We need to talk about 'May December' 

Her saying "who was the boss" over and over again was horrific to watch

I'm 37 and the thought of being with a 12 year is so incredibly disturbing. She was 100% a predator

I think it was a year or two ago when someone leaked that Vili initiated the separation because after years he started to understand how much she actually hurt him. And I just feel so much for him, living 20 years with a predator controlling you like that and thinking she loves you, and then realizing... I'm heartbroken for him, and I wish for him and his daughters nothing but safety, love and healing

I really hope Charles Melton gets some awards recognition for this. As someone living with trauma, he captured the adult stuck in it. He's technically a man, but is still the young boy who was preyed upon and groomed by a predator. His meltdown scene with Gracie, where she basically quotes that disturbing interview nearly verbatim, he still seems to be a young boy caught in stasis. That last shot of him crying and laughing during the graduation, and when he's on the roof with his son, just broke my heart. He sees his son is about to go to college, and it hits him the full weight of his situation. That he could have been the same as him, graduated, gone on to a new life, but is stuck with his abuser while having children, when he's still feeling like a child, totally stunted. He's brilliant and heartbreaking. The whole cast is great, but Portman made my skin crawl as she also manipulates and grooms Joe for her own benefit. Moore is typically terrific. But this is one chilling film that isn't exploitative but confronts you with the reality of the situation and leaves you with questions and confusions, just like Joe and this entire true story. It's infuriating, challenging, and disturbing, but Todd Haynes once again directs the film with flawless skill. One of the best films of year. And yes, that music. But what really got to me was that ending, spoilers btw, when it's revealed... well you'll see... that this isn't some oscar worthy film Portman is getting research on, but some cheap lifetime movie. Such a great and brutal punch line.

I remember after she died, a news station had a tribute to her at the end of the show and it finished with sweet music and happy pictures of her and her family. I felt sick after watching it. They were glamorizing and romanticizing her.

I was a kid in the 90s and distinctly remember the Mary Kay Letourneau case. I watched May December yesterday and honestly I don’t know how I feel. It was uncomfortable to learn about when I was 7 and 1000 times more so to relive through this movie as an adult. I feel so much for Vili. It’s wild that he stayed with Mary Kay until her death. I hope that now that she is gone he can get help to process the truly horrific things that she did to him.

That clip you inserted with them where she was asking “who was the boss” made me nauseous. Who can even have the audacity to try and rationalize that????

It really leaves a bad taste in my mouth because this is an instance where the double standards are glaringly obvious. They/she called him “mature for his age” despite his actual age of 13 (I know some Polynesians an tend to appear older than they look), coupled with him clearly having a very troubled childhood it was very obvious why he looked to older parental figures for stability and she should’ve seen that for what it was rather than take advantage of him. I couldn’t even stomach the idea of a man in that position impregnating a child of the same age, leaving his family, and once he got out of jail STARTING A FAMILY with his victim.

If my 12yo niece begged me to buy her alcohol for her, I wouldnt be like "well I really lover her and shes been begging me for it a lot so I guess Ill just buy her some booze" I cant comprehend how dense this woman is. She loved not just having sex with a minor, but having control over her partner. No way she would ever be happy in a "normal" relationship where she couldnt treat her partner like her subservient child.

Something else that stood out to me about the daughter that the mother made the sleeve comment about was near the end of the movie when her sister asked her if she wanted breakfast and she turned it down for just coffee instead. There’s so many little seeds of trauma planted in every character it’s so scary to see it evolve. Even if it is just small moments.

I grew up next door to the sister of Vili, her kids were the same exact age as me and my siblings, we went to the same schools our whole lives so we were friendly. They constantly had huge family parties and Mary Kay actually went to a few, my parents met her. They said even talking to her you could tell something was wrong with her even if you didn’t know what she had done. I’m assuming my neighbors continued to invite her simply because she stayed married to Villi and they were super family oriented.. they definitely wanted to stay in contact with the two daughters so they put up with Mary Kay until she died. I didn’t know this until I was 18 because everyone in the neighborhood including my parents kept it hush hush around the kids, and thankfully for my neighbors sake it wasn’t made a point of conversation in the neighborhood.

She was a teacher in the Highline school district which is where I went to high school my junior year. I graduated in 87 so this happened long after I was gone, but I remember this being all over the local news. I remember when she was out on bond and she was caught with Vilii (not sure how to spell his name) having sexual relations (she was assaulting him again!) in a parked car outside of a local pharmacy or grocery store. She was arrested immediately and taken back to jail. Trust me, no one supported MaryKay LaTourneau. Not now and not then. Seattleite’s were disgusted and she was the most hated woman for years. Her husband Joe worked for one of the airlines and they had a nice house, several children and I can’t imagine what he went through.

I would love to hear you talk about Tami Huntsman. She began a “relationship” with her son’s underage friend that led to the death of two of her children. Her ex husband kept trying to tell everyone something was going on but no one believed him. It’s an insanely disgusting and sad story but I feel like it’s an important one. The authorities were informed something weird was happening over and over and over but nothing happened until it was too late.

He was the pursuer?? HE WAS THE PURSUER??!?!?!? I’d like to share a memory that was brought to mind when she said that. This is about to be long and no one’s gonna read it but I gotta get these emotions off my chest because I don’t know whether to rage or cry at this point. So every summer in high school, I volunteered with Vacation Bible School at my local church. One year I was leading the second graders and one of the little boys in my class clearly had a “crush” on me. He would always make a point to be right next to me and would try to give me his craft every day all shy like “I want you to have it” omg it was so sweet my heart is bursting from the memory. At the end of the week he was hanging back and was super nervous and I was like oh no haha don’t do it kid but he asked me to be his GIRLFRIEND!!!! 😆 I wanted to laugh because his face was so red and he looked so sheepish and embarrassed, but at the same time it was just so pure and precious, and I didn’t want to react in any kind of way that would hurt his spirit because honestly the mom in me was so proud of him for being so brave! I knelt down and I said something to the effect of “Oh honey, that is so very sweet and your high opinion of me means the world. I’m too old for you, but you keep being this sweet, and some wonderful girl is gonna be so lucky to be your girlfriend one day!” He looked a little disappointed but kinda nodded and then he asked for a kiss 😭 I said he had to save his kisses for that lucky girl and I would be selfish to steal one for myself but I would love a big hug. We hugged and ten minutes later he was cheerfully running to his mom and telling her all about his day. And I told all my friends about the precious mini Prince Charming in the making and hadn’t really thought about it since. It’s a heartwarming memory, but to imagine someone being in that situation and assaulting that beautiful little child and then having the breathtaking audacity to later claim that THE CHILD was at fault or instigated everything…it makes me physically ill and actually brings tears to my eyes. I was molested at 5 years old and when something that traumatic happens during critical stages of your development, no matter what you do, no matter how much therapy and support you receive, the impact of that trauma will always be a part of you. Because you were literally forced to grow around it. My tiny admirer was I believe 8, I was 15 or 16. This woman was 34 and her victim was TWELVE. How she could look at that little boy in her classroom and see a sexual target instead of an innocent to protect…nothing could have happened to this woman to ever make me feel a shred of sympathy for her.

Guuuuuurrrrel! Mary K. Letourneau went to my church!!!! I was 10 when this scandal came out and it ripped through our community. I can’t speak on the cake business as I was just getting into the age of observation and understanding, but I do remember this quickly trying to be snuffed out in the community. Not from the church, just the community as a wholeI. Very quickly the gross narrative in my home town was, “but she’s a female teacher, this isn’t the same level of offense as if she were a male teacher.” “She’s a hot teacher though!? Who could blame her or him.” Quickly circulated. In 2009 she hosted a ‘Hot for Teacher’ night at a local bar in Seattle. As you can imagine, it was entertained but not well received. I also heard that she and Vili owned a sports bar that I went to a few times in the mid 2010s so he could DJ. I can’t find any clarification on this other than a conversation I had with the bartender at the time. I’m inclined to find it believable as that was such an odd flex. Anyway, I’ve been watching your videos for a few years and love your reporting and opinions; this is my first time leaving you a comment. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Take care!

While it was very uncomfortable to watch, I think this film was great. The actor playing Joe did such an amazing job at portraying an emotionally stunned man, sometimes he seemed to be like a little boy and it was so sad to watch, the scene whre he is in the rooftop with his son was heartbreaking. I liked the scene where he lets go of the butterfly he had been taking care of which parallels the scene where Gracie is hunting and sees a fox, very interesting metaphors for both of them.

The thing about the whole town buying her cakes was so triggering. Not only are they complicit, but it showcases the way that Narcissistic women like Elizabeth work. They manipulate everyone around them to center them. To walk on eggshells around them. To constantly worry about and cater to them. When Elizabeth lost her sh*t because one neighbor cancelled her order -- this is exactly how women with NPD work.

That interview clip was chilling. Like... that poor guy had no idea what she wanted him to say, because he could tell she wanted a certain answer.

This is truly one of the most disgusting cases of child r*pe ever. This woman met Vili when he was just 8 YEARS OLD! She worked at his school and before he was her student, she had already seen him around the school so who knows HOW long she was thinking of a him that way, this woman hooked up with him when he was the same age as one of her own children! I can’t stand how there are still people who actually believe it was love as if a child can give consent. She stole his entire childhood away from him & that interview was SO telling. I hope Vili can heal one day. I can’t imagine still having films made til this day of his abuser.

A sad variable is that he clearly understands later on as an adult and father that what she did was wrong and immoral. She was absolutely deluded or just refused to see the truth. I'm willing to bet that everyone else around Mary grew up EXCEPT her

When you started referencing that interview between Mary and Villi, I knew exactly what clip you were talking about because it’s etched in my mind for life. That clip is… something else.

Omg. I've never seen that interview. I already thought she was a pos for what she did, but JFC. She doesn't even hide how abusively she speaks to him. What a horrible person. I feel even more sorry for Vili than I did before. She blatently gaslights him.

I can’t get over that interview clip. Wow. The actors did an amazing job capturing the dynamic

This film conveyed a cumulative, creeping dread. I know that I mentally checked out during parts of Gracie’s dialogue and as a result of Elizabeth’s actions/inactions, yet I felt so much compassion for Joe. I think that I need to watch certain parts again, but it would be uncomfortable to watch a second time in one sitting. I appreciate all of Todd Haynes’ work, the acting was powerful, and the score did its job well. Thank you, Giulia. I hope you will consider seeing the film Eileen, as I very much appreciate your reviews and commentary.

I remember reading this in the newspaper when it happened. I was few years older than the victim and felt horrified reading that. I followed the story through out the years and I didn't understand why he stuck with her. Now that I am well aware how sexual trauma fucks up the mind, I am completely grossed out by that predator's behavior, just like the first time I read about her.

I really enjoyed that movie even though it made me really unconfortable. I think the actors did an amazing job here, and particularly Charles Melton's performance broke me... His character emotionnaly stayed at 13 yo and didn't get a chance to grow up

I’m much older than you and therefore remember when this happened . It was so unbelievable then, it hasn’t changed . She has always played the victim and only had concerns for herself. I’m sorry for her husband and her children. This is one story that still astounds me everytime I hear it!

The more I learn about the real life case that inspired May December, the more disgusted I become. I can only hope that now that Vili is away from his abuser and her influence that he can properly heal and move on from this. I know that there are going to be times that his mind is going to take him back to the time when he was a child and gaslight him into believing that he was to blame for everything that has happened to him. I can only hope that he realises that he was never to blame for any of this.

The scene that really caught my attention was when Elizabeth was watching the audition tapes of the 13 year old actors and you can see just how young they truly are. Her saying almost under her breathe "2005" . And by the end of it they chose an actor who looked much more mature because she says the kids just don't look "sexy" enough (dear god). So many films and shows portray teenagers who were victims of this type of abuse and its almost desensitized because the actors just don't look like children they are supposed to portray more than half the time.

I pointed this out in a different channel's video. The main motif in the score is a high note "chasing" a low note around the piano until they inevitably form a chord. It's symbolic of Gracie chasing Joe and trapping him into a family with kids. It's intentionally discordant and off-key.

The clip of them made me so uncomfortable. On a side note I love your outfit in this video.

18:37 Compliance and/or fear that she'll go batshit insane and hurt people, maybe Also, pretty sure she never had to file as a sex offender, and as a mother (especially of a little boy) that makes me SO MAD.

Thank you so much for this video. I couldn't even watch this movie myself because the premise is too personal to me. My own father was 13-years-old when I was born by my mother who was 35-years-old. This was in 1991 and his parents didn't even consider the idea of it being abuse, they just treated as "he's a young man who can make his own decisions" so they enabled the two of them to be together. And they were together until he got too old for her and she kicked him out of the house--and it was her house because he had dropped out of school to take care of me while she worked, so he had no job at the time and little education--and I was stuck living with her for several years. Experiencing the kind of person she was as my mother, witnessing the way that her actions destroyed my father's life, the entire scenario is just irredeemably disgusting. I can't tolerate any depictions of it being anything other than that.

I know so many men who were sexually molested and raped as children by women who try and convince themselves that they 'wanted' the sexual interactions. These men have serious issues with women and sex as adults. It's devastating. This society does not take child sexual assault perpetuated by women on little boys seriously and the suffering is horrific.

Haven’t seen the movie but it seems Elizabeth is more so the media and not the audience. Where she can be disturbed by what she’s seeing but still giving it attention by playing the role in the same way many news outlets were against the relationship but they still brought her on air.

I appreciate you talking about this. This as a topic is not taken seriously enough. as a person who was taken advantage of as a child, the late realization of what he actually experienced makes me feel something that is difficult to describe while still deeply upsetting.

I haven't seen the movie yet but I remember the Mary Kay Letourneau case pretty well. I saw that interview they did years later and I was disgusted that she still seemed to truly believe she didn't do anything wrong!

SPOILERS IN THIS COMMENT! Elizabeth began as a passive observer, but then seemed to become the person she was observing. The way she talked about the child actors auditioning for the role of Joe was incredibly predatory (her director even said something along the lines of her needing to come home after the comment she made). Her interactions with Joe seemed to get increasingly manipulative. It really seemed like she became Gracie in the end.

This is the most glaring case of Stockholm syndrome I've ever seen. It's really sad to witness (I watched the 60 Minutes Australia interview and the way she had him under her thumb was like watching a puppetmaster manipulate a marionette). It reminds me how Gypsy Rose didn't tell anyone her mother was medically abusing her because she was scared and probably didn't realize the scope of the abuse. Any adult person, male or female, who wants to date and have sex with a 12-year-old is a pedophile! The justice system clearly wasn't harsh enough on her, she should have been locked up for life. Anyone who commits a serious crime against a child cannot be trusted with rehabilitation. As for the people who argue "he wanted it hurr durr" yeah that's how second-degree rape (aka statutory rape, although I think Vili would be too young even for that distinction) works. This happens all of the time with little girls and older men, where the little girl is convinced she's "in love" with the man and "wants" attention from an adult, yet no one is saying that those girls "wanted it", they rightfully call it what it is- pedophilia. Yet when it's a female perpetrator, so many people don't call it what it is because they think women are these perfect angels who can't possibly be capable of the disgusting things men do. Yet female pedophiles are much more common than anyone wants to think - they make up 10-25% of child molesters, according to various reports (although forcing themselves on their victims like male predators is very rare, most of it is done through psychological coercion), and there was even a mass case of sexual abuse of young girls by nuns in the Catholic church just like there was with priests and young boys. It reminds me of a hilarious episode of South Park where Ike (a literal baby) gets raped by his teacher and the police just go "NICE BRO!" and high five each other. The teacher also says "You're so gifted and mature Ike", which is a legitimate justification Mary Kay and many other pedophiles had for their crimes. The reason why Mary Kay stayed with Vili for so long is interesting to me because most pedophiles just move on to the next victim once their previous victim is no longer a child - I have a couple of theories on this. One is that it's perfectly plausible she could have been attracted to both children and adults - she was married to a man her age before she met Vili. Another (and what I think is more likely) is that she recognized that she could easily manipulate him, and she kept abusing him even into adulthood. Pedophilia and other forms of abuse are ultimately about control, and she saw a prime opportunity to be in control. The fact that he still acts like a little boy in the movie just proves the point that it's not only the sexual part of the "relationship" she sought out- she was also attracted to the fact that he was mentally a little boy and she could control him being older and in a position of power. This is why I even consider a 16 or 17 year old in a similar position a victim of statutory rape- regardless of their physical development, teenagers are not mentally developed enough to be in consenting relationships with adults, and the adults who initiate creepy "relationships" with them are after that childish mind, not just what they physically look like. I did like in the movie how they suggested the Mary Kay character was molested as a child. Though of course that does not justify anything she did or make her any less of a despicable person, it does provide an explanation for her behavior. Unfortunately, the cycle of abuse tends to perpetuate itself.

I knew about this case like a distant memory of something I heard someone bring up in a conversation or maybe a video, but I started watching the movie without me knowing it was inspired by that case just because I was intrigued by the poster and the cast. The gut punch I felt when Gracie kissed her 'husband' felt too real, I also thought he was her son. And then I was laughing like "oh, but like, they are probably just recently married, right? like some guys like women that are older than them and that's it" and then I saw the kids and I was so confused... like "who are these kids..." and then when Elizabeth says it out loud like "you are 36 and already sending your kids to college". I gagged, for real. Very heavy movie, really great acting.

I appreciate that this film was made to demonstrate the long-term effects of these types of crimes. I remember when the movie was made with Penelope Ann Miller playing Letourneau, and it blatantly was taking the approach of justifying her actions and legitimizing her abuse of Vili. I’m all for humanizing people to understand their motivations, but this new film seems to portray the reality much better.

It actually doesn't surprise me too much that film producers would go to the perpetrator for "authenticity" in their project because they did the same thing with Karla Homolka for the movie Karla, which painted her to be the victim.

I had to go to the gym after bc i had so much anxious energy 😳 who else has seen All-American Girl: The Mary Kay Letourneau Story? horrifying

She probably offered to help give “insight” in hopes that they portrayed her more as she thinks of herself/ motives. She obviously still doesn’t Think it’s wrong if they stayed together till recently. Making a film about it seems very unnecessary though. But whenever this happens and it’s a woman being the predator it’s romanticized and fetishized. Men wanna give the boy a high five . When it’s reversed nobody cheering a girl on for being with an old man …. Instead men wanna give that old man the high five. People are too much for me honestly 😂

The clip of the 2 of them, her grilling him about who was the boss, is super disturbing.

In all my life knowing about this very high profile highly talked about case… I’ve never heard their names pronounced like that 😂😂😂

Are you French Canadian? Your prononciation of “letourneau” was on point !

It’s striking to me that we don’t really know the motivations of the community buying cakes. I mean it seems entirely possible that they try to keep her busy as a means of protecting the victim and his daughters?

We appreciate your insights. Keep working hard.

thankyou for this. i remember this whole thing. so awful. love your work keep it up babes

Actually really really loved this video and would love to see more of these from you!!! SUPER interesting.

The fact they made a Netflix movie about this is WILD

They did another movie years before that I believe aired on Lifetime, I think it was called All American Girl: The Mary Kay Letourneau story. Absolute insanity

Aside from the victim, I feel so bad for the daughters they'll never know peace in their life

I'm never gonna watch this movie but I'm always down to watch you talk about it lol! Love your commentary ❤

Did Vili agree to have this movie made? If not super weird for them to make a movie based on his trauma

It reminds me of Aaron Taylor-Johnson's story too! He's an actor who married a 42 years old when he was 18. However, there's rumors that they meet since he was very young. Like very young. I know 18 is an “adult “ but I still find it creepy AF

You should do a deep dive on the real case, it really is wild. At one point their relationship was completely legitimized by the public

I like both of these actresses. I'm glad the film doesnt sympathize with gracie and gives us natalie to validate the audience's reaction

great analysis. well done

Natalie and Julianne have recently commented about this and they're trying to pull the "We didn't base this off of this case" card Yeah. No. Anyone who has a brain that isn't for decoration can smell their bs from a mile away. They pulled the movie equivalent of "Can I copy your homework?" "Yeah, but, don't make it too obvious"

I thought the Mary Kay Letourneau thing was the most despicable thing ever and I wish he hadn't married her later on in life. I wish he would have found a young woman near his own age to have a life with.

Happy holidays!! ❤

Great video.will likely be watching it when I get a chance

God the fact that the child *married* her. And then had a family? Oh God. I really hope he can have some therapy because he *needs* it so much.

As a woman of color, I unfortunately was sexualized starting around age 9-10. Villi came from a troubled family and MKL changed from teacher, to mentor, to wannabe savior, and finally victimizer. Villi spent a lot of time at her house and she even encouraged a friendship between him and her eldest son who was 1 year younger. It sickens me when you see her pled for mercy the first time in court before she's granted the suspended sentence. We now know she was acting but she had the long blonde curls and seemingly innocent look along with the mandatory tears. She would have never been released had she been a man. That interview was completely disgusting and from what I remember, in another segment Villi mentions that he married her because he wanted his daughters to have the 2-parent home that he never had

The movie is uncomfortable. I picked up on the dress scene. It shows Gracie is a silent monster to her children as well as her husband.

I literally just saw this movie earlier today and I absolutely loved how it wasn't just enough to show how disgusting child predators are but also just how macchiavelian and twisted they can to be because my God was that woman on a whole other level of crazy and I loved how simple and grounded a lot of those moments are where as in other films these moments would be grand spectacles of Oscar level acting.

Just watching that clip of Mary Kay being interviewed it appears that she may be abusive beyond the aspect of the SA. She seemed very controlling & bullying in her treatment of Billy. I just hope that Billy & the children are doing better. This was a truly heartbreaking to watch unfold.

Foouhlow I believe is how it’s pronounced. Also, it’s just pronounced Luhternow. Vili’s mother played a HUGE part in all of it. It’s heartbreaking for all the kids - her first marriage kids, Vili’s kids, and Vili himself. To be honest, Mary always seemed…off. She stalked him, and so few people called it out for what it was. Honestly, I’m glad she can’t hurt him anymore. I hope he is able to rebuild his life 🤦‍♀️

In my opinion, a lot of things relating to Gracie aren’t explored because the writer and director did not want to try and justify Gracie’s actions. Even the SA suggestion is taken away at the end. I really appreciate it, because in the end it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if she has a disorder or if she had her own trauma, she’s still a monster who hurt people around her and ruined a boy’s life. I love this movie so much. I also love how darkly funny the movie is at Portman’s character and Gracie’s expense. I also really, REALLY loved how Joe was portrayed by Charles Melton. He’s so quiet at the start. He’s going through the motions and is literally ordered around by Gracie, but then at the end his blinders are taken off and he distances himself from Gracie while still being there for his kids. It’s just such a good movie.

I have played this back like 4 times and still cannot get my mind to listen

Just watched this today! Loved it, also horrifying. Melton was amazing.

Damn ! this case is old as dirt Lifetime did a movie about it 24 years ago Penelope Ann Miller played her in that movie .

girl, u have hella subscribers; im happy for u

Lol why did I think this movie was about lesbians based on every poster I've seen

Sono a qui non soltanto per ascoltare Giulia e sue sensate parole, ma anche per vedere ogni volta che questa regina sta indossando, posso dire che lei sia la youtuber con la migliore moda

I have watched every video that i could find on this case, and one of the most enduring thoughts i have always had is just how immensely conflicted this poor man is regarding how he feels about being groomed and subsequently raped. He has stated in interviews that he cant bring himself to regret the whole situation or wish it never happened because, as he himself says, he has two gorgeous daughters out of it and he cant imagine them not existing. I honestly cant even begin to comprehend such a dilemma. To have my entire childhood ripped away, being forced to become a single father at 13/14 due to the mother being in prison and all the challenges that alone presented not even including the heavy burden of having your innocence taken away at 12. Realizing as i matured that i was taken advantage of by a predator who had also been my TEACHER, yet not be able to bring myself to wish none of it happened because the results of my rape are two children whom i love more than anything in the world and am so happy they are here. Yet, my soul being in turmoil over what happened to me as a child and still being with my abuser up until she died, even still loving her while being 100% aware that the mother of my children is a pedophile and changed my life forever as a young kid. Trying to reconcile all these emotions is something i can never begin to fathom. I know Villi is of course sad in his heart that the mother of his beloved children passed away, but i can only hope that at the same time, a cursed heaviness in his soul has been lifted😢.

Thanks for explaining. I saw chatter on Xwitter but didn’t really wanna go down that rabbit hole myself 🙏

Didnt Moore also play the mom in Savage Grace?

I haven't seen the film, but I think it's problematic that someone would even try to make a movie (not a serious documentary but a popcorn movie) about this in the first place. How do they accurately tell the story without potentially traumatizing a child actor? Or hiring an actor who is closer to 18 and thus doesn't "look" like a kid, which completely downplays the p*dophilia involved. Or I guess not including any scenes with children at all which completely erases the crime.

A May-December romance is an age-old term for an amorous relationship between two people with a considerable age difference. NOT ILLEGAL. As somebody who was in quite a few May to December relationships from 21 to 50. I've been on both sides of that coin, through-out my life. Publicly frowned upon YES. But NEVER ILLEGAL.

Imagine literally having enough money to live a comfortable life, and then someone puts a script in front of you and they're like "We want you to play a pedo in this movie.", and you're like "sounds great!".

Hate to break it to you...I lived in WA state when the Mary Kay Letourna case happened. There was an intense split about it. One of her friends, male, defended her in an op Ed in the Seattle Times.

This video just made me feel so old. I remember when this actual case happened. And yeah it was so messed up back then.

Hello, I love your content 💕 and I do plan to watch this movie, but where did you get your jacket? I love it!!

& you say Letourneau right 🥹🫶

"He seduced me" is the classic Humbert Humbert excuse (from Lolita). I'm glad, that as a society, we have evolved enough to hold adults accountable for THEIR choice to prey on a child.

I remember watching this case unfold in real time around the time she got out of jail on the news when I was middle school. They did an interview together and it was revolting. I made it 20 mins into the may December and had to turn it off. I was so deeply uncomfortable but that shows how well done it was

Love the jacket

Letourneau of course was the name of her poor husband, who was a victim in all of this. Interesting though how Mary Kay followed in her father’s footsteps

18:30 to your point, a part of the movie that stood out to me was when Elizabeth was interviewing a neighbour and she (the neighbour) essentially said to Elizabeth "be kind in your portrayal because she's my only friend." which to me is just so sick. Like you would continuously hang out with a literal pdfile rather than just be somewhat lonely... everyone failed Joe in the movie, and vili irl. the fact that she was able to marry him and continue victimising him is insidious and gross. Plus it seems she weaponised her "innocence" as a way to appear more sympathetic to people.

One of the more insane moments of that interview is Vili basically saying “now that I’m the adult if someone propositioned my 13 year old daughter I wouldn’t be happy” you can see how it’s dawning on him that what he experienced was wrong.

YOUR OUTFIT ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I would love to see you do a spoiler filled analysis of this movie especially with the elizabeth scene you are referring to.

Ooh this was a very uncomfortable watch. Gracie was so manipulative! The whole crying episodes just so she could get her way with Joe and make people feel sorry for her? I hated the subtle digs at the daughters’ appearance with the no sleeve dress and the scale. When the daughter went back and grabbed the other dress with sleeves, I felt so sick. I actually sympathized with her ex. Man, that ex husband is just trying to keep the peace, although he’s disgusted, for his own kids. To give them some sense of normalcy. Fantastic film but hard to watch.

Wow, this is the first review of four that I saw before, that acknowledges that people around them is complicit. The lady neighbor isn't rejecting at all, and looks...approving of it! What's this movie really projecting?

🚨 Spoiler 🚨 Portmans character re-traumatized Joes character on purpose imo. There were so many hints of her lack of moral character throughout the movie. By the end, I couldn’t tell the difference btwn her and Gracie

I agree that people don't take female abusers seriously, in movies a lot of problematic sexual behavior from women is portraited as sexy. But I do not agree that people in the community would reject a male pedophile when the victim is a teenager and not a child, for example, 13 is the exact same age the wife of Caet4no Vel0so, a very famous singer in Brazil (which I'm from), had when they married, and he was 40, and people still love him and defend him, I get that he is famous, but is pretty commom that people don't take it seriously when the victim is a teenager, specially when they bring up the "age of consent", you can see that looking at true crime, in Brazil we have a very shocking feminicide case in which the teenage girl dated an older man and he kidnaped and murdered her, but the age difference was never addressed at the time, people thought the man killed out of love and I just think that if her parents wouldn't let her date an adult man things would be different.

1:45 - I felt that intake of breath at the usage of the word "affair" in relation to a 12 yo, like wth, person who wrote that?!