Official promotional poster. Rights belong to the respective rights holders.
Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.May DecemberA movie brief.
2023 / comedy drama / Directed by Todd Haynes
A complex dance of power and performance
What is May December about?
An actress researches her upcoming role by meeting the woman whose life she will be portraying, a sex offender who has been in a 24-year relationship with her husband, which began when he was 13 years old.
Five things to know.
Setup
The film is loosely based on the Mary Kay Letourneau scandal and explores themes of power imbalance and grooming.
World
The story takes place in Savannah, Georgia, and delves into the complexities of the characters' relationships.
Pressure
The actress's immersion into her role blurs the lines between reality and fiction, leading to intense confrontations.
Craft
The film features outstanding performances from Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, as well as a nuanced score by Marcelo Zarvos.
Viewing note
The film's portrayal of sensitive topics may be uncomfortable for some viewers, but it encourages reflection on the complexities of human relationships.
A thought to take with you.
Elizabeth studies Gracie for a film role, turning a painful history into material that can be observed, rehearsed, and sold. Joe is caught between the life he built and the renewed attention to how that life began, while the two women control different parts of the retelling.
Is it your kind of movie?
Choose it for an uncomfortable character drama about exploitation, memory, and who gets to narrate another person's life. It addresses grooming and an abusive age gap.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked September 7, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach