Relationships with a big age difference are not new in cinema, nor in reality, by any means. Many were portrayed on screen, involving people of all genders. From the Oscar-nominated drama Carol for the latest thriller Little babyThese dynamics have often been explored through a fictional lens. However, an age gap romance combination still seems to get more attention than any other, because when an older woman is in a relationship with a younger man, questions arise.
This was deepened with comedic tones in the American Pie films, taken more seriously in I adore, and embracing feminine independence as in Shirley Valentine. With a recent influx of relevant productions such as The idea of ​​youthe conversation has returned to the forefront, which could lead to these topics becoming much more normalized in public discourse.
10
Prime (2005)
Directed by Ben Younger
In Better, Uma Thurman plays a 37-year-old Manhattan resident who starts dating a 23-year-old artist (Bryan Greenberg). This romantic comedy focuses on the softer, more fun aspects of such relationships, with both parties getting something positive out of the shared experience. She discovers a sense of freedom and spontaneity that she had been lacking, and he learns to appreciate the value of hard work and the appeal of a more experienced partner. They have some good times together, the actors having the kind of dynamic that was part of that mid-2000s charm.
With the addition of Meryl Streep as Greenberg's mother and Thurman's therapist, the plot thickens with hilarious results. As soon as she discovers that the young man her client is dating is her son, her stance immediately changes from supportive to combative. However, as Streep's character explores this apparent conflict of interest, it sheds some very revealing light on how many people feel about the issue. However, the three help each other in their relationships and the film leaves the audience with an uplifting perspective and the feeling that anything is possible.
9
The Idea of ​​You (2024)
Directed by Michael Showalter
In the recent rom-com success The idea of ​​youAnne Hathaway plays a glamorous, recently divorced art gallery owner who begins a relationship with a young pop star (Nicolas Galitzine). The chemistry the actors share is electric, and the things they bond over are completely believable and relatable. As a film, it addresses the repercussions on a basic level. Hathaway's character's daughter suffers the most, while her ex-husband mocks her.
Reception to the film was mostly positive, with Hathaway being praised for bringing to life this romantic story, supposedly based on some real-life fanfiction. Of course, there was still some negativity floating around. The media tried to make the public believe that Hathaway was unattractive in The Princess Diariesvery overweight in The Devil Wears Pradaand very old in The idea of ​​you. These notions may seem strange, but this is what many actresses have to deal with on a daily basis.
8
Lonely Planet (2024)
Directed by Susannah Grant
Laura Dern goes on a writing getaway in Morocco, nursing a broken heart after a long relationship falls apart, and meets Owen (Liam Hemsworth), who is there with his girlfriend. Although there is an immediate connection, Katherine (Dern) keeps him away for several reasons. Destiny continues to bring the two together, and he also separates, as the person with whom he traveled to the retreat ends up betraying him. Soon after, romance inadvertently blossoms.
As feelings deepen, Katherine loses the novel she has been working on for the past few years. This blow damages their blossoming relationship, and she considers their passion a mere distraction, leading to their separation. However, it seems this novel was much more than she initially expected, as it becomes the inspiration for her next literary venture. The topic of age was something she treated as a feeling she didn't want to pay attention to, but it turned out to be the inspiration she needed all along.
7
Girl (2024)
Directed byHalina Reijn
Nicole Kidman gives a bold performance in this sensual thriller co-starring Harris Dickinson. Focusing on female pleasure, the film analyzes career dynamics in the workplace. However, Kidman is willing to take on more challenging roles and continues to exceed all expectations. While she's no stranger to sexually explicit projects, this one in particular offers an insightful look at how changing certain stereotypical gender roles can affect interpersonal relationships.
With a reception at the Venice Film Festival as divisive as the subject matter itself, the consensus among viewers was that Kidman and Dickinson's chemistry was out of control. Quoting Indecent Proposal and Basic Instinct as influences, this film is sure to leave an impression (via IndieWire). Kidman also starred alongside Zac Efron in A family affair, another recent film exploring a romance with a significant age gap.
6
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan
Angela Basset”I did the thing” when she starred in this powerful romantic comedy-drama. It's the story of a powerful, career-focused mother who takes time for herself and embarks on a holiday romance with Winston (Taye Diggs), a man half her age .What starts as a very casual adventure during a getaway in Jamaica, but soon turns into something more. How Sella got her groove back does a great job of having the characters navigate the obstacles presented by an age difference like this.
Although she finds his immaturity complicated, he finds her confidence and directness controlling. There is also a lot of conflict with Winston's mother, who is only a year older than Stella. However, when tragedy strikes and the two realize their connection runs deeper than just a passing encounter, they decide to give it a real try. There's a lot of heart in this bittersweet film that was seen as mildly shocking at the time. However, seeing a strong, independent woman find her happiness is always a joy to watch.
5
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
Directed by Nancy Myers
Diane Keaton plays the mother of a young woman (Amanda Peet) who dates a much older man (Jack Nicholson). In typical Nancy Myers fashion, relationships between people overlap and hilarity ensues. Erica (Keaton) develops a bond with Nicholson's Harry, but due to their complicated situation, not much happens at first. This leads her to begin a relationship with the charming Dr. Julian (Keanu Reeves), imbuing her with a lot of confidence and joy of livingwhich in turn becomes more attractive to Harry.
While the romance with Julian isn't the main focus of this touching comedy, it allows Keaton's character to feel much more open and receptive to the advances of someone else who may seem more suitable. What the film does well is allow this seemingly mismatched pair to be important and impactful. Erica's desired feeling helps her explore her feelings for Harry, which shows how a relationship can affect someone in many ways.
4
No Hard Feelings (2023)
Directed by Gene Stupnitsky
Jennifer Lawrence brought all her charm and charisma to this raunchy comedy, which saw her return as an actress after a break. No hard feelings was a welcome return, with some timely jokes and a surprising sweetness to the story. The age difference in this film isn't as shocking as in other films of the genre, and Lawrence's performance has just the right amount of immaturity and vulnerability.
Representing a generation of millennial women, Maddie Barker is trapped in a cycle of monotony, without a clear purpose in life. When she finds herself in financial trouble, she decides to take a job that turns out to be more than she bargained for. As she tries to seduce the awkward and shy Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman), the two form a genuine bond that ends up being the heart of the film. Brings a fresh perspective to the conversation, approaching it with intelligent humor and a lack of inhibitions.
3
And You Mom Too (2001)
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
In Y Tu Mamá TambiénMaribel Verdú goes on a wild and spontaneous journey with two younger men while dealing with a broken heart. Gael GarcÃa Bernal and Diego Luna play two young best friends who want to seduce a beautiful older woman, but without success. Only when her personal life begins to fall apart does she decide to join them on an unplanned trip through rural Mexico. Passions increase and the three explore their sexuality – and their jealousy.
With the events of the fateful trip fading into the distance, it is discovered that Luisa (Verdú) has died and knew her diagnosis all along. As her life was coming to an end and her marriage was falling apart, she wanted to do one more thing just for herself. Furthermore, the young people's friendship turns out to be based on lies and indiscretions, and Luisa's actions are also a parting gift that exposes the cracks in their immature relationship.
2
Good luck to you, Big Leo (2022)
Directed by Sophie Hyde
Emma Thompson stars in this story of a widow who wants to experience pleasure for the first time in her life. Having been raised conservatively and worked as a religious studies teacher, she was repressed in one way or another for years. As her relationship with an open-minded young sex worker (Daryl McCormack) develops, she learns more about herself as well as her body. The age difference in this dynamic allows the film to show the generational differences that can impact people's perceptions of intimacy.
Through deep conversations, lots of physical exploration, and cathartic openness, the two characters learn a lot about each other and themselves. Thompson delivers a raw, uninhibited performance, while McCormack does a great job of guiding her through a world that is completely new to her. With its sparse sets and few actors, the film allows viewers to feel very connected to the two protagonists as they spend their sessions together.
1
The Graduate (1967)
Directed by Mike Nichols
Anne Bankroft's Mrs. Robinson is a fixture in pop culture, with the name being synonymous with “Older woman, younger man trope.“As Dustin Hoffman's character navigates a directionless period in his life, he embarks on a torrid affair with a much older acquaintance of his parents. Their relationship is not particularly deep, as he offers her some emotion in her loveless marriage, gaining companionship during an uncertain time in her life.
The way Mrs. Robinson is portrayed as something of a villain when her younger lover starts dating her daughter does the character a disservice, contributing to why these types of relationships have been largely perceived negatively. The truth of the matter is much more complicated and layered. It's probably one of the most well-known films that explores this trope, and it's clear that cinema has come a long way since then.