[Editor’s note: The following post contains spoilers for the end of “The Idea of You.”]

Ask any fan about their favourite e-book, and they’re most likely a bit nervous when Hollywood comes calling with that very query. Streamers are affected by e-book variations that may by no means reside as much as the world created in a single’s personal head.

That’s why it’s such a deal with, then, that the Anne Hathaway-starring adaptation of “The Thought of You,” which hit Prime Video on Might 2, is such a steamy, enjoyable delight that really improves upon its supply materials.

It stays loyal to the e-book’s fantasy-driven plot: Hathaway portrays Solène, a newly-single mother of an adolescent who — after assembly backstage at a live performance in a pinch-me second of serendipity — falls right into a whirlwind, sex-forward romance with the lead singer of a world boy band, Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine). (Of be aware: The movie‘s screenwriters, Jennifer Westfeldt and director Michael Showalter, make the very good option to age up by a number of years each Solène’s daughter and Hayes himself from their e-book variations.)

However regardless of the fluffy rom-com premise, within the authentic 2017 e-book by Robinne Lee, Solène and Hayes don’t find yourself collectively. After their last breakup chat — principally a model of what’s within the film, with Solène realizing that finally her life, and her daughter’s, simply received’t mesh with worldwide fame — she tearfully lets him go. The novel’s last pages discover Solène telling Hayes she doesn’t love him (lie) and that she simply cherished “the concept of [him].” Hayes texts and texts and texts, begging her to rethink after which someday … he doesn’t anymore. He’s moved on. However we all know that Solène nonetheless loves him.

Are you kidding me? I like tearjerker as a lot as the following particular person, however once I initially learn the e-book, I’ve to confess: it felt a bit just like the rug was pulled out from beneath me. It simply didn’t really feel like the place the story was going, you realize? I’m making an attempt to get pleasure from a steamy examine two hotties overcoming all logic and sense to bang into the sundown, not ponder the difficulties of grownup life and fame within the trendy period.

Fortunately, director Showalter agreed that the unique downer ending ought to be readjusted.

“For me, there’s this ingredient of it is a style film,” Showalter informed IndieWire throughout a latest interview. “This can be a Hollywood movie. That is one thing that I would like audiences to get pleasure from and have enjoyable with, and there’s numerous want achievement right here. And it’s simply extra enjoyable. It’s simply extra satisfying to see them be collectively.”

Completely appropriate.

Within the film model, through the breakup scene, Hayes tells Solène to vow to name him in 5 years, when her daughter might be in school and issues will doubtless be simpler. The movie then jumps ahead 5 years: Solène remains to be fortunately working at her artwork gallery, and Hayes has moved on to a profitable solo recording profession.

However whereas showing on a chat present, Hayes mentions he’s about to take a touring break and go to LA as a result of there’s “somebody [he] needs to see there.” Solène wonders … after which he exhibits up at her gallery and she or he bursts into pleased tears, the sort that promise that love conquers all! Perpetually is feasible! You’ll be able to have nice intercourse with a boy bander and he’ll nonetheless be head over heels in love with you, even years later! Now that is a Hollywood ending.

“If this was a extra form of romantic tragedy, like a ‘Howard’s Finish’ or one thing, then I might’ve been extra open to the unhappy ending,” Showalter informed IndieWire. “However I need to see them collectively on the finish of the film, or at the very least I need to really feel like that’s a chance.”

Mission: achieved.

Extra reporting by Kate Erbland.

A Prime Video launch, “The Thought of You” is streaming now.