This week I finally saw the new Todd Haynes movie, May December. Like many Haynes Heads, I had been anxiously awaiting this film for many reasons. First and foremost, I am of the belief that Todd never misses (see: everything from Velvet Goldmine to Carol). But more so, I have been hearing great things about Charles Melton’s performance.
Melton might not be a household name just yet (although I’m sure some of you know him from Riverdale). But after seeing him in this deliciously deranged film, I am positive he’s on his way. He is, in my opinion, the heart of the film, often outshining the two Oscar winners (Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman) he shares scenes with.
The character Melton plays is a challenging one to say the least. Joe Yoo is a 36-year-old father of three who met his wife in middle school. And by that I mean, he had “an affair” with a grown woman (Moore as GracIe Atherton-Yoo) when he was in the seventh grade and has been with her ever since.
With obvious allusions to the real-life horror story of Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau, May December is a film about moral grey areas and how people can come to not only live in, but live off of, them. Gracie, for one, has maintained she is innocent by telling herself that Joe was the instigator of their relationship and also that they were “in love.” She believes this so much that Joe has come to accept it too, having been gaslit into a predatory relationship for much of his young life.
Joe Yoo is a sad dad of the highest order, spending his days alternating between going to work, watching shitty reno shows, drinking beer, doing chores for Gracie, and tending to his butterflies. Yes, you heard that last part right. Joe is obsessed with rearing monarch butterflies. 😭
Much like the subjects of his special interest, Joe has been in a cocoon for decades. Thrust into fatherhood and marriage as a young adult, he never got to spread his wings as most young men do. You get the sense he’s never been with any women other than Gracie (despite her claiming otherwise). And, as we find out in one of the film’s best scenes, it took him 36 years to smoke his first joint.
While May December constantly questions Gracie’s morality, Melton presents Joe as tragically naive. From navigating an accidental flirtation with a Facebook friend to pulling on oversized polos that engulf his ripped physique, Melton plays the role with a quiet honesty. Joe doesn’t have to say much for us to where he’s coming from; it’s all broadcast clearly through Melton’s reactions, or lack thereof.
While May December is a film full of committed performances (I haven’t even mentioned Portman as Elizabeth Berry, an ambitious actress set to play Gracie in an “indie movie”), Melton’s is the one that will haunt me. He breaks your heart at every turn, but especially when Joe tries to bond with his kids while reconciling the fact that he didn’t really get to be one. It’s no wonder he’s already an awards season favourite, having recently nabbed Outstanding Supporting Performance at the Gotham Awards and Best Supporting Actor from the New York Film Critics Circle.
I hope that Melton continues to get the kudos he rightfully deserves for his truly winning work as survivor-turned-house-himbo Joe. At the very least, I hope this convinces you to watch May December when it hits Netflix this weekend, preferably with a hot dog and/or slice of cake on hand.