May December

In 2015, actress Elizabeth Berry arrives in Savannah, Georgia to conduct research for her upcoming role in an independent film. She is set to portray Gracie Atherton-Yoo, a woman who had a notorious past that will shape the narrative she is about to explore.

The story dives back to 1992 when Gracie Atherton-Yoo, at 36, made headlines for her scandalous affair with 13-year-old Joe Yoo, the schoolmate of her son Georgie. Their relationship began while they both worked at a pet store, igniting a series of events that would change their lives forever.

During her prison sentence for the affair, Gracie gave birth to Joe's child, Honor. The event marked a significant turning point in Gracie's life, as motherhood intertwined with her tumultuous circumstances.

Fast forward 23 years later, Gracie and Joe are now married and have three children: Honor, twins Charlie and Mary, and are navigating life amidst the community's scrutiny. Despite their efforts to build a family, they face ongoing hostility due to their controversial past.

Gracie hosts a barbecue and extends an invitation to Elizabeth, eager to involve her in the filmmaking process. The casual gathering serves as an opportunity for Elizabeth to interview Gracie and Joe about their unconventional relationship, highlighting their bond despite adversity.

During her interviews, Elizabeth observes the impact of Gracie and Joe's relationship on their standing in the community. They receive threats, manifested in tasteless gestures such as boxes of feces left at their doorstep, illustrating the continued stigma they endure.

Elizabeth spends time learning about Gracie's upbringing and the familial struggles she faced with her brothers. This research allows Elizabeth to appreciate the complex nature of Gracie's past and the choices she made that led to her current life.

In a poignant visit to the pet store where Gracie and Joe first met, Elizabeth reenacts their initial encounter alone, seeking to unravel the emotional weight of the affair. The store holds significant memories that would shape both their lives.

Elizabeth interviews Gracie's ex-husband Tom and her son Georgie, collecting conflicting views on Gracie's character. These discussions reveal the complicated dynamics within their family and the lasting impact of Gracie's past actions.

As Elizabeth navigates her complex interactions, she engages in discussions on the delicate balance of emotion in acting, particularly during intimate scenes at the twins' graduation event. These moments emphasize the intricate nature of performance versus reality.

Joe shares his passion for raising butterflies with his son Charlie, illustrating the vulnerability and openness within their father-son relationship. Through these moments, Joe reveals deeper layers of his character amidst the pressures of their family dynamics.

As graduation approaches, Honor expresses her dissatisfaction with a film being made about her mother’s life, reigniting old familial wounds. This moment highlights the ongoing struggle between public narrative and personal history in their family.

Complication arises as the boundaries between Elizabeth and Joe begin to blur, igniting discussions around the nature of power and consent. Their closeness raises questions about the complexities within their respective lives and relationships.

On graduation day, Joe faces profound changes and wrestles with his emotions from the past. This day serves as a pivotal moment for many characters, encapsulating their growth amidst the shadows of their shared history.

In a heart-wrenching finale, Elizabeth captures pivotal moments of Gracie's life on camera, presenting a new lens to the intricate family saga. Her insistence on authenticity aims to redefine how Gracie's story is conveyed, resonating with the audience's understanding of societal judgments.