About Time

Normally, I like to point out things I particularly like about a film in my reviews, as I was watching I did think of a few but couldn’t bring myself to pause my rewatch to write them down and by the time the film was over I couldn’t remember them. Normally, I would be upset over this but I just see it as an excuse to relive this delight of a film and as a testament of just how much it succeeds in telling its story and delivering its message to the audience. I find myself completely engrossed in this world and its characters and that’s ultimately what I love the most about films, how you are transformed into different worlds and essentially living as many lives as you so choose (Dad you are so real for using your time traveling abilities to read as much as possible).  Normally, I roll my eyes at films that feel too gimmicky in delivering its message and a time traveler choosing to just love and appreciate each day as the gift it is could so easily fall into cheesy territory (especially that end scene with the montage of different people just doing everyday things á la Love Actually) but About Time just soars masterfully at every turn. There’s not any choice here that isn’t the right one or any moment that falls flat. Time travel romcoms can be tiring (The Time Traveller’s Wife) but this feels so human and real despite the premise. Ultimately, this isn’t a normal film to me. When I first watched last year, I felt appreciation towards life in a way I hadn’t in a while and knew it was something special for me but I wanted to give it time, felt I couldn’t proclaim a film I just watched as one of my all-timers, this week I remembered I’m 20 and I’ve got all my life to discover my favorite restaurants, songs, clothing brands and, yes, films. I like to sit with things and I’ve always been drawn to older music, fashion, films, etc, etc. but there’s no such thing as something being too new for me, my extraordinary, ordinary life is just beginning and I’m just starting to form my taste and my own self, so, everything is new to me.  Even if right now is the oldest I’ve ever been, it’s nowhere near the oldest I’ll ever be. There’s still plenty of road to cover on this remarkable ride and all I can do is be thankful for this reminder to relish it. How long will I love you? As long as stars are above you And longer if I may