What Is May December About?
The premise of May December in 317 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the sleepy, humid outskirts of Savannah, a seasoned couple has fashioned a quiet existence that feels both insulated and fragile, their lives a careful choreography of routine and unspoken history. Their world is quietly observed by an outsider—a young actress eager to inhabit their story for a new independent film. As she steps onto their porch, the house becomes a stage where daily gestures echo with the weight of a past that never fully faded.
Elizabeth Berry arrives with a notebook and an unflinching curiosity, hoping to uncover the nuances behind the headlines that once turned this household into a national conversation. She meets Gracie Atherton‑Yoo, a woman whose poise masks a lifetime of public scrutiny, and Joe Yoo, whose quiet presence hints at a relationship defined by imbalance and resilience. Their dynamic is less a melodrama than a study in how love can morph under the glare of gossip, and the trio’s interactions are charged with a subtle tension that is as much about perception as it is about truth.
The film’s tone balances the lingering heat of Southern afternoons with an intimate, almost documentary‑like gaze that captures whispered arguments, tentative smiles, and the careful maintenance of a family that includes teenage twins and a college‑bound daughter. Supporting figures—such as Georgie, the grown son who still carries the echo of his childhood, and Rhonda, a longtime friend who witnesses the couple’s everyday power plays—add layers to this portrait without overtly steering it toward melodrama.
Amid the soft clatter of a backyard barbecue and the quiet hum of everyday chores, the story asks how far the line between observation and participation can be drawn. It invites the audience to wonder whether the act of portraying someone else can ever truly capture the hidden currents beneath a seemingly ordinary life, leaving the true nature of the couple’s bond just out of reach, shimmering behind the camera’s lens.
What Happens in May December?
The complete story of May December, from the first scene to the last, in 653 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In 2015, actress Elizabeth Berry arrives in Savannah, Georgia, for research on her upcoming role in an independent film. She takes on the character of Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore), who, back in 1992, made headlines at the age of 36 for her controversial affair with Joe Yoo (Charles Melton), a 13-year-old schoolmate of her son Georgie (Cory Michael Smith). This affair began when they both worked at a pet store, leading to a difficult prison sentence for Gracie, during which she gave birth to Joe’s child.
Now, 23 years later, Gracie and Joe are married with three children: Honor (Piper Curda), who is away at college, and twins Charlie (Gabriel Chung) and Mary (Elizabeth Yu), who are on the verge of graduating from high school. Honor was born while Gracie was incarcerated. Gracie expresses a strong desire for Elizabeth to be more involved in the filmmaking process, steering away from the stereotypical Hollywood actress who merely occupies space on screen.
Hosting a barbecue at her home, Gracie extends an invitation to Elizabeth, during which she interviews Gracie and Joe about their unconventional relationship. The couple still faces significant backlash from the community, which manifests in hostile gestures, such as leaving boxes of feces at their doorstep. Gracie’s friend, Rhonda (Andrea Frankle), often witnesses how Gracie treats Joe more like a child than a partner, exercising control over his actions and decisions.
As Elizabeth immerses herself in Gracie’s world, she learns about Gracie’s upbringing and the challenges she faced growing up with her brothers. Their initial meeting occurred at the pet store, where Joe, seeking a job as a seventh grader, caught Gracie’s eye. Georgie, now a family man with children of his own, recounts how the scandal shattered his childhood and alienated him from his peers. During her research, Elizabeth confronts the emotional complexities surrounding Gracie’s past, discovering that Gracie feels little to no remorse for her decisions.
A poignant visit to the pet store—the scene of their initial tryst—leads Elizabeth to reenact the moment alone, seeking to understand the depth of the situation. Gracie had been with the store since October 1990, managing it effectively despite other stores opening nearby. Elizabeth interviews Gracie’s ex-husband, Tom (D.W. Moffett), and Georgie, who share conflicting perspectives on Gracie’s character, illustrating the intricate web of their family dynamics.
While navigating her own complex interactions, Elizabeth engages in discussions about the emotional layers of acting during intimate scenes at the twins’ high school event, emphasizing how difficult it can be to draw the line between genuine and performative feelings. Gracie’s ongoing efforts to relate with Elizabeth deepen their relationship, as they bond over make-up lessons and baking pineapple cake.
As time unfolds, Joe reveals his passion for raising butterflies, sharing moments of vulnerability with his son Charlie as they explore substances together. The family’s graduation celebration reveals tensions with Georgie’s family, as Honor expresses her dissatisfaction with a film being made about Gracie’s life—an event that stirs old familial wounds. Gracie and Elizabeth both navigate the fallout of their past actions and the intricacies of their relationships, with tensions boiling over when Georgie seeks a job from Elizabeth in exchange for details about Gracie’s past.
When intimate boundaries blur between Elizabeth and Joe, complications arise, igniting conversations that question the nature of power and consent. As graduation day arrives, profound transformations occur, particularly for Joe, who grapples with his past and newfound emotions.
In a heart-wrenching finale, Elizabeth revisits significant moments from Gracie’s life in front of the camera, lending a new perspective to the narrative of this intricate family saga while capturing the undeniable reality of what it meant to be ensnared by societal judgments and personal choices. With an insistence on authenticity, Elizabeth leads the charge to redefine how Gracie’s story is told, culminating in an emotional exploration that resonates throughout the filming process as she continuously seeks to make the portrayal ever more real.
May December Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Elizabeth's Arrival” to “Capturing Complexity”. 4 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Elizabeth's Arrival
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.
When:2015 Where:Savannah, Georgia
- 2
Gracie's Controversial Affair
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.
When:1992
- 3
The Birth During Imprisonment
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.
- 4
Life After Prison
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.
- 5
Barbecue Invitation
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.
Where:Gracie's home
- 6
Community Backlash
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.
- 7
Reflecting on Upbringing
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.
- 8
Visit to the Pet Store
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.
Where:Pet Store
- 9
Interviewing Family
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.
- 10
Exploring Intimacy in Acting
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.
Where:High School Event
Show the other 5 events of May December Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Butterfly Connection
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.
- 12
Honor's Discontent
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.
- 13
Blurred Boundaries
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.
- 14
Graduation Day Transformations
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.
- 15
Capturing Complexity
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.
Who Are the Main Characters in May December?
4 characters, among them Elizabeth Berry, Gracie Atherton-Yoo and Joe Yoo: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Elizabeth Berry
Played by Natalie Portman
Elizabeth is a dedicated actress who is deeply invested in her upcoming portrayal of Gracie. She grapples with the emotional weight of her character's past while striving to capture Gracie's true essence. Her journey is one of self-discovery as she confronts complex themes of identity, power, and consent.
- 🎭 Actress
- 📖 Researcher
- 📷 Introspective
-
Gracie Atherton-Yoo
Played by Julianne Moore
Gracie is a controversial figure whose early choices continue to haunt her life and marriage. As a mother of three, her dynamic with Joe reflects both love and a troubling power imbalance. Despite societal judgment and personal hardships, she strives for authenticity and connection in her evolving relationships.
- 👩👧👦 Mother
- ⚖️ Controversial
- 🔄 Evolving
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Joe Yoo
Played by Charles Melton
Joe is a reflective and complex character, struggling with the implications of his past relationship with Gracie. He expresses vulnerability and growth throughout the film, particularly in moments with his children. His dual role as both a partner and a son further complicates his journey of self-acceptance.
- 🦋 Nature Lover
- 🤝 Vulnerable
- 📚 Reflective
-
Georgie
Played by Cory Michael Smith
Georgie is a product of the chaotic family dynamics shaped by Gracie's choices. He embodies the struggles of growing up in the shadow of controversy, grappling with feelings of alienation and resentment. His evolving perspective provides deeper insight into the emotional ramifications of his upbringing.
- 👨👧 Family Man
- 🤔 Reflective
- 🧠 Thoughtful
Where and When Is May December Set?
May December is set in Savannah and Georgia (2015). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
2015
The film is set in 2015, offering a contemporary exploration of themes surrounding complex relationships and societal judgments. It draws parallels to earlier events from 1992, when Gracie's scandalous affair ignited public outrage. This timeline showcases how past decisions ripple into present dynamics.
Where
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is a historic city known for its picturesque public squares and beautiful architecture. The film's pivotal moments unfold around a pet store that serves as a backdrop for the controversial relationship at its heart. This charming southern city contrasts sharply with the dark themes explored in the movie.
- 🏙️ City
- 🐾 Pet Store
What Are the Themes of May December?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Controversy, Identity and Family Dynamics.
-
01
Controversy
The film delves into the controversial nature of Gracie's past and the societal backlash that continues to reverberate through her life. It illustrates the struggle to define love and legal boundaries while showcasing how societal scrutiny can impact personal relationships. Gracie's story serves as a lens through which the film interrogates moral complexities.
-
02
Identity
Identity plays a crucial role in the film, as Elizabeth navigates her portrayal of Gracie while uncovering deeper truths about herself. The movie examines the effects of public perception and personal history on self-worth, particularly for Gracie and Joe as they evolve throughout the narrative. The exploration of identity raises questions about authenticity in art and life.
-
03
Family Dynamics
Family dynamics are central to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of relationships affected by scandal. The interactions between Gracie, Joe, and Georgie reveal how past traumas manifest in familial bonds. Tensions and unresolved issues underscore the film's exploration of loyalty, love, and betrayal within family structures.
How Does May December End?
The last act of May December and what it means, in 193 words. The ending lands as ambiguous. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the end, May December reveals the blurred lines between reality and perception through its complex characters and their distorted truths. Elizabeth, having spent time in Gracie’s world, finally internalizes her whole story and the intricacies of her relationships. She uncovers that Gracie, despite her composed exterior, might be suffering from delusions and deep insecurities, especially when her control starts slipping away with Elizabeth’s intrusion. Meanwhile, Joe’s interaction with Elizabeth exposes how Gracie manipulated him, subtly controlling his actions through her unpredictable and dominant behavior. Joe’s attempt to question their relationship is met with emotional volatility from Gracie, indicating she had significant power over him—consciously or unconsciously—and that her influence was rooted in her need to maintain her fragile sense of security. As Elizabeth prepares to embody her character, she realizes that her understanding of truth is forever altered by the tangled web of illusions, delusions, and suppressed pain woven by Gracie. Ultimately, the film ends on a note that questions the nature of obsession, perception, and the thin boundary separating mental stability from chaos—leaving viewers pondering whether the characters’ realities are genuinely separate or merely different layers of one complex, distorted truth.
What Kind of Film Is May December?
Tense in tone, with slow pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A slow-burning, psychologically tense drama that creates an unsettling and voyeuristic atmosphere as an actress dissects a couple's dark past, blurring the lines between performance and reality.
- uncomfortable
- claustrophobic
- deceptive
- unsettling
- melancholic
- voyeuristic
- ethical ambiguity
- taboo relationship
- acting and reality
- trauma
Content notes: child sexual abuse, statutory rape, pedophilia, emotional manipulation.
Quiz
How well do you remember May December? Test yourself on the story.
