May December is the controversial age-gap melodrama that has won Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore Oscar buzz

May December was the talk of the town at the recent Cannes Film Festival, where its premiere culminated in an impressive eight-minute standing ovation.

And honestly, it’s no surprise that it has already won critical acclaim as the people attached to the movie are already known for bringing their A-game with each venture.

I mean, first, we have Academy-nominated Todd Haynes (the man behind flicks such as Carol, Far from Heaven and Dark Waters) helming the melodrama. Then it also stars Oscar winners Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore as its lead, which is a surefire way to say that the movie will be a hit for the average everyday movie-watcher.

Needless to say, having a firm foundation with its cast and crew is critical for May December, which takes on quite a serious and complex storyline. It is loosely based on the real-life story of former teacher Mary Kay Letourneau, who in 1997 pleaded guilty to two counts of felony second-degree rape of then 13-year-old student Vili Fualaau. The pair later went on to marry, and Mary Kay became a firm tabloid fixture.

So, what else do we know about the movie May December, which given its critical response, has our expectations super high? Read on to find out more.

What is the plot of May December?

The official synopsis for the film reads: “Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under the pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.”

The movie takes place twenty years from when Gracie Atherton-Yu (Julianne) seduced then-underage Joe (Riverdale actor Charles Melton). Their twenty-year relationship became a national tabloid obsession, and she even served jail time for it.

Now, with their grown children about to head to college, a film is being made about their life. Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie), who is set to star as the lead in the movie, pays them a visit for research and to probe them more about their life.

However, the lines soon begin to blur between the two women, which leads to the once solid couple buckling under the face of pressure.

Who stars in May December?

Riverdale actor Charles Melton joins Julianne and Natalie.

The movie also stars Piper Curda, Elizabeth Yu as Mary Atherton-Yoo, Gabriel Chung as Charlie Atherton-Yoo, Cory Michael Smith, D.W. Moffett as Tom Atherton and Lawrence Arancio.

What are critics saying about May December?

May December currently holds an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Time Out wrote: “The dance between the two women – both friendly and threatening – is compelling,” while The Independent gushed: “May December is a film without frills or special effects. It’s a closely focused character study, galvanised by the tremendous performances from Portman and Moore, which delves into areas more conventional dramas don’t go near.”

Screen International added: “[May December] offers sly stylistic play, together with a terrific pairing of two performers on great form – Natalie Portman and long-term Haynes lead Julianne Moore, engaged in brisk mirror play.”

Is there a trailer for May December?

There is no official trailer for May and December, but watch this space!

What is the release date for May December?

While the movie premiered at Cannes, there is no official release date for viewers. However, Netflix has acquired American streaming rights, so hopefully, the platform will be home for the movie for British viewers.