Quality Time

Rating: 10/10 (14 October 2013)

Our lives here on earth are measured in time. But what if we could guarantee that every second was well spent? For Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), this becomes a reality, when, on his twenty-first birthday, his father (Bill Nighy) reveals to him that he, along with the males in their family, has the ability to time travel. We follow Tim as he leaves the breathtakingly presented Cornwall in search for a different life in London and, more importantly, a girlfriend.
While displaying the fantastical element of time travel, About Time is firmly rooted in its tale of humanity. Tim encounters the wonderful Mary (Rachel McAdams) by chance, and it is the unfolding of their relationship that forms the narrative of the film. Family life and love intervene masterfully to present their domestic life that I invested hugely in, where small actions (through time traveling) can lead to huge consequences.
The performances are sublime. Domhnall Gleeson demonstrates the ability of an extremely likable leading man, Rachel McAdams embodies the insecurities perfectly of a woman who does not know how perfect she is, and Bill Nighy is simply in his element.
On the one hand I wish more 'Romantic Comedies' were like this, but on the other I don't, as that is what makes this film so unique; genuinely clever, extremely witty, and so full of heart.