Synopsis of the film 'MAY DECEMBER', Inspired by the True Story of an Affair between a Teacher and an Elementary School Student

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Rachel Carisa Oswandi

Netflix welcomes the beginning of December by releasing a film inspired by a scandalous relationship in a true story titled MAY DECEMBER. Directed by Todd Haynes, this film uses the true story of the affair between Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau, who were a teacher and student. Although the film MAY DECEMBER is presented in fictional form, the main character's married life is inspired by that story.

As a result of her forbidden relationship with her sixth grade student, Mary had to spend 6 years in prison. Not deterred by the punishment, Mary and Vili eventually got married after being released from prison. They even have 2 daughters named Audrey and Georgia, who are now adults.

Based on the most phenomenal affair scandal in 1996, this film caught the attention of netizens when it was released on December 1st. For KLovers who are curious to know more about this controversial story, let's check out the synopsis and other facts below!

1. Synopsis 'MAY DECEMBER'

POSTER MAY DECEMBER (imdb.com)

20 years after their famous love story made headlines, Gracie Atherton-Yu and her husband Joe (23 years her junior) are preparing to celebrate their twin children's graduation from high school. When Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry comes to spend time with them to better understand Gracie, whom she will portray in a film, the family atmosphere becomes tense due to outside attention.

Joe, who has never understood the events of his youth, begins to face the realities of parenthood as his children grow up and leave him at the age of thirty-six. As Elizabeth and Gracie come to understand each other, their similarities and differences begin to emerge. Set in the beautiful and cozy town of Camden, Maine, MAY DECEMBER is an exploration of truth, storytelling, and the difficulty (or impossibility) of fully understanding others.

2. Starring Top Actors

STILL FRAME MAY DECEMBER (imdb.com)

The film, written by Samy Burch, is starred by several famous actors. Natalie Portman, the Oscar-winning actress, plays Elizabeth, who learns about Gracie and Joe's affair. Meanwhile, Julianne Moore, the actress in THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, portrays the character of Gracie, who has an affair with a 13-year-old boy named Joe. Joe himself is played by Charles Melton, the actor who plays Reggie in the TV series RIVERDALE.

3. Timeline of Mary and Vili's Scandal

Mary Letourneau and Vili Fualaau (HEIDI GUTMAN/ABC/GETTY)

According to US Magazine, Mary met Vili when she was a second-grade teacher at an elementary school in Burien, Washington. At that time, Mary was already married to Steve Letourneau and had four children. Later on, Mary was caught spending time with Vili, who was 12 years old at the time, outside of school.

Mary was arrested in March 1997 and pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree child rape. Mary Kay gave birth to her first child with Vili, a daughter named Audrey, later that year.

4. Latest News on Mary and Vili

Mary, Vili, Audrey, Georgia (HEIDI GUTMAN/ABC/GETTY)

Reported by US Magazine, Mary Kay Letourneau, the woman behind the character Gracie, has passed away due to colorectal cancer. Mary died at the age of 58 in 2020. Meanwhile, Vili was invited to The Dr. Oz Show and shared his perspective on the events he experienced in the past.

"I cannot look at a 13-year-old child and feel attracted because it is not in my mind. It is not something that interests me. I mean, we all have our own preferences, and it is not something I would choose."

Vili also mentioned that he would not be interested in underage children, "I would probably go and seek help."

(kpl/rcl)