Blake Lively Never Ages in This Hidden Gem — Catch It Before It Vanishes from Netflix
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
As the saying goes, time waits for no one—but what if time stopped for you? The Age of Adaline (2015) explores this captivating concept through the character of Adaline Bowman, played by Blake Lively, who stops aging at 29 after a life-altering car accident. While her world continues to age, Adaline is frozen in time, trapped in a seemingly eternal youth. This romantic drama, which is leaving Netflix on April 1, is a hidden gem that offers more than just a love story—it’s a poignant meditation on the complexities of living in a body that defies the passage of time.
Blake Lively’s Standout Performance
In a role that might be one of her best, Lively portrays a woman grappling with the bittersweet nature of immortality. As Adaline tries to maintain a semblance of normalcy while the world moves on, she faces a profound isolation that comes from never aging while those around her do. The movie’s emotional core rests on Lively’s ability to balance vulnerability and strength, as Adaline navigates her unyielding loneliness. Lively’s natural warmth, seen in earlier films like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, shines through as she gives a captivating and empathetic performance that elevates the fantastical premise.
More Than Just a Romance
At its heart, The Age of Adaline is a love story—but it’s so much more than that. In 1937, Adaline is a new mother with a promising future ahead of her, only for the car accident to change everything. As she discovers her newfound agelessness, she is forced to live a life on the run, changing her identity every few years to avoid being discovered. This means severing ties with loved ones, including her daughter, and constantly moving to avoid drawing attention. This complex narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the loneliness that comes from living outside the normal bounds of time.
The film is a fascinating exploration of what it means to be human, to love, and to endure. Adaline’s relationships—past, present, and future—are all challenged by her curse, leading to moments of great emotional depth. One of the most surprising aspects of the film is its treatment of the passage of time—not just as a literal force, but as an emotional one that impacts the characters’ lives in profound ways.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
Another standout feature of The Age of Adaline is its incredible supporting cast. Harrison Ford delivers one of his finest performances in years as William, Adaline’s long-lost love, whose complicated relationship with her is made even more poignant by the passage of time. Ford’s portrayal of a man who has unknowingly crossed paths with the love of his life in a different incarnation is a masterclass in subtlety. Critics have even called it his best performance since The Fugitive, and it’s easy to see why.
Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn also shines as Flemming, Adaline’s daughter, who is forced to watch her mother never grow older while she herself ages. By the end of the film, Flemming appears older than Adaline, a heartbreaking symbol of the passing years that Adaline is unable to escape.
Fashion and Beauty Through the Decades
For those who love period films, The Age of Adaline is a visual feast. Adaline’s 107-year life spans multiple decades, and the movie expertly captures the fashion of each era—from the glamorous flapper dresses of the 1920s to the groovy headbands of the 1960s. Lively, as always, looks stunning in every outfit, but more importantly, she convincingly portrays the evolution of a woman living through time. The film’s attention to detail in the costumes and hair is another reason to watch it, as it brings the passage of time to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The Challenge of Immortality
Lively’s portrayal of a woman who is physically stuck in her 29-year-old body while mentally experiencing the full weight of her years is an incredible acting challenge. The movie asks Lively to portray the complexity of someone who is both ageless and weary, a task she handles admirably. It’s a role that requires her to balance both the fantastical and the grounded, and she does so with a tenderness that makes Adaline’s experience feel real and relatable.
Why You Should Watch It Before It’s Gone
If you’re in the mood for a romance with a magical twist, The Age of Adaline is a must-see. But it’s not just a soapy love story—it’s a thoughtful exploration of time, aging, and the emotional cost of immortality. Lively’s stellar performance, combined with an engaging plot, a remarkable supporting cast, and stunning period costumes, makes this film a hidden treasure in the romantic drama genre.
With The Age of Adaline leaving Netflix soon, this is your last chance to experience one of Blake Lively’s best films. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through time, love, and the intricacies of human existence.
