About Time (2013)

What if you were able to manipulate time? How would you use it? Would you think about making a lot of money and buy a sports almanac or would you try to make other changes to history? Playing around with time has always been a very entertaining concept in movies, it is something which sometimes challenges conventional thinking and that is the reason I like the films so much. In About Time, a father (Bill Nighy) tells his son Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) about a big family secret: All the men in the family can travel through time. No special machines required, simply standing in a dark place and clenching your fists is enough to travel. The only restriction is that you can only travel back to moments in your own life. Although the power can be used for a lot of things he decides to use it to find a girlfriend.

It is a brilliant concept and the writers have come up with enough ideas to keep it interesting. It is a source of both comedy and drama and because of the execution of it all the movie never really feels like a romcom. Mainly because this movie is not only about finding love, but also about personal relationships. Tim has a strong relationship with his family and also uses his power to try to help them out if possible. This movie simply feels like a complete package which will appeal to both romcom fans and those who are searching for something deeper.

Domhnall Gleeson plays his role in a very appealing way, injecting the character with some insecurity and clumsiness, but also with a lot of wit. When he falls for Mary (Rachel McAdams) that attraction feel authentic and you hope it will bloom into something beautiful. I was really enjoyed Lydia Wilson’s portrayal of Tim’s sister Kit Kat. Someone who always seems to make the wrong decisions and has to struggle through her life. With its frist-class performances and interesting story it is a movie which I can genuinely recommend.