When you talk about movies online and listen to/read other movie fans, you notice how some movies get mentioned more often than others. About Time was one of those films where it seemed like everyone but I had seen it already, and what’s more, they loved it. I knew the film’s premise, and I had the ending unintentionally spoiled for me as well. So maybe that is why it’s been on my watchlist forever. Well, when your girlfriend wants to watch a good rom-com, and you want to watch something you haven’t seen yet, this came to mind, and despite all I knew about this film, it still delivered. I would even say it surpassed my already high expectations; it is THAT good.
What I loved the most was the key ideas (cherish the time with your loved ones, and it’s only up to you how you tackle each day) aren’t anything new or groundbreaking. On paper, it feels like a bad/cheesy motivational poster. That is where the pedigree comes in in the form of the talent in front of the camera (Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy and Lydia Wilson are arguably the most important characters) and behind it (Richard Curtis). Let me start with the man in charge, Richard Curtis.
I think I can safely write that there aren’t many others who understand the rom-com genre as well as he does. He’s mostly a screenwriter who has written or co-written over 70 movies, so naturally, there will be some average movies, too. But he only directed three features – this one, Love Actually (2003) and The Boat That Rocked (2009). A side note – if you haven’t seen The Boat That Rocked, stop everything and watch it; it’s such a great movie, and I don’t think it gets talked about enough. Anyway, these are all the movies he directed and what a resume. I think the reason I gravitate towards his films is the realness. The characters in all his movies frequently deal with love, sex, and life, but often in a relatable, awkward way. He understands that for us to feel something, he needs to make us fall in love with those characters, and he does it effortlessly. But, most importantly, all the main characters feel like people, not like we are watching Hollywood celebrities trying to be relatable. Sure, Rachel McAdams was a big name even in 2013, but About Time plays into her “girl next door” vibe, and that is why the contrast between her and someone like Margot Robbie worked because the movie (or rather the characters in it) point out how insanely stunning Margot is, so next to her, even someone as gorgeous as Rachel McAdams looks almost “generic”, despite the simple fact she isn’t. His style almost feels like he knows how to “turn down” the “rom-com” element and does it in a more subtle way, where the ending to his films always hits you.
Take me, for example. I knew THAT moment towards the end was coming; I was getting myself ready for it, but when it finally played out, I almost cried because the movie had earned my trust by then, and I loved all the characters. I won’t spoil anything, but you know what I am talking about if you have seen the movie. And that character work goes to the screenplay (Curtis again!) and the actors. Domhnall Gleeson has always been a great actor, and in this film, he simply confirms it as he plays the awkward yet charming character perfectly. When the movie started, I wasn’t sure whether I could see what women in this film did, but after a few scenes, I saw it too; his charm and charisma made it hard not to like/love him. Bill Nighy plays a dad everyone should have, or if you are like me, you wish you would have had. You can argue this movie is more of a father/son family film rather than a romantic comedy, and it would make sense to me. I also loved Lydia Wilson as her Kit Kat (what a fun nickname) was this bittersweet reminder of someone who tries to be happy but can’t.
However, I need to give a special shoutout to Rachel McAdams. She’s been a great actress for over two decades and is still not getting enough recognition because she has done mostly comedies and romantic comedies. I think there’s still the prejudice against this genre and how “easy” these movies are to do/be in. And sure, whilst you can find questionable acting performances in many of those movies, Rachel has always delivered. Even in this movie, I knew she was this cool actress, but she convinced me she was this dorky girl who loves this awkward guy. When I was watching About Time, I forgot that I was watching Rachel and instead believed there was a girl called Mary in London like her. My point is that Rachel McAdams is criminally underrated and deserves more praise and projects that would allow her to do whatever she wants.
The sign of a great movie, at least to me, is when the movie finishes and you still want to be in that world. When the movie is over, and you are thinking about the themes, story, and characters, you can tell how almost nothing (maybe besides that time-travelling element) was that groundbreaking, and yet, you want to rewatch that film again. Because movies aren’t just one thing. A mix of a couple of words filmed and then thrown on the screen. The great ones use everything in their toolbox to “lure you in”, and once they have you firmly in their grasp that is when they make you feel everything. About Time did that to me several times, and each time, I loved it. I can’t wait to rewatch it again.
Overall, About Time surpassed my high expectations and delivered one of the best rom-coms mixed with a great story about father and son with a unique quirk of time travel. Something that, on paper, doesn’t seem like it should work and mesh together as well, but it does. I don’t know if this is a heresy to write this, but this is my favourite Curtis movie. I think for many fans, it’s Love Actually, but for me, only on the strength of one viewing, it must be this film. If you are like me and haven’t watched this one yet, I can’t recommend it more highly.
That’s all for this one! Did you see it? What did you think about it? Let me know!
Until next time,
Luke