetween them. Immediately shutting down the discussion, Gracie walks away and leaves Joe alone without any resolution. Aptly so, the following scene shows Elizabeth awkwardly reciting Gracie’s letter, which displays Gracie’s predatory nature from the beginning and Elizabeth’s delusions regarding Gracie’s story.
Gracie and Elizabeth’s final interaction occurs after the high school graduation ceremony, just before Elizabeth leaves for good. Gracie reveals she speaks with Georgie daily and explains that what he said about her brothers wasn’t true. Elizabeth appears visibly flustered by the news as Gracie boasts about her lack of insecurity. The two finally part ways, clearly annoyed with one another, and the audience is left to wonder what’s true because the film offers nothing but ambiguity on the matter.
By the time the film reaches its conclusion, it’s clear Elizabeth’s TV movie is a joke. Despite all her effort and time spent with Gracie and her family, the look and feel of the movie isn’t good, nor is her acting worth any accolades.The only sceneviewers witness is that of Gracie seducing Joe in the supply room of the pet shop. After filming the same scene multiple times, Elizabeth asks the director for just one more take because she feels like she’s finally getting to the truth, which is ultimately the real joke of the film.
Stream May December on Netflix
If you’re interested in learning more about May December or just loved the Netflix film, check out MovieWeb’s interview below with Todd Haynes and Charles Melton.
