One of Netflix’s most recent movies lies in the disturbing genre as May December is a true story following the relationship between former school teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and her long-term boyfriend/former student, Vili Fualaau. Although they would eventually get married, their relationship began when Vili was a child in her classroom. 

The movie is filmed in Savannah, Georgia, and features Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton while the names of the controversial lovers are changed to Gracie Atherton-Yoo and Joe Yoo.

When the public first caught wind of the story back in the ’90s, Mary Kay found herself embroiled in a media frenzy and would later serve a prison sentence for assaulting Vili. Twenty-three years later, the registered sex offender would be married to Vili and have three kids with him. The couple believes the film will create a more positive public perception of their controversial relationship by displaying the complex lives and relationships within their household. 

Although the initial plan was to film in Camden, Maine, May December changed location to Savannah, Georgia. This adjustment provided the cast and crew with the opportunity to film on-site in the Fall of 2022. 

While discussing the new locale, director Todd Haynes praised Savannah for its “climate, its color palette, its strange, marshy, humid language,” which fell in line with the movie’s undertones.To catch a glimpse of Savannah’s beautiful scenery, check out May December now streaming on Netflix!