May December

 

    Director Todd Haynes, master of the melodrama, brings us this new film starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. Loosely based on real events from some years ago, Ms. Portman plays Elizabeth, an actress who comes to spend time with the woman she will portray in her next film. Ms. Moore plays her subject, Gracie. 

    Gracie, who's tabloid love affair with a 13 year old boy (10 years her junior), sent her to jail pregnant and when released, she subsequently married him and raised their children. Charles Melton plays Joe, her  now adult husband.

    Mr. Haynes is so good at making character studies his own. The film walks a fine line between disturbing drama and melodramatic comedy, reinforced by an over the top score. It's an unusual plot that finds Elizabeth digging under the surface to get to Gracie's "truth" for her role. In the course of her research, deep wounds are reopened and motivations are questioned.

   Ms. Portman really shines as Elizabeth picking apart Gracie's life for the sake of her art. Both Ms. Moore and  Mr. Melton are excellent in their complex roles, especially as Elizabeth starts to peel away layers of their seemingly happy world.

   The film is available on Netflix.