Todd Hayne’s May December features extremely strong performances wrapped in a black comedy commentary on tabloid culture. The movie also serves as a seductive drama. In fact, it’s a lot of things – all great though. And while the subject matter is uncomfortable at times, it’s always intriguing – making us continuously wanting more details. So, you know, not unlike our obsession with true crime in the real world. The film plays up the “soapy” aspect a great deal too. There’s a really fun musical score straight out of a soap opera that blares after certain revelation heavy scenes. The character depth is also super strong here, with each one’s complexities overlapping to make an extra tangled web of tragedy. It’s a slow burn, mind you, but there’s no lack of interest in the proceedings. This is thanks in large part to some career highlight worthy performances from Julianne Moore, Charles Melton, and Natalie Portman. The latter easily stealing the show with all her delicious (and devilish) nuances. Plus, she delivers one heck of monologue towards the film’s end. Yes, May December is tantalizingly hypnotic at times. But trust me, this is one trance you’ll relish.