The Age Of Adaline requires a suspension of disbelief as we witness a woman who has supped at the fountain of eternal youth. This fantasy/romance story from director Lee Toland Krieger (Celeste & Jesse Forever) is one for the hopeless romantics. It asks the question, ‘Is it a burden or a gift to never age?’
The story begins with Adaline Bowman (Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively in her most mature performance to date), who was born in 1908. At the age of 29 she is involved in a near-fatal car accident, where a miracle occurs and she is unable to age, frozen in time for some eight decades. She lives a reclusive life in which her only true companions are her adult daughter (Ellen Burstyn) and her dog, because she wants to keep her circumstances a secret.
Things change when Bowman meets the handsome philanthropist, Ellis Jones (Game Of Thrones’ Michiel Huisman). An old-fashioned romance follows and Jones helps Bowman reignite her passion for life. After a meeting with Jones’ parents (Kathy Baker and a vulnerable Harrison Ford), Bowman is forced to make some life-altering decisions that have some predictable consequences.
The Age Of Adaline is a beautifully shot film that also features pretend black-and-white newsreel footage in order to tell Adaline’s story and evoke the past. Hugh Ross’ voiceover as the narrator is often quite heavy-handed. But the film is redeemed by some excellent performances and great chemistry between some of the actors (especially Lively and Ford).
This film shows a woman out of time and having to deal with a flood of emotions. The story is bold and full of deep melodrama, especially in the second act. So if you can shake off your cynical side, you’ll be in for a sweet, emotional and nostalgic ride and a timeless romance.
3.5/5 stars
The Age Of Adeline opens in cinemas on Thursday April 16.
