The Age Of Adaline

What is it to remain forever young? The romantic fantasy The Age Of Adaline explores this age-old notion.

The titular Adaline (Blake Lively) is a young woman whose appearance remains ageless after a freak car accident in the 1920s. In the present day, Adaline prepares to change her identity yet again to protect her secret when she meets Ellis (Michiel Huisman) with whom she begins a romance that tests her.

Despite the interesting high concept, the film falls short. The main issues are the script – which is clichéd, predictable and treats the audience as dumb – and being led through the action by a ghastly voiceover (surely there were better ways). It’s a shame since the film has beautiful period design, cinematography and, despite the script, solid emotion.

Lively is perfect for Adaline. She has a timeless beauty and brings an effective warmth. Michiel Huisman’s Ellis doesn’t come off as well, with awkward character material (with his name, hairy look and forward dating techniques, visions of Die Hard may be evoked).

Meanwhile, Ellen Burstyn ironically plays a similar function to the one she did in Interstellar. Then there’s Harrison Ford, who brings depth and tender emotion, giving the film a much-needed boost through what is his best performance in a while (his character’s younger self, portrayed by Anthony Ingruber, is also uncanny).

While not great, The Age Of Adaline is a sweet film that may win hearts as a date movie.