Is May December Based on a True Story? May December Cast, Plot, Where to Watch and More

May December is not exclusively based on a true story, but it draws strong parallels to the real-life case of Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau, offering a fictionalized take on the controversial relationship.

by M Nishali

Updated Nov 17, 2023

Is May December Based on a True Story? May December Cast, Plot, Where to Watch and More
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May December

May December is a movie made in 2023 about a famous couple with a big age difference. The film, directed by Todd Haynes and written by Samy Burch, stars Natalie Portman as an actress studying the life of a controversial woman, played by Julianne Moore, for a role in a movie. The story is somewhat inspired by real events involving Mary Kay Letourneau.

It explores the challenges faced by the couple, who became famous for their relationship twenty years ago, as they deal with the pressure when the actress comes to learn about their past. The movie received praise from critics and was first shown at the Cannes Film Festival before being released in theaters in November 2023 and on Netflix in December.

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Is May December Based on a True Story?

May December is a movie that tells a story inspired by real-life events, but it's not exactly based on a true story. The film, directed by Todd Haynes, follows characters Gracie Atherton-Yoo and Joe Yoo, a married couple with a big age difference. The plot unfolds when an actress, Elizabeth Berry, played by Natalie Portman, comes to study Gracie's life for a movie.

While the movie isn't a direct retelling of a true story, it draws similarities to the well-known case of Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau, a teacher-student relationship that captured a lot of attention from the media. May December explores the challenges faced by couples with age gaps and delves into how past experiences can resurface when fame and movies bring them back into the spotlight.

May December Plot

May December tells the story of a married couple, played by Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, whose past romance created a media frenzy. The couple faced scrutiny due to a substantial age difference, and the film explores their lives two decades after the tabloid-fueled controversy. The plot takes an intriguing turn when an actress, portrayed by Portman, arrives to investigate their past for a movie role.

Inspired by real-life events, particularly the notorious case of Mary Kay Letourneau, the movie delves into the complexities of relationships and the impact of public scrutiny. As the characters navigate the pressure and challenges stemming from their earlier romance, the film unfolds as a black comedy-drama that explores themes of love, fame, and the enduring effects of a widely publicized and scrutinized relationship.

May December Cast

Actor

Character

Natalie Portman

Elizabeth Berry

Julianne Moore

Gracie Atherton-Yoo

Charles Melton

Joe Yoo

D. W. Moffett

Tom

Piper Curda

Honor

Elizabeth Yu

Mary

Gabriel Chung

Charlie

Cory Michael Smith

NA

Lawrence Arancio

NA

May December Release Date

"May December," the highly anticipated American black comedy-drama film, is set to be released on November 17, 2023, in select theaters in the United States. Following its theatrical debut, the film will be available for streaming on Netflix starting on December 1, 2023.

Directed by Todd Haynes and featuring a star-studded cast including Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton, the movie explores the complexities of a tabloid-famous couple with a significant age difference. The release date marks an exciting moment for audiences eager to witness the unfolding of this intriguing storyline that delves into the aftermath of a notorious tabloid romance that captured the nation's attention two decades earlier.

Where to Watch May December?

Viewers can watch May December on Netflix, the streaming platform that secured the distribution rights for the film. The movie, directed by Todd Haynes and featuring a stellar cast including Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton, was released in select theaters in the United States on November 17, 2023, before becoming available for streaming on Netflix starting December 1, 2023.

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May December Review

May December is a captivating film directed by Todd Haynes, featuring outstanding performances by Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman. The story revolves around Gracie and Joe, whose relationship started with a scandalous affair when Joe was just 13 years old. Now leading a seemingly normal life, their world is disrupted when Elizabeth, played by Portman, arrives to portray Gracie in a sensitive independent film.

The film delicately explores the aftermath of the scandal, showcasing the complexities of relationships and the potential for redemption. With cool precision, Haynes skillfully navigates the characters' emotions, and both Moore and Portman deliver powerful performances.

The movie, with its positive and nuanced portrayal, engages the audience in a thought-provoking exploration of fame, relationships, and the impact of the past on the present. May December is a must-watch, offering a compelling and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

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Is May December Based On A True Story - FAQs

1. Is "May December" based on a true story?  

"May December" is inspired by real-life events but is not a direct retelling of a true story. It draws similarities to the Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau case, exploring the challenges faced by couples with significant age differences.

2. When was "May December" released?  

The movie "May December" was first shown at the Cannes Film Festival and had its theatrical release on November 17, 2023, in select theaters in the United States. It became available for streaming on Netflix starting December 1, 2023.

3. Who are the main cast members of "May December"?  

The main cast includes Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry, Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo, and Charles Melton as Joe Yoo. Other notable cast members include Piper Curda, D. W. Moffett, and Cory Michael Smith.

4. Where can I watch "May December"?  

"May December" is available for streaming on Netflix. It was released in select theaters on November 17, 2023, and became accessible on Netflix from December 1, 2023.

5. What is the genre of "May December"?  

"May December" is categorized as an American black comedy-drama film. The movie explores themes of love, fame, and the enduring effects of a widely publicized and scrutinized relationship.