The buzz surrounding Anne Hathaway’s new romantic drama ‘The Idea of You‘ had already reached a fever pitch ahead of its world premiere at Austin’s SXSW Film Festival. But the degree of ardent passion on display when the film finally unspooled for audiences left even its Oscar-winning star struggling for words through tears of gratitude.
As the highly-anticipated onscreen reunion between Hathaway and hunky co-star Nicholas Galitzine finally played out at the Paramount Theatre, the raucous crowd erupted into frenzied cheers and gasps during the film’s pivotal romantic crescendo.
“The audience was so enthusiastic that there were gasps, shrieks, and deafening applause when the onscreen couple finally kissed,” reported Variety from the March 16th premiere.
The rapturous ovation clearly overwhelmed Hathaway, who could barely compose herself while taking the stage afterwards for a Q&A alongside director Michael Showalter and Galitzine.
“I can’t talk,” the 40-year-old actress mustered through tears in footage from the event, before a fan’s shout of “I love you!” helped regain her voice.
“I love you so much,” Hathaway responded to the audience. “You have no idea the gift you’ve just given us with your responsiveness, by being so connected to every little nuance. I will never forget this screening.”
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Based on Robinne Lee’s acclaimed 2017 novel, the film explores an unorthodox romantic entanglement that defies typical coming-of-age conventions – a notion Hathaway praised as reflecting life’s continual personal evolutions.
“For some reason we talk about coming-of-age stories as being something that happens in the earliest part of your life,” she reflected. “And I don’t know about you, but I feel like I keep blooming.”
Galitzine shared his co-star’s awe in an Instagram post the following day, admitting he was “absolutely floored so many of you showed up…to support #TheIdeaOfYou at @SXSW – such a special night, with such special people.”
With fans rushing to proclaim their adoration and anticipation for the film’s May 2nd streaming release, Amazon’s sexy romantic drama clearly made the grandest of opening night entrances in Austin.
After such an ecstatic reception, the biggest question may be whether Hathaway and Galitzine’s on-screen sparks will prove capable of equally setting the world ablaze when The Idea of You arrives next month.
“Explore a romance that defies societal norms in our The Idea of You review. This film not only challenges perceptions about age and love but also dazzles with its insightful commentary and lush production.”
