"The Age of Adaline:" An Analysis | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"The Age of Adaline:" An Analysis

A little bit more than a movie review.

2597
"The Age of Adaline:" An Analysis
IMDB

Spoiler alert: There are multiple spoilers for plot points in this review. If you intend to watch the movie without knowing the basic plot, please don't read any further.

The ending is so cliché and predictable. But don't be too disheartened! That's among the few shortcomings of the film. With similarities to such films as "The Time Traveler's Wife" and "Midnight in Paris," "The Age of Adaline" follows a similar theme of complicated love and the manipulation of time by the supernatural and is truly delightful.

In the beginning of the movie, we are informed by a nameless narrator that Adaline, who was born at the turn of the 19th century, was in a car wreck at the age of 29. They complicate the situation with both real and fabricated science, but in essence, she ceases to age after that point. She is eventually found out. People begin to notice that Adaline has not aged, and the federal government comes after her. She is able to escape, but does so with the realization that being among normal people, telling her real age, has become dangerous, not only for herself but for her aging daughter. So she goes into hiding, creating new false identities every decade to mask her real age and true self.

Present in this movie is a plot encompassing cliché, the complicated love story. While at first glance, this may be to the film's detriment, it presents a new set of ways to look at a love that is ill-fated. Adaline unexpectedly falls in love with a gentleman who treats her well and who, if not for Adaline's condition and his age, would be a great match. She must choose between allowing herself to be present in this relationship or slipping away from his life just like she slipped out of her own.

Adaline's daughter, when informed of this potential suitor, pleads with her mother to let him in. Why do you still live in fear? Aren't you tired of being alone? I think this presents a strong case for the modern dating climate. Momentarily disregarding the group of young people who are intent on never marrying, this is very similar to the state of current dating trends. Men and women in their twenties are waiting longer to settle down, and why? Like Adaline, we have been conditioned to fear commitment to the future. Many have been scared by the high divorce rate in America, which is partially mythical.

The divorce rate peaked at 50% in the 1970s and 1980s and has been on the decline ever since. However, this makes it especially pertinent to young people now, half of whose parents were probably divorced. We are scared because we witnessed starving relationships as children, and myth or not, the nearness of divorce is still very real. So young people today, in parallel with Adaline's actions in the film, make themselves unavailable. When the situation becomes complicated, or progresses toward a more serious relationship, we write notes, send intentionally vague texts and check out of our own lives.

Adaline ultimately comes to realize that she must forget the things she was once afraid of if she is to have fulfilling relationships, and I think that we all could take a play from her playbook.

In addition to the lovely story, "The Age of Adaline" has some wonderful casting with Blake Lively in the main role, and Harrison Ford playing the father of the man she falls in love with. It feels good, it brings some wonderful historical contexts to the table and is definitely a film I would recommend seeing.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2077
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16738
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3567
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments