Tropic Sprockets / May December

The existential auteur with an eye for fashion Todd Haynes (Carol) scores in the immersive portrait of obsession with “May December.” [Showtimes and trailer at Tropiccinema.com.] This portrait is based on the real-life episodes of Mary Kay Letourneau, who was sentenced for her criminal rape and inappropriate relationship with a middle school student who she later married, after serving time.

In the film Gracie (Julianne Moore) is living with a 34-year-old man Joe (Charles Melton) who she first dated when he was twelve. They appear very in love and have kids together.

Famed actor Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) arrives on Tybee Island to possibly make a film on Gracie’s romance, in the hopes for understanding. As Elizabeth arrives, she helpfully hands Gracie her waiting mail, which turns out to be a package of poop wrapped in a Valentine box. Gracie is a tabloid enemy.

Elizabeth assures Gracie that she will give an empathetic portrayal. Gracie consents, reasoning that she wants the public to know the unbiased truth.

Elizabeth becomes a detective of sorts interviewing Gracie’s ex and her other children along with grandchildren.

It becomes clear that Gracie is domineering and controlling.

Elizabeth herself starts to identify with Gracie and has a desire for Joe.

This is a crime story that echoes Brian De Palma. The soundtrack as well as the cinematography is reminiscent of the thriller “Carrie.” When both Elizabeth and Gracie are side by side, the twin reflected images are a tribute to both de Palma and Ingmar Bergman.

Gracie tries to project a Hallmark veneer. All is shiny and bright, but underneath things are gray and gloomy: an American flag appears to be soiled and the cocooned chrysalises that Joe collects bubble with occult danger.

Moore is perfect in her role and Portman all but disappears as she becomes duplicitous right before our eyes.

Like Polanski’s “The Tenant,” “May December” illustrates the scary sorcery involved in the force of one personality upon another and the state of obsession that can act like a virus.

Write Ian at [email protected]

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