Deconstructing the May-December Romance: A Comprehensive Analysis
Unveiling the gripping finale of Todd Haynes' captivating film May December, where Gracie faces intense scrutiny, leaving viewers on edge Elizabeth's final act delivers an unexpected twist, leaving us all astounded
Netflix has been buzzing with Todd Haynes’ latest movie, May December, and we've got the complete breakdown of the ending. The film features Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, and follows a married couple as they struggle with the effects of a Hollywood actress delving into their scandalous past for a movie role, two decades after their infamous romance was sensationalized by the media.
Some viewers were shocked by certain scenes, while others have drawn comparisons to the real-life case of teacher Mary Kay Letourneau. The film intentionally created ambiguity, including its title, so let's fully explain the ending of May December. Warning: Spoilers ahead!
May December ending explained: Gracie comes under fire
Set in 2015, May December follows Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman), a TV actress, as she arrives at the home of Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) and her husband Joe (Charles Melton) in Savannah, Georgia. The couple is hosting a barbecue with their neighbors, sparking Elizabeth's interest in their marriage as she prepares to portray Gracie in an independent film.
It becomes clear that Gracie and Joe maintain a facade of domestic bliss in their neighborhood, despite being disliked by many. The discovery of a delivered pile of feces at the barbecue leads to the revelation of their marriage's secrets. It is uncovered that the couple were involved in a national scandal years ago, when 36-year-old Gracie hired and became romantically involved with 13-year-old Joe at their local pet shop.
23 years later, Gracie (almost 60) and Joe (now Gracie’s former age of 36) have been married ever since and now have three children – one of which was born in prison while Gracie served time. Elizabeth interviews them both about their relationship, while also speaking to Gracie’s ex-husband and son Georgie, who seems seriously damaged by the ordeal. Elizabeth also visits the pet shop where she eventually simulates their sexual acts in the stock room they supposedly met up in.
The questioning gets too close for comfort
Netflix
Elizabeth continues her journey through the town, delving into personal inquiries in the name of her research. She even attends family gatherings leading up to Gracie and Joe’s twins’ graduation. Meanwhile, Joe grows closer to a member of a monarch butterfly-rearing Facebook group through text, finding solace in this virtual connection. He suggests a holiday together, but the woman declines, prompting Joe to ponder about an alternate life without his marriage and children.
During a Q&A at the twin’s school, Elizabeth (Elizabeth Yu) tells Mary's class that she enjoys portraying "morally ambiguous" characters, which offends Mary. Meanwhile, Joe attempts to bond with his son Charlie, resulting in the two sharing a joint on the roof and Joe breaking down in Charlie's arms. Elizabeth later joins the family at a celebratory graduation dinner, and Georgie offers her knowledge about Gracie in exchange for a music job on her film, claiming that Gracie was sexually abused by her older brothers. This leads to growing frustration from Gracie towards Elizabeth and her questioning. Eventually, Elizabeth comes to realize that those close to her may do things out of pity rather than genuine interest.
Elizabeth has the last laugh
Netflix
At the end of May, Elizabeth invites Joe to her place and he gives her a letter from Gracie that had been hidden away. Elizabeth then encourages Joe to start a new life and after they have sex, she reveals that she sees Joe's life with Gracie as just "a story." This revelation leaves Joe crying and questioning whether he was too young to understand what happened. Gracie, on the other hand, still believes that Joe seduced her and had control. Meanwhile, Elizabeth rehearses Gracie's letter as a dramatic monologue.
It's the day of the twins’ graduation, and everyone is present. While Elizabeth prepares to leave, Gracie questions the authenticity of Georgie’s sexual assault allegations. Meanwhile, Joe, still shell-shocked from witnessing a butterfly emerge from its cocoon that morning, tearfully looks on from the sidelines. The final scene in the May December ending takes place on the fictional set of Elizabeth’s film, where she insists on re-shooting a scene depicting Gracie grooming Joe, in pursuit of achieving a more "real" performance, despite her earlier promise of producing an honest, tasteful, and grounded movie.
Stream May December on Netflix now and explore other Netflix hubs, including potential upcoming seasons like Firefly Lane Season 3, Beef Season 2, Stranger Things Season 5, and more.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the May-December romance depicted in the film. On one hand, I understand that love can blossom between two people of different ages and that age should not be a barrier to happiness. On the other hand, I am aware of the power dynamics that can exist in such relationships and the potential for abuse.
In the film, the age difference between Gracie and Joe is significant, and it is clear that Gracie holds a position of power over Joe. She is older, more experienced, and has more life experience. Joe, on the other hand, is young, impressionable, and vulnerable. This power imbalance makes me uncomfortable, as it suggests that Gracie may have taken advantage of Joe's vulnerability.
However, the film also suggests that Joe was not entirely innocent in the relationship. He was attracted to Gracie and actively pursued her. This suggests that the relationship was not entirely one-sided and that Joe may have had some agency in the matter.
Ultimately, I believe that the May-December romance depicted in the film is a complex and nuanced one. There is no easy answer as to whether or not it is right or wrong. However, I believe that it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of such relationships before entering into one.
