It’s easy to see how people could think “About Time” would be just like writer and director Richard Curtis’ previous works, “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually.” Sentimental, romantic and starring Rachel McAdams opposite a time-traveling male lead, “About Time” sounded much like “The Time Traveler’s Wife” — thankfully, it was much less mediocre.
The story begins on New Year’s Eve with Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), an adorably awkward young man who is too shy to kiss the girl he has his eyes on. Midnight comes and goes and Tim instead opts for an uncomfortable handshake as the girl meets the gesture with disappointment. An embarrassed Tim then wakes up the next morning, his 21st birthday, to a new year and a family secret. Tim’s father (Bill Nighy) reveals that the males in the family can time travel. All he has to do is think of a moment, clench his fists and away he goes. An incredulous Tim ultimately decides to give it a try, and he successfully manages to return to the New Year’s Eve party and kiss the girl at midnight.
After a failed summer romance, Tim decides to move to London to become a lawyer. He hits it off instantly with Mary (McAdams), who he meets at a blind-date restaurant, but has to use time travel to re-meet her two additional times after a few minor mishaps involving his friends and family. The pair completely falls in love become inseparable. The rest of the movie outlines their journey through life together.
The soundtrack adds another dimension to the emotional tale, featuring artists like Ellie Goulding, The Killers and The Cure. Aesthetically, the cinematography is simple but picturesque, and McAdams had an absolutely stunning wardrobe. But Gleeson steals the show, winning the audience over as a completely adorkable boy looking for love. You want him to succeed. You laugh at his miscues and cry over his tragedies. You fall in love with him as a lover, brother, friend and son.
And ultimately, it’s this emotional realism that makes the movie. Aside from the time traveling, I found the movie to be quite realistic. It is an absolutely beautiful adaptation of the whimsical and unpredictable nature of life and all the strong relationships that accompany it. With increased emphasis on the themes of hope and fate, the movie drives home the message that time doesn’t stop for anyone, not even a time traveler.
“About Time” is released in limited theaters Nov. 1 and everywhere Nov. 8. Take the “time” to see it.
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