MOVIE REVIEW: About Time (2013)

To say Richard Curtis films divide opinion is a vast understatement, and just looking through the reviews I can see that About Time is no exception. This film has an undeniable cookiness about it, I’ll admit, with a central conceit that feels a little shoehorned in at times to be totally enthralling. Yet, I couldn’t help but come away from the film with a big smile on my face and even a tear or two in my eye. In much the same way as both Love Actually and The Boat That Rocked, there wasn’t much in About Time that impressed me cinematically, but what all 3 films do to a greater or lesser degree is reaffirm some of my faith in human compassion and love, and for that this film deserves some credit.

Curtis does a great job establishing his characters at an early juncture, introducing us to Domhnall Gleeson’s character Tim and his very middle class family, including his eccentric father played brilliantly by Bill Nighy. A bit later we meet Rachel McAdams character Mary. Well, actually.. we meet her several times due to Tim’s complicated process for wooing her (I won’t spoil it). This first act is where the main plot twist really worked for me both comically and narratively, feeling more organic and necessary than later on when it appeared more forced for cheap laughs. Watching Tim learning to get to grips with his newfound superpower was really enjoyable for the most part though - especially the scene where he comes to the aid his friend on the opening night of his West End play by reminding the lead actor of his forgotten lines.

As the film unfolds it takes on a more sentimental mood in which Tim must essentially grow up and embrace his feelings for Mary, even having to resist his chance to hook up with Margot Robbie sporting a British accent!! (I feel your pain, Tim). In all seriousness though this was one of the sweeter parts of the movie for me, where Tim truly realises his love for Mary, who might be the most kind-hearted on-screen character I’ve ever come across. This seems to be one of Curtis’ talents as a filmmaker, to highlight the best in people and to film scenes that extend or symbolise fleeting moments all of us experience when around loved ones, rare times when the trust and love you feel for someone appears infinite. Directors who can do this correctly are few and far between, but I think Curtis just about manages it without seeming crass or saccharine.

The third act is where a more somber tone takes hold, as Tim is confronted by two challenging family crises. The first involving his sister, Kit Kat, who he must use his powers to help get her life back together. The second and by far the most moving part of the film, being the death of his father. The scene with the two of them playing table tennis and the subsequent flashback had me in tears, as it seemed to perfectly capture the unbounded love they shared for one another. The simplicity of such a moment is what gives it such power, and for me it perfectly summed up the spirit of the film.

The narrative of About Time is so strong that other technicalities were not as relevant to me as in other films. I was never in awe of what I was seeing on screen, but having said that, Curtis and his crew do an amicable job in making it pleasing to the eyes. The film has a very down to earth feel about it, much as Love Actually did, and being a Brit myself I have a particular soft spot for the Cornish countryside, which contrasted nicely with the urban settings of London. In terms of rom-com’s, About Time was a lot more pleasant to look at than some of the more glossy, idealised visuals of many others I’ve seen.

If I was to pick a favourite performance in this film it would have to go to Bill Nighy as Tim’s father, as I immediately cheered up whenever he was in shot. More so than in Curtis’ other films, I felt like he really fit this role almost perfectly, the only problem was the lack of screen time he was given. McAdams and Gleeson didn’t disappoint either, nor did any of the surrounding cast. One of my few gripes however would be the rather rushed plot line of Kit Kat, who plays the role of supportive sister for most of the film before all of a sudden having her life turned upside down and put back together again in the last act. I would have liked to have seen more attention given to her story, although this might have dragged things out for a bit too long.

About Time is essentially Richard Curtis in his comfort zone, doing what everybody knows he can do as well as pretty much anybody. By adopting a tone that is strikingly similar to his previous films and centring on themes of love, companionship, friendship and family he was bound to create something that made some people cringe and others delight. Thankfully, I was on the delighted side. Perhaps I am simply a big softie who can’t resist such a love story, but I can’t be ashamed of that. I understand the critisisms of the movie, but in a world in which there is so much anger and despair, sometimes we need films like About Time to remind us what really matters.

Narrative: 90
Acting: 80
Visuals: 70
Music: 85

Overall: 81/100