Anne Hathaway Moved to Tears by Audience Response at ‘The Idea of You’ SXSW Premiere

Anne Hathaway, renowned for her versatility and emotional depth on screen, was visibly moved to tears during the SXSW Film & TV Festival screening of her latest film, “The Idea of You.” The 41-year-old actress expressed her gratitude to the audience for their heartfelt reception of the romantic comedy, which features Hathaway as a 40-year-old single mother named Solène, and Nicholas Galitzine as the 24-year-old boy band member, Hayes, who unexpectedly captures her heart.

“I can’t talk,” Hathaway emotionally conveyed to the audience, as captured in footage shared by Variety, responding to the overwhelming connection felt by viewers. She went on to express her profound appreciation, stating, “You have no idea the gift that you’ve just given us with your responsiveness by being so connected to every little nuance in this. I will never forget this screening.”

The film, directed by Michael Showalter and based on Robinne Lee’s novel, explores the complexities of a May-December romance, challenging societal expectations and stereotypes. Hathaway, known for her range and depth as an actress, emphasized her desire to break free from pigeonholing in terms of the roles she chooses. “I don’t want to be pigeonholed and don’t want to be placed in a box of what type of films I have to be making because of my age, gender and because I won an Oscar. I want to have fun, dammit. It speaks to me,” she passionately expressed.

Galitzine, who stars opposite Hathaway in the film, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the immediate chemistry they shared during auditions. “There was something almost spiritual that happened there, whereby I felt this immediate connection to Annie,” he shared. “We had a simpatico, a shared sense of humor. It was just very easy.”

Anne Hathaway further elaborated on their bond, describing their first day on set as a “bonding ritual,” particularly during a scene that required them to immerse themselves in freezing cold water. “From that moment to the last moment 20-some odd hours later, I just looked and was like, ‘I’m in good hands on this one. I got a great partner.’ We could not have landed better, and I still feel that way,” she reflected.

“The Idea of You,” set to premiere on Amazon Prime on May 2, promises to deliver a heartfelt and refreshing take on love, connection, and the beauty of unexpected relationships.