Todd Haynes’ compelling drama May December, featuring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton, has sparked discussions for its intricate storyline and unsettling conclusion.
While awards buzz has largely bypassed the film, the focus here is its haunting finale. Did it leave you more unnerved than when you started? Were you left with hope, dread, or a peculiar blend of the two?
The narrative deliberately avoids providing closure, leaving lingering questions for viewers to interpret. This approach ensures the story stays with you long after the credits roll.
May December draws inspiration from real-life scandals to probe human flaws (Photo: May December/Gloria Sanchez Productions, Killer Films, MountainA, Project Infinity, and Taylor & Dodge)The film challenges its audience by refraining from offering clear judgments on morality or truth. Instead, it compels viewers to confront their complicity in consuming tales of flawed, complex individuals. The absence of definitive answers opens the door for personal interpretation—your conclusions are your own.
The storyline revolves around Elizabeth, an actress going into the life of Gracie, the woman she plans to portray in an independent film. Gracie’s past involves a scandalous relationship that landed her in prison for statutory rape, followed by a marriage to her underage victim.
Inspired by real-life cases like Mary Kay Letourneau, the film explores Elizabeth’s deepening obsession with Gracie’s family dynamics and her questionable motives.
A Haunting Graduation Scene
The climax came up at the graduation of Gracie and Joe’s twins. Gracie hunts alone that morning, while Joe prepares the children and watches the ceremony from a distance, overwhelmed by emotion. Elizabeth, too, attends, bidding farewell before leaving to begin filming.
Truth and Deception
A pivotal revelation occurs when Gracie contradicts her estranged son Georgie’s allegations of abuse, claiming they are lies. Her account directly opposes Georgie’s version, leaving Elizabeth—and the audience—uncertain about who to believe. This unresolved tension underscores the film’s central theme: the elusive nature of understanding others.
Elizabeth’s Film
Elizabeth’s project appears amateurish and emotionally fraught. Her insistence on additional takes, justified by a claim that “it’s getting more real,” suggests her state of mind remains unstable—a reflection of how deeply the story has affected her.
The Fate of Joe and Gracie
Joe’s unhappiness is evident throughout, culminating in moments of raw emotional breakdown. While the film hints at his potential to leave Gracie and pursue a more fulfilling life, it leaves his ultimate decision to the audience’s imagination. This ambiguity invites viewers to consider the possibilities and draw their own conclusions.
May December’s refusal to provide tidy resolutions is its strength, compelling audiences to grapple with its complications and reflect on the unsettling questions it raises.
