Why About Time is Rachel McAdams’ most thoughtful time-travel film

Polygon argues that About Time (2013) remains Rachel McAdams’ most thoughtful time-travel movie, and with McAdams starring in Sam Raimi’s Send Help in theaters Jan. 30, it’s a timely film to revisit.

Written and directed by Richard Curtis, the film is framed around Domhnall Gleeson’s warm, journal-like voiceover rather than a conventional plot narration, which makes the movie’s big ideas feel intimate, Polygon writes.

Bill Nighy’s father casually explains the family’s time-travel ability, and the film treats that power as a tool for introspection and mindful presence rather than spectacle, the piece says.

Polygon highlights a meet-cute in a Dans le Noir–style dining experience that gets accidentally erased, noting the film resists a breezy rom-com reset and instead shows unease about trying to force connection even with infinite do-overs.

The outlet praises McAdams for grounding Mary as warm and realistic rather than a manic pixie dream girl, and says the story shifts from romance to concerns about aging parents and missed afternoons, meditating on what it means to truly be present — a quality that has given the film staying power almost 13 years after its release.

About Time is available to stream on Paramount+ until Feb. 2 and for purchase or rental on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fangango at Home.

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