The PSYCHOLOGY, SYMBOLISM, and TRUE STORY of May December Explained | Non-Spoiler Video Essay

In this Netflix May December video essay and May December analysis, I take a deep dive into the new May December movie, starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton. Directed by Todd Haynes, the film is a perfect blend of comedy, drama, and psychological thriller, exploring themes of humanity, romance, and trauma. I believe this film is excellent in capturing the major themes within the case of Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau through great writing, acting, directing and filmmaking.
Furthermore, in this May December explained video (spoiler-free) and Lucas Blue May December review, I'll delve into the film's symbolism and hidden meanings, uncovering the May December easter eggs, examining how it explores the age old debate of nature vs. nurture, and the criminal vs. the victim of mental illness.
This May December review breaks down why May December is perfect, what May December means for the future of thriller, romance, and drama movies, why May December works, and what makes May December so shocking. This is why I love May December. Hope you enjoy!
Director: Todd Haynes
Cast: Natalie Portman - Julianne Moore - Charles Melton - Cory Michael Smith - Elizabeth Yu - Piper Curda
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro & Agenda
00:50 The True Story
03:15 The Psychology
06:14 The Symbolism

[@lucystoner]

Hey Lucas, I really liked this film review, but Gracie wasn't written to be bipolar. The "sense of well-being" is more like you think God made you special. It's not what Gracie is doing in this film. The depression is also more like straight-forward depression. Not crying over cakes. And I'm not saying that, like, How dare you say she's bipolar? Like I love movie psychology. It just doesn't fit here. Sexual risks in bipolar are one in dones, as well, from my experience. Idk. It's more like, for a certain period of time, usually a small period of time, the part of your brain that says Don't! turns off. I engaged in many risky behavior, but I never thought I was in "love". If y'all wanna know more about bipolar, just ask me lol.

[@lucasblue20]

Yeah I feel like I was a little too eager to theorize when it came to Gracie's half of the second section. Like all my other psych-related videos, I tried my best to site my sources based on the case and on psychology websites, but I didn't consider well enough that Gracie is not a direct adaptation of Mary, and there are other forms of mental illness when it comes to the character of Gracie. My apologies, and thank you for letting me know in such a compassionate way. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, but I'll be even more careful with future uploads.

[@tessyd1170]

Bipolar 1 doesn't fit, but could she not have bipolar 2 or cyclothymic disorder?

[@Yeodoongiiie]

natalie's character was truly disturbing. she is one of those people who will cross any boundary just to get into character. every line can be crossed and it's all for the sake of her role. even seduce the guy who was clearly still suffering. he had to remind her in the end, that this is his REAL life. charles character broke me!! the way he carries his body, and talks. truly stunted and carrying trauma in his entire body which you can visibly see. i think grace looked more bpd and narcissistic. but i guess bipolar can also be. she was so vile. she knew exactly what she was doing. when joe finally wants to talk to her, she does what gr00mers do best, say it's the young person's fault. HE pursued her, she says. truly manipulator.

[@nomoresunforever3695]

It's not that Elizabeth wanted to experience what it feels like to be Gracie so that she could take on the role. It's the other way around. She took on the role so that she could feel what it's like to be Gracie. Nobody understands why Gracie did something as vile as manipulating a powerless 13 year old with sex. But Elizabeth does. Because she is just like Gracie. She gets off on power and manipulation too. She is the fox that Gracie comes face to face with in the woods: Two predators after the same prey. In the final scene Elizabeth keeps wanting to do the take where she manipulates the 13 year old Joe over and over again, because as she says 'it's starting to feel more real' with every take. That is what she was after the whole film.

[@LaiLai..]

Yes I was watching this thinking “Gracie may have issues, but Elizabeth has issues as well ” lol .

[@ebenezerstooge]

I agree . But at the same time I’m happy she made Gracie’s life difficult for a short period and even told Joe that he can start over and that his responsibility is to himself.

[@PassiveAgressive319]

I picked up his stunted growth too. They he walked, talks and acted. He even behaved like the kids brothers than father. Excellent acting by Charles Melton.

[@anonimome]

As a therapist, bipolar disorder doesn’t make you a pedophile

[@lucystoner]

As someone with bipolar, I don't think she acted very bipolar in the film. I believe Mary Kay was diagnosed with it, but the film makes Gracie seem more NPD/BPD. And once again, those things don't make you a pedophile. I just didn't think her character had what I would consider more bipolar characteristics.

[@patio_daddio_69]

THANK YOU as a bipolar person I have NEVER had romantic or sexual feelings for a child. I can't even take people 2-3 years younger than me seriously as romantic prospects.

[@jakestroll6518]

Mary Kay was a child molester not a diagnosed pedophile, I’d think “a therapist” would know the difference. She didn’t ordinarily feel attraction to kids but did to this one for multiple reasons and the bipolar was one of them. The bipolar gave her hypersexuality and reduced her cognitive ability during her manic episodes. It’s also where her delusions of grandeur came from. Doesn’t mean ALL bipolars will do this but it will add to the factors that send you down dark roads like this or others.

[@letshaveacuppa_official]

I wouldn’t go so far as to call her a pedophile.

[@zizojaezekeom3565]

But didn't she fall in love? P*dophiles don't fall in love with their victims they desire them sexualy, she's mostly isn't in love tho

[@nomoresunforever3695]

It's not that Elizabeth wanted to experience what it feels like to be Gracie so that she could take on the role. It's the other way around. She took on the role so that she could feel what it's like to be Gracie. Nobody understands why Gracie did something as vile as manipulating a powerless 13 year old with sex. But Elizabeth does. Because she is just like Gracie. She gets off on power and manipulation too. She is the fox that Gracie comes face to face with in the woods: Two predators after the same prey. In the final scene Elizabeth keeps wanting to do the take where she manipulates the 13 year old Joe over and over again, because as she says 'it's starting to feel more real' with every take. That is what she was after the whole film.

[@dulcerodriguez3681]

Your conclusion brings so much understanding and makes total sense. I wonder if the actress also symbolizes the predatory nature of media, which in these cases further exploits the victims and survivors of sexual abuse, and makes whatever it wants of the concept of sexual abuse itself

[@nomoresunforever3695]

@dulcerodriguez3681 I think that makes a lot of sense. And perhaps she does not just symbolize the media, but also the audience? All of us, who watch those true crime films to feel the thrill of these horrible stories.

[@aldalome]

what was elizabeth saying "this is what grownups do" about then?

[@sunshinefogleman127]

Elizabeth was every bit as predatory as Gracie.

[@lucystoner]

​@@aldalome I think she was trying to open his eyes- not out of kindness, but out of manipulation. She was putting herself in the same position as Gracie. Sex does not equal love. But that's what he thought his whole life. It meant nothing to her to shatter his worldview. And yeah, I agree it's about the media. When the actress is casting the young boy, she complains that the actors aren't sexy enough. Showing how skeevy the media is, too.

[@mayln163]

It was really harsh when Elizabeth said “It’s what grown ups do” after she slept with Joe.

[@saber9876]

it was so condescending she never saw him as more than a piece in the puzzle

[@beatsventura8813]

she helped him understand, by using him, she is doing the same thing as Gracie did/is doing. Like, she snapped him into the reality of the situation.

[@drummist1000]

Slept with? I don’t they were asleep.

[@ahaze_]

​@@beatsventura8813 I felt that line was meant to highlight just how childlike Joe is-- he is still easily manipulated and unable to understand adult complexities

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

Yes.. I totally agree with you. She said that because she saw as childlike. It was very condescending and rude of her to say. When he walked out she just laid down and couldn’t wait to open and read the letter

[@patio_daddio_69]

Linking Bipolar disorder with pedophilia because of the symptom of hyper sexuality and sexual recklessness is really irresponsible. I'm sorry that's just not okay.

[@letshaveacuppa_official]

Totally agree with you it had nothing to do with what happened. Y’all got your arm chair doctors on here

[@beckibullets6986]

exactly what i was thinking. i have bipolar disorder and i don't groom children. fucking disgrace

[@somerset8088]

Natalie Portman loves these Black Swan psychological studies lol

[@JanetDax]

The interesting thing to me was Elizebeth's embracing the dark side. She had sex with Joe, and in the last scene where she is working on movie's seduction scene, she goes from acting to a real attempt at seduction.

[@PynkSpotsYT]

Yes! Which is a great callback to her talk with the drama students about how "intimate" scenes in movies aren't supposed to feel real but they often do (to her, at least).

[@TalkSickMass]

The way she delivered the monologue with the letter sounded like she was doing a more sexualized portrayal of Gracie but she starts to get emotional and conflicted realizing all these years, Joe was a victim and Gracie was a predator.

[@mad6582]

It was such a great performance on Natalie's part at the end. Her ability, in a meta type of way, go from acting rigidly and unbeleviably at first and then slowly take after take act like she's preforming more naturally. So good!

[@originaozz]

This film felt truly voyeuristic. I came out feeling very sorry for Joe. It's like he has never been able to experienced his life on his own and only get to processed it through other people. Both his wife and the actress forced their own version of the story upon him; Mary as a lie to herself and Elizabeth to reaffirm her status as the actress who fully "embodies" a character to serve her own ego. The way he cries like a child being stunted felt so heart breaking, I just wish for him to discover his happiness for himself. This year films like May December, Killers of the Flower Moon, along with Locke Henry (from Black Mirror S5) really made me feel like true crimes/biopic as a genre will never not be exploitative. Even with good intentions, it's still one version of the truth that most people will see based on the interpretation of the storytellers.

[@camilaniram]

Can't stop thinking about Charles' performance

[@emmm_4465]

You’re right Joe even as an adult seemed to regress as a child in the highly emotive times, like the seggs scene with Portmans’s character felt like her saying “tough luck kid” him so heartbroken it didn’t mean more… It’s like he’s arrested emotionally to the time he was abused….

[@allisonjackson6142]

The music was a real choice…. I couldn’t get over it

[@hangoutwithme346]

I thought this movie was one of the most engaging I’ve seen in years. I loved the slow subtle unfolding pace of it.

[@lucasblue20]

Totally agree! The intentions of every character are so hard to figure out until the very end, especially Portman, I was locked in

[@courtneycoleman6849]

In the movie the actually met working at a pet shop together, Gracie wasn’t his teacher =)

[@lucasblue20]

Thank you for this! You are correct!

[@TheeBattyWhite]

I hope they actually watched this.

[@mazzystarr7078]

Mary Kay is dead so I doubt it @@TheeBattyWhite

[@NeverLockedUp]

Came here to say this…. Thanks lol

[@serious261]

=)

[@Caprieye789]

Gracie does not exhibit any signs of bipolar disorder. She's disturbed for sure, but a bipolar diagnosis does not fit what is shown and said about her in the movie. She fits the profile of someone who is cunning, manipulative, in denial, and fixated on her public image and getting validation from others.

[@dulcerodriguez3681]

Agreed. Risky sexual behavior is not the same as predatory and abusive sexual behavior.

[@adriana8607]

Yeah. Narcissism, pedophilia, some signs of BPD, but not bipolar. Unless IRL Mary was bipolar, which would explain why they said it in court.

[@bintarchetype]

***SPOILERS*** Honestly, what her son Georgie said about Gracie being sexually abused by her older brothers (if what he said was in fact true) would make sense because she exhibited signs of someone who had a lot of childhood trauma (including Mom trauma that she projected onto her children). Her various mood swings throughout the film seemed like they were a norm as well, especially that scene where Joe comes back from his walk with Elizabeth and as soon as he comes back is met with Gracie’s sobbing. His long and exasperated “fuck” as he hears it, to me, hinted towards the fact that this behaviour was reoccurring. Not to mention the way her children are around her. No doubt that as they got older, they realized the twisted nature of their parents’ relationship; but, it seemed that they also just didn’t like her at all lol. But that’s more of an innate personality thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had BPD to be honest. But at the end of the day, even if she were to have it, it would not excuse her abuse and sexual perversions.

[@lucystoner]

​@@bintarchetype BPD and Bipolar are not the same disorder.

[@lucystoner]

Yes, I agree.

[@mazzystarr7078]

I didn't see mania in her, she was too calculated for that. I see a narc and a sociopath.

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

Totally agree! I said the same thing. No mania at all! Mild Depression possibly with all the breakdowns and crying but could’ve been fake just to manipulate and control Joe. She didn’t seem wrong about her actions, possibly lived in Denial or just didn’t give a shit.

[@Buzz0216]

I hate when adult men are high-fiving teenage boys when they lose their virginity or start a sexual relationship with a much older woman. Like it's an accomplishment when it is clearly an abuse and the boy will have lasting psychological problems for the rest of his life.

[@kittensneezes]

Also, one of the many reasons sa of young boys does not get taken as seriously as it should.

[@mia6470]

Bipolar disorder does NOT explain Gracie’s behavior, like some people in the comments already explained. You got that part seriously wrong. She most likely has a personality disorder.

[@EdSmed20]

yes, i think borderline personality disorder is a better explainer of her behavior

[@aesthetic.nataliab]

the fact that she met him at 2nd grade…

[@thisismyinferno]

So horrifying. Ive seen time and time again, how mostly men, dismiss the fact that its abusive for a grown woman to rap3 a boy. Children are chikdren no matter the gender, and the psychological effects of abus3 is devastating. And these grown women are every bit as predators as a man in that position. So gross.

[@wayasaunooke3424]

I 100% agree. I've also noticed within society, generally speaking, and also in the media, most of the time these women are called everything except for the correct word- pedophile. People easily and correctly call men pedophiles if they are, but people seem to rarely use that term and word whrn women are the predator and abuser. It is vital we call them what they are so that the abuse and horror can truly be seen for what it is. I hate how these women get away with their actions.

[@gorey4more837]

In think you're missing the point in judging how others view a woman predator vs. a male predator. "I've seen this time and time again." As have I. People, like yourselves, get angry that women aren't called rapists or pedophiles, when in your mind they are just as bad, sometimes worse, than their male counterparts. Of course it differs from state to state, but rape is typically defined as an act of forced "penetration." Biology is where the distinction occurs. What some don't understand is that a male erection is a biological response and not controlled, as in the case of a young boy with an adult woman. It is still a betrayal of trust and using one's position to gain control and sexually exploit. I also don't think the drive of women is typically the same as men's in terms of pedophilia and rape. Our brains certainly process information very differently, not to mention the way we are programmed to think about our gender roles within society. (Daughter, wife, mother, caregiver vs. hunter, breadwinner, protector, etc.) Women who fit the profile of Letourneau seem stunted, almost trapped in an adolescent way of viewing the world. And I will remind you that pedophilia is listed as a diagnosable mental disorder in the DSM-V. Acknowledging that does NOT mean we condone or support the behavior in any way. This is a much more complex topic that our emotions allow us to recognize.

[@cheri7054]

I don't think Gracie treated him like a child in some scenes. Like when Gracie broke down about losing a client. Joe comforted her like they were the same age. Otherwise, she did act like he was her son in most other scenes. I think it went back and forth

[@lindseystein9676]

The “May December” title rubs me the wrong way. It implies consent, in my opinion. The true story and the movie storyline it’s based on was not a “May/December” romance, it was a predator targeting and grooming a child.

[@TheBrookeJ]

I’m not a psychologist but Gracie is giving a personality disorder rather than bipolar

[@modarXmodar]

She should have served a life sentence, it’s a shame that they let her out like that

[@ThePaigeBen]

I believe they let her out because she was a woman. If a man had sex with a 12 year old girl he'd still be in prison now.

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

Totally agreed!

[@user-hk7un1cg9v]

It's sick that they let her out. Disgusting.

[@lucasblue20]

May December is another one of my favorite films of the year, so much to discuss! What are your thoughts on the film, or do you plan to see it? Let me know below!

[@shawnpierre5755]

I love your video essays! Your analysis of the symbolism in the third section is so good and ties in so well with the debate of the real history! Excellent video!!

[@lucasblue20]

Thank you so much!! The symbolism was such a nice touch by the filmmaker, really shows the writers and directors took their time. So happy to hear you enjoyed!!

[@cherylrleigh1912]

Impressive job! Your insightful analysis delves into a sensitive topic that only a select few possess the capacity to truly grasp.

[@lucasblue20]

This really means a lot to me, I really tried my best to respect the original story, subject matter, and the different arguments around crime and mental illness. So glad you felt that way, thank you so much for letting me know!!

[@jooliagoolia9959]

The book If Loving You is Wrong about MK has details that have left me aghast and I thought I knew quite a lot about that case. Well worth the read or audiobook.

[@JonathanAmesPhD]

Gracie isn't primarily bipolar. She's probably traumatically fixated herself (via the brothers), hiding in a compensatory, conflicting narcissistic persona. The key symbolic expression in this film comes from Joe's admonition to Elizabeth "not to damage the fragile chrysalis" . Which seems to have occurred to them both. Re the "fox" scene, we're wondering if Gracie will kill herself; we don't hear a shot. Elizabeth, psychospiritually joining Gracie in sexually having Joe, begins her 'escapade' in a panic of suffocation, from which he saves her. Go figure...though judging any of these characters moralistically lends neither clarity nor dignity. As they say in back alleys and 12-step meetings, "hurt people hurt people".

[@astroemerald3175]

K L was interviewed by 60 minutes Australia . She basically blamed Billy for the SA . Would not admit to any wrong doing on her part .

[@jooliagoolia9959]

I'm listening to the audiobook If Loving You is Wrong and it has soo many details about Mary's early life and I"ve just started and I'm floored by her family !!! The book does give deep descriptions and does get a bit caught in the details but it's also well done. MK's last interview with 60 Minutes left me aghast at her openly blaming her child lover for all of it. Come to find out, her father did exactly the same thing but not with someone underage. Her father and mother were soooo abusive it's surprising even knowing what I did know.

[@ncivey]

She was so vile. And for him to be forced to marry his abuser….i hope he has finally found peace after all this.

[@wayasaunooke3424]

Just so you know,his name is Vili

[@jooliagoolia9959]

@@wayasaunooke3424 I'm sure it was auto correct

[@wayasaunooke3424]

@jooliagoolia9959 yes probably, was just letting them know because Vili and all victims deserve to be known in truth. I meant no harm ♡

[@michalathompson3979]

Im so glad you mentioned the symbolism with the butterflies, I pick that up as I was watching it and I havent seen anyone mention it in their analysis of the movie and i wish someone would talk about the weird relationship btw gracie and her son that is about to graduating cause i found that so unnerving while watching the movie

[@zingara76]

Aaron Taylor-Johnson entered ↩️ the chat. 😬 He was 18, and he was 42. However, they met when he was around 8 or younger.

[@Wetzeem]

They also refuse to talk about it. Because they are married now and have children. Predatory behavior!!

[@amybess]

Don't forget about Courtney Stodden

[@fadedandfrustrated]

I havent seen much dialogue discussing the racial disparities at play. Joe + Villi being MOC is a very important part of this story. Pacific Islanders have been fetishized by yt culture since they made first contact and are particularly at risk of being sexually assaulted (statistically speaking). Villi's story has brought so much of this conversation to the forefront; but when we say things like "Mary Kay doesnt look like she could be a predator", we center yt perspectives + ignore centuries of world history where colonizers who look just like her very much felt entitled to the bodies + lives of POC. Ive experienced + witnessed the fetishizing of children of color by yt adults my entire life + they all repeated the same (false) beliefs about the adultification of Black + Brown kids (or that we cant be r*ped). I absolutely believe his race was part of the attraction + taboo that she seemed to get off on.

[@beautifulsoulgirl8683]

I can say vice versa. POC often fetishize white people. It works both ways.

[@izzydandrea7548]

It was obviously pointed out in the movie. She goes “I remember they were the only Korean family on the island” and he clarifies “half Korean”. And when natalie and him have a convo he mentions he was different and had no friends and that the girls didn’t see him. Gracie saw that and capitalized on it like a monster.

[@Cocojazz6002]

Your breakdown was so on point👌🏽!!

[@lucasblue20]

So happy to hear this! Thank you so much!!

[@Milkberry333]

As someone who was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder (I'm autistic), I can tell you right now that she does not have bipolar disorder. Even in the film they address that she has a personality disorder. Please don't speak on things you're clearly not educated on as though you are a source of reliability.

[@rebekahsunday3254]

The music in this movie ruined it for me 😂

[@jenn8459]

Same here 😅

[@biarritz59]

It was the best part..perfect music for this movie. Spot on

[@TheProud_Cat_Lady]

This movie was creepy and sad. Hard to watch really. As a mother of a son I couldn’t imagine.

[@Over50withWellaBelle]

I agree 100%. Repulsive is the word that comes to mind. He was literally a little boy, a child that has not in any way entered manhood. I have not watched the movie yet because I remember how disturbing the true story was. I may watch it because of the great cast and the mental illness angle. Still it is extremely disturbing and the May December title is irritating for a movie about a controlling creepy predatory relationship.

[@Ijustsaidthat]

amazing analysis

[@lucasblue20]

Thank you so much!!

[@555_Lady_JB]

Lucas, first time viewer. You are special in your synopsis, because it was pretty deep.

[@juanitamariposa]

I watches this movie in October at Gent movie fest and looooved it! I was surprised I actually liked it and now cannot wait to show it to my friends when it's online

[@lucasblue20]

Gent Film Fest looks like such a great time haha you’re lucky, and I was just saying to my brother that this movie is probably the most pleasant surprise of 2023 for me. So glad you loved it!

[@michelleleichter4119]

reading this from Gent haha I am so looking forward for the movie! And love your Meg pic haha

[@juanitamariposa]

@@michelleleichter4119 hahaha what a coincidence! Thank you❤️ have a great day. It's nice weather today😄

[@TiagoNuremberg]

Good analysis

[@lucasblue20]

Thank you!!

[@Deletethisacct0324]

Let's not go over board on the interpretation of what happened.

[@ondreaplays]

I feel like this movie wishes it had the impact, intensity, pacing that was felt in Sharp Objects

[@kjewelb7209]

Interesting..I loved Sharp Objects as well

[@arozeisarozie]

You have a talent for captivating, but this video is (probably accidentally) falsely implying that bipolar disorder makes you constantly erratic or a pedophile.

[@hollym4051]

It’s a very ignorant assumption to make, but this video was full of errors so not surprised. Not even sure if the guy actually watched the movie.

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

It’s definitely not Bipolar Disorder. I have friends that are Bipolar and have studied many disorders and this is not BPD, possibly NPD and seemed like a Sociopath

[@TOFKAS01]

The only interesting thing about that move is the fact, that Natalie Portman really can act now. She is not the peace of wood on legs she was in her youth. Perhaps she will earn her awards now with acting and not just with claptrap or sensationalism.

[@francescalowe]

Excellent ❤❤❤

[@lucasblue20]

Thank you so much!!

[@jennyanthonia7553]

i so wanted to hear your thoughts on this as I find may december to be one of the best films I've watched this year, but the psychology segment of this video really turned me off. You say based on the research you did in regards to this video, the dynamic between Gracie and Joe is that of bipolar personality disorder and victim of sexual grooming. There is no concrete evidence to be throwing around medical terms to describe Gracie. She was a pedophile. That is a fact, given she assaulted a 13 year old boy. But that doesn't mean she has bpd. That section of the video can further lead to the stigmatisation of an already misunderstood mental illness. I don't know if you have any experience / are knowledgable in the field of psychology, but that section is causing me to err on the side of you not.

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

Agreed and this is NOT BPD - yes she had a Personality Disorder but it’s not Bipolar Based, it’s a NPD for sure and other crap was “off” with he.

[@christievanderlaan7575]

Did you watch the movie at all?

[@nancydorn2524]

Thank you, Lucas?

[@Ad_Astra2023]

As a mother of a son, this story horrifies me. This woman is a pedophile and I always thought pedophilia is a mental illness because it is simply not normal.

[@Fontomia]

Reversed real life "Lolita" ...More awareness needed on young boys being violated 💔

[@tdetrik4705]

Would it be a scandalous if it were an older man and a young girl? Somehow I think not

[@parrotpirate9648]

Trauma bond

[@josevalinas3318]

She was not his teacher in the movie. They worked in a pet shop

[@nnjjuudd9325]

6:20 The name of the soundtruck PLEASE

[@lucasblue20]

It's called Mysterious Moments by Eneide

[@hollym4051]

You have a great talent for storytelling, but there are so many errors in this video it’s crazy! Did you watch the movie at all or just a recap? Also, the thing about bipolar disorder is just wrong.

[@ebenezerstooge]

Natalie’s character is just like Gracie but still I was glad that she made Gracie’s life a living hell. It serves her right.

[@EdSmed20]

very entertaining, but this movie felt very surface level. feel like it added no more context to the true story than we already have. entertaining though nonetheless!

[@movieaddict96]

Can someone explain the " who was in charge " part

[@beatsventura8813]

Gracies attempt to turn the blame on Joe for what happened. Joe was the victim, and she groomed him throughout their relationship.

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

Gaslighting

[@beautifulsoulgirl8683]

They took it from a Real line from a Mary K. laturneoua interview. You can watch her and Villi’s old interviews online.

[@beautifulsoulgirl8683]

@@beatsventura8813it’s actually a real line she yelled at Villi during an interview

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

Why was it called May December ?

[@sarahmajor5945]

Change the sexes, is it still your favorite movie?

[@deliciousful]

Lolita?

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

Gracie was truly sick. She clearly had some type of mental disorder. She never even acknowledged, that was she did was wrong. Lived in denial her entire life. Not sure if she meant to gaslight Joe on purpose , possibly didn’t because she was in denial about her actions. Assumed she didn’t do anything wrong that thought it was perfectly normal to fall for a 13 year old boy. The movie was highly disturbing and just bad.

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

I don’t understand Gracie constant crying in the movie, why was she crying that time, Joe got in bad stinky with her? Was it because he didn’t shower and she was OCC about it and caused her to cry ? Or what ? That didn’t make sense and then she was crying when the lady cancelled those cake orders .. why ?? So many things that don’t make sense in this movie

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

And who was Joe texting the entire show ??? I thought they might reveal but never did

[@SweetChilly0410]

I kinda see it as the texting phase which teenagers have .. His growth was really stunted

[@AnthroHistorian]

There is no need to justify bad behavior with mental illness diagnosis.

[@izzydandrea7548]

Them breaking up would end that woman’s life (both in irl and in the movie) SHE NEEDS the marraige sadly. So she will claw and manipulate that emotionally stunted man to thinking that both of them were wrong and that both of their reputations are ruined if they do this, she probably dangles their children over his head as well.

[@rocren6246]

02:07 Words cannot be showing on KZbin. 1984 is happening.

[@AlejandroPradoLavin]

You forgot the fox

[@lucasblue20]

Yeah I was a little reluctant to mention the fox cus I felt like it was pretty late in the film, but to address it here, i feel like it ties in with the predator concept for Gracie. It’s the most vivid analogy in the film of her predator nature, literally hunting and being feared by innocent wildlife. Hope that makes sense!

[@theessentialforager6658]

Foxes can represent cunning and deception too.

[@lestervaldesnunez74]

This is romantically terrifying

[@vingram100]

I'm not gonna lie, the thumbnail made me think that the women were in a may-december relationship.

[@DennissaLuciano]

I am 34 I can't see myself with a child of 12 I will a child that age as my son

[@patremick6562]

The truly shocking issue is the waste of time watching this movie.

[@user-hk7un1cg9v]

People, let's get educated about different mental health diagnoses, shall we? She is not living with bipolar. Try Borderline Personality Disorder- that a closer match. Read and educate yourself about mental health diagnoses before you declare someone with one.

[@PassiveAgressive319]

It’s funny Elizabeth took herself so seriously as an actress and it just turned out to be a tacky made for TV movie

[@Hi-ok2yc]

If Letournaeu was a man would we even have such a deep analysis.

[@jl5574]

I can’t speak to the accuracy of Letourneau’s diagnosis but I don’t think your assertion that the Gracie character in the film is bipolar is supported. And drawing a direct line from bipolar disorder to pedophilia based on skimming WebMD is a little irresponsible.

[@letshaveacuppa_official]

She didn’t groom, Vili. Sick and twisted if it is, it is to both myself and many others he loved her. That’s why in 2005 he married her. Nobody forced him at that age to marry her. That was his decision at that point when we do reach a certain age we take responsibility for our own actions stop blaming everything on psychological problems, I see that within my own family take responsibility for your own actions see a shrink

[@amybess]

Oh, come on. The situation was very fucked up.

[@hugochavez1287]

You missed the point entirely. You dropped this year 10 media studies analysis of the film and the film was operating on that assumption. The film squashes that entirely and operates on an entirely different level. In fact... there were three layers to this film and you missed two. There was the one you saw, the one about Gracie being "crazy" and being a stereotypical narcissist. Then there's the deeper one, the one about Elizabeth being crazy which you didn't even touch on. All the scenes indicating that this was a bit more than just research for Elizabeth and that she herself might have had some sort of pedophilic inclination. Then there's final and most disturbing layer. The uncomfortable truth that neither of these women are crazy and that most people watching this film are Elizabeth. They're voyeurs like her that chose to come to the cinema to indulge in the Mary Kay Letourneau/Vili Fualaau affair three decades after it first became a media sensation that captured everyone's dark imagination. Jill Sobule is a woman like Mary Kay Letourneau and Gracie Atherton. She released a song dedicated to the Letourneau-Fualaau affair called "Mary Kay" on her album Pink Pearl and it was a disturbingly sensual and sentimental ode to a sordid affair that Jill Sobule endorsed. Women -LOVED- what Mary Kay represented. There's a Mary Kay in every woman. Gracie said it best. Insecure people have to make up stories to justify themselves. Elizabeth was trying to distort Gracie and Joe's relationship into a neat little story about an inter-generational cycle abuse that could possibly even excuse her fascination with a May-December affair with a "sexy" underage boy. But that's not true at all. The truth of the matter is, this is something that appeals to most people. They wouldn't make a film with attractive actors like Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman and Charles Melton if they didn't want to appeal to people who saw something slightly enticing about all this. In some ways, this film is like Albert Camus' "The Outsider." It's about a person who refuses to apologize or justify themselves to a world they see as being the ones in the wrong. And it's disturbing because we can identify with their platform.

[@ethelnagelberg1654]

Why is no one discussing her mental illness-bipolar 1 disorder??!!

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

Why does everyone think she has bipolar ? I don’t see the signs , only seem MILD depression, not even major and yes there are some mood changes….. but I believe they might done on purpose to seek attention or as s way to manipulate a situation.

[@sienadeasey7915]

who was bro researching?

[@maitrikhera6210]

this guy sounds like he thinks he’s so smart

[@parrotpirate9648]

My morales are shaky to put it nicely and i could not imagine having sex with a 12 year old child

[@davidboyle479]

This is full of mistakes

[@HOA4157]

Can you add trigger warning for snakes… I have a phobia 😭 I wasn’t ready especially with the egg eating

[@lucasblue20]

Omg that is so smart and I'm so sorry, it didn't even cross my mind. I'll make sure to keep this in mind for next time, thank you for letting me know!!

[@KS-xd8zi]

The world doesn't have to cater to your phobias, get over yourself! people are getting ridiculous😂

[@venuswilliamsinfurs]

Not bipolar, no idea what you're talking about

[@bambieb2177]

The movie was boring and had no climax. The description said it would delve into the psychology and long term effects of this inappropriate relationship. They literally tried to talk about it once the she said, “graduation is tomorrow”. They went to graduation and the actress went on to set to act. Movie didn’t show how horrible the relationship was or would be long term. Didn’t show how he was a victim and would come to see and feel that. This movie and all like it are Sensationalized Abuse.

[@juliansmith4987]

Did we watch the same movie?

[@bambieb2177]

@@juliansmith4987 obviously you watched a movie with no life experience. When you’re older and/or have kids you will see how this trash doesn’t suffice

[@bambieb2177]

@@honeymoon1115 Dude. It actually does. Plot: 30’s woman has a relationship with a young child. Possibly Climax: Woman see she was an abuser, rapist, sexual deviant. Has loads of regret and disdain for herself. Victim comes into their victimhood and realizes the relationship was abuse and disgusting. That’s the gift of aging. Realizing you’d never do that at your age and how f’d up it was for someone to do it to you. Also how you’d kill someone for doing it to your kid(s). But you are clearly too young to sniff a clue.

[@bambieb2177]

@@honeymoon1115 Okay Kiddo 👶

[@bambieb2177]

@@marianasv3334 100%. I just wish they dig deeper into that you know. The abuse happens everyday, but people really don’t understand the aftermath, long term impact, nightmares, relationship trauma and dysfunction, difficulty maintain future relationships, stigma, etc. They sensationalized the same old drama but missed an opportunity to share the inside mind of the victim and the process of realization and healing.

[@tonimedlen5371]

Your inaccurate assessment is going to stigmatise people with bipolar disorder. There is NOLINK between bipolar and pedophillia ! You are overviewing mania and the behaviours of mania but those do not have anything to do with her pedo tendencies !

[@aliciaklass]

A very bad movie only western audience can say it's watchable

[@DaveScott-nd6pk]

Totally agree… the movie was horrible

[@judylmb8254]

This is the worst movie I have ever seen on Netflix. Absolutely nauseating and boring. I finally had to fast forward; horrible!