While Anne Hathaway has proven time and again that she is a versatile actress, tackling different genres, one can argue that she shines in romantic comedies and dramas. It’s just something about her, her undeniable charisma or vulnerability, that makes her a great heroine in romance.
And, to prove that, she has returned to the genre with “The Idea of You,” in which she plays a 40-year-old divorced mother who will fall in love with the biggest pop star on the planet Hayes Campbell (played by the dreamy Nicholas Galitzine). And, no, “The Idea of You” is not a fan-fiction of Harry Styles.
The film has been well-received by critics and we don’t doubt that it will also become a hit on Prime Video. While Hathaway is eager to reprise her role as Queen Mia in a potential sequel of “The Princess Diaries,” we want to revisit another one of his great performances: “Love and Other Drugs,” which you can find on Hulu.
‘Love and Other Drugs’: A classic romantic drama with Anne Hathaway
After starring in films such as “Ella Enchanted” and “The Princess Diaries,” Hathaway took a more mature role in “Love and Other Drugs,” released in 2010 and directed by Edward Zwick, known for directing films such as “Glory” and “The Last Samurai.”
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jamie Randall, a charming pharmaceutical salesman, while Hathaway is Maggie Murdock, a free-spirited woman with Parkinson’s disease. Set in the mid-1990s, the movie explores their tumultuous relationship amidst the backdrop of the pharmaceutical industry.
The plot revolves around Jamie’s career as a Pfizer representative, where he meets Maggie during one of his sales calls. Despite their initial attraction, their relationship faces numerous challenges, particularly due to Maggie’s health condition and Jamie’s reluctance to commit to a serious relationship.
While it was a commercial success, “Love and Other Drugs” received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the performances of Gyllenhaal and Hathaway and the film’s exploration of serious themes such as illness and intimacy, others criticized its tonal shifts between comedy and drama. However, Hathaway’s portrayal of a woman coping with Parkinson’s disease garnered particular acclaim.