May December is a 2023 drama that examines the complexities of an affair between a married woman and a much younger man, and how the event ripples through families and public perception. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a qualified reception, with critics highlighting strong performances and restrained direction while noting uneven storytelling. This explainer clarifies the Tomatometer score, the Audience Score, and what each reflects about the film’s critical and viewer reception, without endorsing or condemning the choices made by the characters or the filmmaking.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2023 | Production metadata |
| Director | Todd Haynes | Studio credits |
| Main Cast | Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton | Credits |
| Runtime | 126 minutes | Distribution materials |
| Genre | Drama | Classification |
Rotten Tomatoes Scores: How They Work
Rotten Tomatoes aggregates reviews to produce two primary scores: the Tomatometer, which reflects the percentage of professional critic reviews that are positive, and the Audience Score, which reflects the percentage of user ratings that are positive. The scores do not indicate how much people liked a film, only whether their overall assessment was positive or not. Ratings are binary at the individual review level (fresh or rotten), and both scores can change as more reviews or user ratings are submitted. Because the scores summarize sentiment rather than quality, they are best used as a starting point to decide if a film aligns with your preferences.
May December: Tomatometer Overview
What the Critics Said
The Tomatometer score for May December reflects the consensus among professional critics at the time of publication. A qualified reception often indicates that the film succeeds in some areas, such as performances or visual tone, while facing criticism in others, such as narrative focus or pacing. High-information-gain reviews tend to highlight Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore’s performances, Todd Haynes’s controlled direction, and the film’s restrained approach to a provocative premise. Lower-scoring reviews may critique uneven storytelling or a perceived imbalance between drama and psychological tension. Because Rotten Tomatoes shows individual reviews, readers can read multiple takes to understand which elements resonated and which did not.
Score and Review Count
As of early 2025, the Tomatometer displays a percentage derived from a sample of critic reviews that were assessed as fresh or rotten at the time of data collection. The exact percentage and the number of reviews are updated by Rotten Tomatoes and can vary slightly depending on the region or aggregation window. The more reviews a film has, the more stable the Tomatometer is as a reference point. A score in the mid range typically indicates divided or mixed critical reception, where appreciable portions of the audience found merits while others did not.
Audience Score: Viewers Weigh In
The Audience Score captures ratings from verified users who have seen the film on the platform where they submit their ratings. On Rotten Tomatoes, users must have a verified ticket purchase or other proof of viewership to contribute a counted rating, which helps reduce the impact of bulk or non-genuine votes. The Audience Score can diverge from the Tomatometer, reflecting tastes between professional critics and general viewers. Some viewers may rate the film highly due to strong emotional engagement with the story or performances, while others may rate it lower due to discomfort with the premise or narrative choices. Both patterns are common for dramas that explore ethically charged personal relationships.
Comparison with Similar Films
Placing May December alongside other Todd Haynes dramas and films about unconventional relationships can clarify how audiences and critics position it. The following table compares a short list of related titles across Tomatometer and Audience metrics where available.
Relationship-Focused Drama Comparisons
| Film | Year | Tomatometer | Audience Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carol | 2105 | 94 | 91 | Highly praised, period romance drama |
| Far from Heaven | 2002 | 88 | 85 | Critical acclaim, exploration of taboos |
| May December | 2023 | Moderate | Mixed to Positive | Divided reception despite strong performances |
The comparison shows that reception varies by era and thematic focus, with earlier Haynes films often earning higher critical regard. May December’s moderated scores reflect more polarized reactions among contemporary critics and viewers, even as certain cast performances and technical aspects earn consistent praise.
Interpreting the Scores for Viewers
When you consider watching May December, treat the Rotten Tomatoes scores as one input among many, not a definitive verdict. If you are drawn to nuanced performances, morally complex relationships, and slow-building drama, the film may align with your tastes regardless of a moderate Tomatometer. If you prefer tightly plotted narratives or are sensitive to non-linear storytelling or ambiguous resolutions, the mixed critical reception may signal potential friction. The Audience Score can hint at how viewers with similar preferences responded, especially when broken down by audience demographics on the platform.
What the Scores Do Not Reveal
Neither the Tomatometer nor the Audience Score captures granular aspects such as cinematography, score, or specific performances in isolation. A film can have a respectable score while certain scenes or technical choices divide opinion. Rotten Tomatoes does not provide weighting for review quality, so a single passionate critique can influence the percentage as much as several milder assessments. Similarly, user ratings may be influenced by extra-textual factors, including personal values, expectations, or reactions to publicity, rather than purely cinematic considerations.
Conclusion
May December on Rotten Tomatoes presents a moderate critical reception and a viewer response that ranges from appreciative to conflicted. The Tomatometer indicates divided professional opinion, while the Audience Score highlights meaningful engagement from viewers who connect with its emotional core. Understanding how these scores are constructed and what they measure helps you decide whether the film merits your time, attention, and tolerance for challenging themes. As with any drama based on real-world events and fraught relationships, your own tolerance for narrative ambiguity and intense subject matter should guide your viewing decision more than any single numeric score.
Quick Reference
- Tomatometer: Percentage of positive critic reviews
- Audience Score: Percentage of positive user ratings from verified viewers
- Scores reflect sentiment, not magnitude of enjoyment
- Check individual reviews for nuanced perspectives
- Consider cast, director, and genre preferences before deciding
For the most current numbers, visit Rotten Tomatoes directly, as new reviews may shift the percentages over time. Use the platform’s review excerpts to identify recurring praises or criticisms that match your interests, and let your own tolerance for challenging subject matter guide whether May December is a good watch for you.