25 Reactions To 'May December', Netflix's New Disturbing Film That's Loosely Based On A Real-Life Criminal Case

A deeply disturbing movie based on a notorious criminal case, May December unabashedly explores themes of exploitation, both within Hollywood and between individuals. Todd Haynes (Carol, 2015) directs the Netflix film with a dynamic acting trifecta of Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton. Actress Elizabeth Berry (Portman) visits the home of a couple to study for an acting role. The couple consists of a very predatory Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore) and Joe Yoo (Melton); the two first began their relationship when Joe was 13 years old.

Fans were stunned by the performances of the lead roles and admired Haynes’ fearless portrayal of this cutting melodrama. Here are some initial reactions to May December on Netflix.

This film deals with potentially triggering themes. We gently advise you to research and acknowledge this film’s trigger warnings prior to reading the reactions below.

A Biting Performance From Charles Melton

This scene will likely be his Oscar clip if Charles Melton is nominated. Everything in May December leads to this, a barely-contained meltdown where Joe realizes his whole life has been a twisted, manipulation. And Julianne Moore is magnificent exposing Gracie’s true cunning. pic.twitter.com/DpVVGxeIkX
— Brandon Lewis (@blewis1103) December 2, 2023

An Actor Portraying An Actor

Natalie Portman in MAY DECEMBER: pic.twitter.com/Vjt8V6Bxi0
— Tom Zohar (@TomZohar) December 3, 2023

An Analysis

May December is not a camp film, it uses camp as a device good night my loves
— eric eidelstein (@ericeidelstein) December 2, 2023

An Evil And Uncomfortable Interview Moment From The Case On Which The Movie Was Based

So many contemporary movies and shows based on real events traffic in imitation, with uncanny impressions seen as the highest achievement. What May December does to incorporate this moment is 1000x more interesting. pic.twitter.com/hNQIlQtzZQ
— Louis Peitzman (@LouisPeitzman) December 2, 2023

Rooftop Scene

the rooftop scene from may december is one of the best scenes from any movie this past year. the implications of it are so quietly devastating and both gabriel chung and charles melton play their parts so well pic.twitter.com/h76aVJ8ytp
— oliver (blue) (@travellingsoot) December 2, 2023

Repressed Pain

This was such an incredible film that showcases the insidious nature behind predatory relationships. It captures the loss of time, repressed pain & melancholy, and sentiments on stagnant trauma and abuse. Charles Melton was breathtaking & harrowing in his performance #MayDecember pic.twitter.com/iFFYjHJmpV
— heebie jeebies era (@SoNastyandRude) December 3, 2023

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore gets a lot of credit for crying on screen but MAY DECEMBER reminds you that she's also really good at whispering something creepy out of nowhere.
— Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) December 2, 2023

A Talented Cast

The actors playing Moore and Melton's kids in MAY DECEMBER are so good. You can tell *exactly* what they think of their family situation in just their glances and attitudes
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) December 2, 2023

An Absolute Horror

Portman & Moore commit to their roles, but it's Melton's heartbreaking portrayal of an emotionally stunted boy frozen in time that makes you realize you've been watching a horror film all along. #MayDecember pic.twitter.com/t1ZjC473pg
— Rich (Taylor's Version) (@richardmz13) December 2, 2023

With Natalie Portman

May December (2023) pic.twitter.com/gLtZa6weYd
— Daniel the Antifa Supersoldier (@Djhassall196) December 3, 2023

Joe And His Kids

the only moment in may, december not completely soaked and saturated with dread is joe and his kids hanging out in the kitchen before the graduation, so much warmth and love there, even just in the comfortability around each other, you can tell that the kids love joe so much pic.twitter.com/yzHdc8rkGT
— feral (@ncrmalpeople) December 3, 2023

Not Playing

That restaurant scene, Gracie's past and present clashing in the most awkward, skin scratching way, calling her Grandma!!!??? This movie was not playing.🫢👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾#MayDecember pic.twitter.com/ee861JsT5S
— tumi | she her they (@TumiTigress) December 2, 2023

Good Casting

Charles Melton was perfectly cast as Joe. His solid and “manly” physical stature is a perfect and jarring juxtaposition to the emotionally stunted boy residing in that shell. His boyish haircut was not lost on me. #MayDecember pic.twitter.com/LkbGeMEPYz
— Linder Pak (@LinderTheWriter) December 3, 2023

A Devastating Scene

I never recovered after this. #MayDecember pic.twitter.com/EvTHAaymQQ
— Olivia Truffaut-Wong (@iWatchiAm) December 4, 2023

Stellar Performances

the ryan gosling vs robert downey jr supporting actor debate looks so lame now after may december dropped pic.twitter.com/bx6p5k3ZmZ
— camilla rhodes (@baysofangels) December 2, 2023

Watch The Movie And You’ll Know

the people ordering Julianne Moore's cakes in MAY DECEMBER: pic.twitter.com/Fw5d6nWB6O
— fred (@achingkneejoint) December 2, 2023

The Talent Of Charles Melton

This scene from #MayDecember when Joe tries to be “a father” by doing what his father does but with all the gawkiness of a preteen boy. There’s a reason everyone is talking about #CharlesMelton. 👀 pic.twitter.com/RSWO7Ns4Gs
— Lindsay Kusiak (@lindsay_kusiak) December 4, 2023

Melodramatic Shifts

May December isn’t camp, but it is definitely melodrama. And I’m convinced that most audiences can’t read melodrama on the level anymore. They can’t sit with the discomfort of the emotional shifts so they flatten everything and read it through a lens of irony and humor instead. https://t.co/zqJlIygSRo
— Racquel Gates (@racquelgates) December 2, 2023