After a difficult start with the comings and goings of numerous directors and stars, including Katherine Heigl and Natalie Portman, this epic romantic drama about a woman who remains aged 29 for almost eight decades finally sees the light of day with Blake Lively in the lead role.
The Gossip Girl actresses turns out to be an inspired choice as Adaline, with Lively doing an exceptional job holding the story together, especially given its unusual twist. Widowed with a child at 29, Adaline is the only passenger in a car accident in 1935 in which a freak series of events renders her ageless.
A rather annoying narrator explains Adaline's condition will be explained in the future by science; meanwhile it's up to director Lee Toland Krieger (Celeste and Jesse Forever) to convince us to suspend our disbelief and go with the flow.
It's harder than it sounds, but while this romantic drama verges at times on what you'd expect from a Nicholas Sparks adaptation, the great casting, production design and art direction aid the cause. Lively has the perfect ageless look that allows her to seamlessly move across decades. Even in the present day, Adaline's hair resembles styles from earlier eras, and her stylish wardrobe defies age or trend. Similarly, the art direction is well thought out, with Adaline's homes tastefully decorated with treasures from the past and present.
More importantly, Lively gives Adaline a grace and wisdom that helps us buy into this far-fetched story. Ellen Burstyn is also unwavering in her role as Adaline's ageing daughter, and they have a lovely connection on screen.
