With the release of the film adaptation of Robinne Lee’s The Idea of You, many have flocked to the internet to discuss the prominent influences on the story. Particularly, avid readers and critics alike have lumped Lee’s story with that of the many Harry Styles-inspired fan fiction that became a popular niche in film in the late 2010s. While Lee has confirmed that her story was partly inspired by the British musician, she has since argued against the coining of her work as “fan fiction.”
While the actress and author raise imperative points in regard to the misogyny-laced accusations hurled her way, fan fiction does allow aspiring writers to discuss themes such as ageism, sexism and self-image issues in a manner that Lee herself does.
For better or for worse, fan fiction has embedded itself into the greater web that is the entertainment industry. Alternate Universe or “AU” projects and original stories like The Kissing Booth trilogy posted on fan fiction sites have turned into attention-grabbing films in their own right, leading to a larger discussion of what actually constitutes a fan fiction. These select films have, in one way or another, embraced the influence of fan fiction on their pieces.
5 After (2019)
Based on the fan fiction series of the same name, Anna Todd’s controversial piece saw a fictional character named Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) romantically linked to the jaded Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). After meeting during a college class discussion, the two soon become pulled into a chaotic connection, defined by drama, lust, and angst. Throughout the three sequels, Tessa and Hardin’s relationship evolves alongside their personal growth.
An Angst-Filled Romance Saga
Todd joins a unique literary canon alongside E.L. James. Both are arguably the most prominent examples of fan fiction authors having the chance to publish their works with major publishing houses, creating their respective empires out of their works. The volatile nature of the relationship as well as the soap-opera-esque reveals sprinkled throughout the franchise has resulted in the film adaptations receiving glaringly negative reviews.
Similar to James, After has been critiqued for its underwhelming storytelling and faced accusations of romanticizing unhealthy relationships, contributing to greater conversations about concerning and prevalent relationship dynamics.
4 Gabriel’s Inferno (2020)
During the peak of lockdown, Gabriel’s Inferno was a quiet storm that enticed fans of the novel of the same name. The film focuses on the initially silent yet mutual attraction between aa brooding profressor named Gabriel Emerson (Giulio Berrutti) and his grad student Julianne “Julia” Mitchell, (Melanie Zanetti). Between the former’s lapse in memory and the latter striving to move on from a childhood defined by abuse and neglect, the two grow closer and learn that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to their respective pasts.
A Recent Attempt At A Dark Academia Romance
One of two films adapted from Twilight fan fiction, Gabriel’s Inferno was originally a story that sees Edward Cullen in an alternate universe where he, “Edward Masen,” is a university professor who begins a questionable romance with one of his graduate students, Bella. Not only does the franchise highlight the true magnitude of Twilight‘s reign during the 2010s, but it also provides aspiring writers with a foundation to explore traditionally darker topics without fear of mainstream backlash. The mysterious nature appears in the film, which earned negative reviews for its pacing and puzzling plot structure.
3 Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a 2016 film starring Lily James, Matt Smith, and Sam Riley as some of literature’s most coveted creations. Set in an alternate England of the early 19th century, The Bennet sisters, each wielding impressive martial arts and weaponry skills, are tasked by their father to find a worthy suitor to wed. However, their efforts to find security and their personal paths are interrupted due to a wave of zombies threatening to infect everyone with their venomous bites.
A Simple Twist To A Classic
A parody of the classic Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is one of the many novels that can also be considered AU fan fiction, or stories that feature canon characters from another project. While the Seth Grahame-Smith novel sees recognizable characters like Elizabeth (Lily James) and Jane Bennett (Bella Heathcote), as well as Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) in a thriller where the threat of zombies is ever-looming, the 2016 film brings them to life, resulting in a viewing experience that left audiences with an array of takeaways.
2 Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Famously penned by E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey may very well be one of the most defining franchises of the 2010s. Chronicling the relationship between a college graduate named Anastasia “Ana” Steele and business owner Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), the steamy and controversial franchise has led to mainstream interest in BDSM while also sparking intriguing debates about consent and questionable power dynamics among romantic partners.
From Fan Fiction to Fan Favorite
Originally published as a Twilight fan fiction piece centered around Edward and Bella, E.L. James republished the story, then titled “Master of The Universe,” on her own website, where she continued to expand on the project before being scouted by Vintage Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The film adaptation would come mere years after the book’s release, dominating pop culture with its star-studded soundtrack and thought-provoking premise.
1 The Idea of You (2024)
The Idea of You follows Solène Marchand (Anne Hathaway), a woman who manages to juggle her job as an art gallery owner and her responsibilities as a mother, all the while letting her personal aspirations suffer. That is, until she decides to join her daughter for the latter’s Coachella vacation. There, she meets Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), a member of boy band August Moon.
The two eventually meet and the mutual attraction is obvious. However, Solène finds herself uncomfortable with the wide age gap, her approaching her forties while Hayes is 24. The movie chronicles their growing connection and the complications that arise from their secret relationship.
From Joke to Juggernaut
Inspired by a conversation with her husband where she joked about leaving him for a guy in a boy band, to which he replied “… that would make a great book,” The Idea Of You, specifically Hayes, was linked to Harry Styles. Due to their shared nationality, notable tattoos, and relationships with middle-aged women, the film was compared to other notable adaptations like After.
Despite Lee’s remarks about the connection, she has also noted that Styles was one of many inspirations for a love interest in a story about a woman freeing herself from the socially constructed restrictions placed on women as they age.
