what is the plot of may december?

Project Fab

4 min read

·

20-03-2025

1

0

Share

Unraveling the Complex Plot of "May December": A Story of Obsession, Morality, and Performance

Todd Haynes' "May December" isn't a film that readily reveals its plot in a straightforward manner. Instead, it unfolds slowly, meticulously layering its themes of obsession, performance, and the fluidity of truth and perception. The narrative centers on a complex relationship between a young actress, Elizabeth "Liz" Berry (Natalie Portman), and a seemingly ordinary suburban couple, Gracie and Joe (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton). The film's plot, however, is best understood not as a singular, linear progression, but as an intertwining of several narratives that converge and diverge, ultimately leaving the audience to contemplate the nature of truth and the ethics of storytelling.

The initial premise revolves around Liz's preparation for a role playing Gracie, a woman who, 20 years prior, was involved in a highly publicized scandal. Gracie, now in her 40s, was convicted of having an affair with a then-13-year-old boy, a relationship that resulted in a child, now a young adult named Chaz (Owen Burman). Liz, intrigued by the story, immerses herself in Gracie's life, spending weeks with her and her family to prepare for the role. This immersion forms the core of the film's plot, exposing the layers of the couple's lives and their ongoing struggle to reconcile with their past.

The film cleverly structures the plot around several intertwined narratives. The first is Liz's own story—her ambition, her dedication to her craft, and her subtle, yet palpable, fascination with Gracie's life. Liz, driven by a desire to understand Gracie's motivations, engages in what becomes a form of performance itself. She doesn't just observe; she participates, becoming a temporary member of Gracie's family, navigating the complex dynamics between Gracie, Joe, and Chaz. This participation is crucial because Liz's portrayal of Gracie is not merely an imitation but a process of understanding, ultimately blurring the lines between reality and acting.

The second narrative is Gracie and Joe's story. Their relationship, strained by their past, serves as the central conflict. Joe, who initially stood by Gracie, now displays a mixture of resentment and forced acceptance. The past trauma still haunts them, creating rifts in their seemingly ordinary family life. Their relationship showcases the lasting impact of societal judgment and the struggle to maintain normalcy in the face of scandal. The film doesn't shy away from the complexities of their situation, portraying both the affection and the tension between them.

The third narrative, perhaps the most subtly unsettling, is that of Chaz. He is the direct consequence of Gracie's past actions, existing within the shadow of the scandal that defined his parents' lives. His perspective, although largely unspoken, acts as a silent commentary on the film's central themes. He observes Liz's intense engagement with his mother's life, creating a sense of unease and raising questions about the ethical boundaries of artistic interpretation. Chaz's presence subtly highlights the long-term ramifications of past decisions and the difficulty of reconciling with a history shaped by scandal.

As Liz spends more time with Gracie and her family, the film subtly reveals the narrative’s central conflict: the tension between the public perception of Gracie's story and the reality of her life. The media portrayed Gracie as a predatory villain, a label that follows her to this day. However, the film subtly counters this narrative, presenting Gracie as a complex individual grappling with the consequences of her past. Her current life, while outwardly appearing normal, is fraught with unspoken tensions, hints of unresolved issues, and a continuous negotiation of her past actions.

Haynes masterfully uses the device of dramatic irony to further complicate the plot. The audience is privy to glimpses of Gracie's inner life, her vulnerabilities, and her attempts to create a semblance of normalcy. In contrast, Liz, while observing and participating, still struggles to fully grasp the nuances of Gracie's experiences. This discrepancy between the audience's understanding and Liz's evolving perception underscores the film's theme of subjective truth and the limits of empathy.

The plot's climax doesn't involve a dramatic confrontation or a sudden revelation. Instead, it unfolds gradually, with subtle shifts in the relationships between the characters. Liz’s intense involvement begins to affect Gracie, while Joe seems to experience a moment of clarity. The film concludes without providing easy answers, leaving the audience to ponder the ethical implications of Liz's actions and the lasting consequences of past choices. The film's ambiguity is deliberate; it invites the viewer to consider the multifaceted nature of truth, the power of storytelling, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly those shaped by public scrutiny and social judgment.

Ultimately, the plot of "May December" is less about a specific sequence of events and more about the exploration of the intricate web of human relationships and the enduring impact of the past. The film’s power lies in its ability to provoke reflection, not to offer clear-cut resolutions. It’s a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, prompting ongoing discussion about the nature of empathy, artistic interpretation, and the ethical responsibilities involved in portraying others' lives, particularly those marked by scandal and controversy. The ambiguity inherent in the plot is not a weakness but a strength, allowing for multiple interpretations and fostering a deeper engagement with the film’s complex themes.