Julianne Moore’s Bold Role in May December Sparks Buzz — And So Do Her Daring Red Carpet Looks

Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore is making a big screen comeback in the drama film May December, playing yet another controversial and possibly most uncomfortable role to date—a sex offender.

Julianne stars as Gracie Atherton, who, at 36, was caught having an affair with a 13-year-old boy, Joe Yoo, played by Riverdale’s Charles Melton. Due to their forbidden romance, which caused a tabloid frenzy, Gracie was sent behind bars, where she gave birth to Joe’s child. After serving time in prison, Gracie and Joe wed.

Two decades later, actress Elizabeth Berry, played by Natalie Portman, is set to portray Gracie in a film. She stays with the couple to get to know them and even speaks with their friends and family to uncover the truth about their controversial relationship. However, as Elizabeth becomes increasingly involved in Gracie and Joe’s personal lives, bringing up the couple’s painful past, Gracie and Joe start to fall apart.

Julianne Moore stars as Gracie Atherton, a woman whose scandalous relationship with a 13-year-old boy, played by Charles Melton, reshapes both their lives in the provocative drama May December (Credit: Netflix)

May December premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May. It was released in select theaters in the US on November 17 before streaming on Netflix on December 1.

In November 2023, the movie’s cast and director gathered at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to celebrate its Los Angeles screening. Moore was photographed posing with Todd Haynes, the film’s director, and her co-stars Natalie Portman and Charles Melton.

Charles Melton, Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, and director Todd Haynes at the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s May December held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 17, 2023 (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Prada Red Carpet Glamour: Julianne Moore in Custom Column Gown

For the event, the 62-year-old Hunger Games actress looked like a Hollywood movie star in a stunning red satin number custom-made by Prada.

It was a straightforward design featuring a simple yet trendy column silhouette with visible creases and seams down the front.

The bespoke dress also had a back vent for an easy stride and a revealing cutout back with contrasting black feather adornment, adding a whimsical touch to the basic design.

Julianne Moore radiates elegance in a strapless custom Prada column gown in vibrant red satin, featuring a structured neckline and subtle front seam detailing (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

The look, curated by Kate Young, was kept classy with minimal accessories, including stud earrings, some rings, and a Cartier Juste Un Clou diamond bangle. Young’s celebrity clients include Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Greta Gerwig, Rachel Weisz, and Dakota Johnson.

Marcus Francis styled Moore’s hair sleek and tucked behind her ears. He used Az Haircare’s Smooth Serum on her “damp hair from roots to tip,” sprayed the Intense Volume Mist around her hairline and top half of her head, and smoothed out her red tresses with a flat iron before applying the Elixir Nourishing Oil for a high shine finish.

Elaine Woulard achieved Moore’s radiant makeup by using red lipstick, rosy cheeks, mascara, eyeliner, and smoky eyeshadow.

Julianne Moore exudes timeless sophistication in her strapless red Prada gown, styled with a Cartier diamond bracelet and finished with sleek hair and soft glam, revealing a playful black feather embellishment at the back (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Is May December Based on a True Story?

Categorized as fiction, May December is loosely inspired by the controversial case of Mary Kay Letourneau, who was a teacher and convicted sex offender, and her relationship with her student, Vili Fualaau.

Director Todd Haynes confessed that he found the subject matter challenging.

“It didn’t cast judgments, which made one extremely uncomfortable, especially today where we think we know what we think all the time, going into material and the subject matter, especially, of this nature,” Haynes told Metro.

In a delicate white nightgown, Julianne Moore shares an intense scene with Charles Melton in May December, a drama loosely inspired by the real-life Mary Kay Letourneau case (Credit: Netflix)

Haynes also revealed that, despite the striking parallels between Gracie and Joe’s situation and the real-life Letourneau-Fualaau affair, his initial thought was to “stay away” from the real-life story and “to respect the distinctions between the Mary Kay Letourneau story and what Samy had written.”

He also admitted his “distaste” for the real-life case but was later convinced by Julianne Moore to watch the documentaries “because they were useful in understanding Gracie. And they gave specific examples to a kind of backstory that we had to figure out for ourselves as actors and director.”

Julianne Moore on Taking on Sex Offender Role

Moore is no stranger to playing controversial roles, having portrayed a cocaine-addicted porn star in Boogie Nights (1997), an incestuous mother in Savage Grace (2007), and a cheating lesbian mom in The Kids Are All Right (2010).

In a previous interview with Netflix Queue, Julianne Moore recalled being captivated by the May December narrative written by Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik.

“I loved this script when I first read it. It’s interesting. It felt slight at first. But the minute you get into it, it’s unbelievably sturdy. It holds a tremendous amount of feeling and humanity and complexity.”

Julianne Moore glows in her strapless red Prada gown as she poses alongside Charles Melton, who keeps it effortlessly cool in a relaxed-fit black suit and matching crewneck (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Discussing what drew her to the role, Moore said, “For Gracie, there’s been a tremendous amount of judgment about her.”

“She wants to say, ‘See me. Know who I am. Know why I’ve made these choices.’ She wants to be known. I think that there’s something really interesting about that, about letting somebody into your very, very private life to explore, to see who you are. But, of course, Gracie’s also presenting a version of herself that she wants to be known. I think Elizabeth becomes more dangerous as Gracie realizes that she can’t control her own narrative,” she explained.

From red carpet elegance to bold fashion statements, Julianne Moore consistently captivates with her impeccable style. Here are some of her most memorable looks:

Velvet Luxury: Julianne Moore Stuns in Midnight Blue Schiaparelli

• Event: UK premiere of Mary & George
• Outfit: Julianne dazzled in a bespoke Schiaparelli gown crafted from midnight blue velvet, exuding timeless sophistication.
• Footwear: She completed the look with elegant heels that complemented the gown’s rich hue.
• Read more: Julianne Moore Dazzles in Sculptural Midnight Blue Velvet Gown at Mary & George London Premiere

Modern Minimalism: Julianne Moore in Black Attersee at Madrid Photocall

• Event: Madrid photocall for The Room Next Door
• Outfit: Moore showcased minimalist elegance in an all-black Attersee ensemble, featuring an off-the-shoulder jacket and matching trousers.
• Footwear: She paired the look with sleek black mule pumps, adding a modern edge.
• See more: Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton Promote The Room Next Door in Edgy Ensembles and Pointy Mules

Sheer Elegance: Julianne Moore Wows in White Balenciaga

• Event: 2014 Hollywood Film Awards
• Outfit: The actress stunned in a white sheer-panel dress from Balenciaga’s Spring 2015 collection, exuding modern elegance.
• Footwear: She completed the ensemble with matching ankle-strap sandals, highlighting her chic style.
• Discover more: Julianne Moore Stuns in Balenciaga at 2014 Hollywood Film Awards

Bold and Daring: Looks at Venice Film Festival

• Event: 79th Venice International Film Festival
• Outfit: As jury president, Moore embraced bold fashion choices, including a sheer black Valentino gown and a tailored Celine trouser suit.
• Footwear: Her looks were complemented by statement heels, showcasing her daring style.
• Explore her style: Jury President Julianne Moore Takes Fashion Risks at Venice Film Festival

Silver Shine: Julianne Moore in Metallic Tom Ford

• Event: World premiere of Kingsman: The Golden Circle
• Outfit: Moore shined in a floor-length, tile-embroidered metallic silver gown by Tom Ford, featuring a bare-shoulder design.
• Footwear: She paired the gown with trendy nude platform sandals, adding height and elegance.
• See her look: 5 Best Looks at Kingsman Premiere: Julianne Moore, Halle Berry & More Shine

These moments highlight Julianne Moore’s versatility and enduring influence in fashion, from classic elegance to bold statements.