CANNES -- Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore anchor director Todd Haynes' attempt at a fourth Palme d'Or in the drama "May December," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday night.

Moore plays an older star who became tabloid fodder two decades earlier because of her relationship with a much younger man, played by Charles Melton - best known for "Riverdale."

Her life begins to unravel when Portman, a Hollywood actor, shows up to prepare for a role as Moore's character.

"Rarely do you get scripts that feature such compelling female characters at their center and two characters at such different ages," Haynes told The Hollywood Reporter last week.

Both Moore and Portman have won Oscars for best actress, 2015's "Still Alice" and 2011's "Black Swan," respectively.

"May December," which was shot in just 23 days, is Moore's fourth time working with Haynes.

(Reporting by Miranda Murray; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)