Not quite the 1992 surreal classic Orlando, but the sweeping time-shifting romantic concept is similar. At the turn of the century Adaline Bowman (an irrepressible Blake Lively) endures the age of 29 after an unforeseen clash of fateful incidents during a lightening storm.
She is at the time widowed and mother to a 5-year-old daughter. Adaline stays young for close to eight decades until she meets the man that may be worth losing her immortality for. Reasoning behind the mishap is scientific and as the sullen voice over suggests, will remain undiscovered until 2035.
Throughout the various eras, Adaline has had to move on through relationships at just the right time to avoid detection to her age gift. However, one particular moment when a snap decision to move on from a meeting reverts back years later, she is ultimately stuck between truth, love and a desire to tell the truth.
Going into this film not knowing any more details is the best option to enjoy what fantastical surprises lay ahead. Impending links to Adaline and her past are a constant when falling in love in the modern age. Be aware to the presence of Hollywood royalty Harrison Ford and Ellen Burstyn inflating proceedings, their respective roles are both imperative to certain plot points.
Lively caught my cinematic eye in The Town, moving on from Gossip Girl with cinematic impact, here she delivers obvious beauty, also control and dramatic poise during a number of necessary emotional scenes. First choice Natalie Portman could have made things as good, but different.
Director Lee Toland Krieger previously made the mediocre Celeste & Jesse Forever; this is a successful step up in visual class and production values.
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The secrets of this beautiful film are best left unsaid for others to adore, and if nothing else may prompt viewers to seek out the ageless Tilda Swinton horse riding with Billy Zane in Orlando.
The Age of Adaline is now playing in theaters.
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