Why the idea of ​​your ending is completely different from the original book

May 2, 2024, 5:26 p.m.

By Katie Louise Smith

The original Idea of ​​You book features a devastating ending for Hayes and Solène. Here’s why the filmmakers changed it.

So you just looked The idea of ​​you and you wonder whether or not the film stayed true to the devastating ending of the original book? Do Hayes and Solène really end up together at the end of the film? Here is your answer – and your explanation.

The idea of ​​youstarring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, is finally out on Prime Video and people are already falling in love with Hayes and Solène’s whirlwind romance.

There are several key differences between the film and Robinne Lee’s original book, including the ages of the two main characters (Solène is 39 and Hayes is 20 in the book, while they are 40 and 24 in the film) and some other key differences. details that are revealed during their relationship.

The ending, however, is perhaps the biggest difference of all. Director Michael Showalter has now explained why it was important to make these changes and deviate from the ending of the original book.

WARNING: Spoilers ahead for The idea of ​​you END!

How The idea of ​​you end of the film?

In the film, Solène breaks up with Hayes due to the intrusive media attention surrounding their relationship and the effect it has on her daughter Izzy. They confess that they still love each other and Hayes asks him to promise that they will revisit their relationship in five years. They then separate.

In the final scene, which takes place five years later, Hayes and Solène meet again in his gallery. The film ends on a hopeful note, hinting that they will get back together and give their relationship a real chance.

How The idea of ​​you end of the book? Do Hayes and Solène end up together?

No – in the book, Hayes and Solène do it not finish together. And the abrupt end to their romance left readers heartbroken when the book was first released.

At the end of the novel, Solène breaks up with Hayes, much like she does in the film. However, instead of the promise that Hayes and Solène make to each other in the film, the book details how Solène “resists” responding to Hayes’ calls and messages because she made a choice and is sticking to it . She also lies and tells him that she doesn’t love him anymore.

In the book, Hayes calls and texts Solène multiple times, every day, after their breakup, to tell her that he misses her, that he is thinking about her, and that he still loves her. This goes on for months but she doesn’t respond to any of them. One day, Hayes stops reaching out to her and Solène notes that his messages stopped “way, way before I stopped loving him.”

Ouch!

Watch the trailer for The Idea of ​​You

Explaining why the film features a completely different ending than the original book, director Michael Showalter said RadioTimes.com: “I think, for me, it was more true as a filmmaker, and as a fan of romantic comedies and romantic films, it was the kind of film where we wanted to give the audience an ending that was full of hope.”

He added, “And so, we certainly could have ended the film in a different way. But for this story, we felt that a more uplifting ending was what would be most satisfying for our audience. And ultimately matters, the audience is what matters most when I make a film like this.”

Elaborating on the changes, producer Cathy Schulman explained: “A book and filmed entertainment are so different – one is internalized, the other is externalized – and so, you know, I always try to see things as , what is the mood and the underlying kind of spirit… that comes out of the novel?

And There you go!

Learn more about The idea of ​​you here:

Nicholas Galitzine paints a portrait while answering chaotic questions | The idea of ​​you

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