The Age of Adaline 2015

Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) steps into an unassuming apartment in San Francisco, where she purchases fake identification with a knowing glint in her eye. The forger, sensing her ageless beauty, queries why she’s chosen to remain 29 years young, despite her ravishing looks being more suited to a decade-defying supermodel. Adaline’s response is a gentle smile and a whispered “he’s too kind.” As she departs, she turns the tables on the forger, probing his motivations behind fabricating IDs when he clearly has the potential to create something far more substantial. Her attention is drawn to the autographed baseballs on his desk, bearing his real name - a telling detail that hints at the complexity beneath his surface.

Back in her apartment, Adaline’s loyal canine companion greets her with an unmistakable familiarity, suggesting a bond that transcends mortal boundaries. She notes her tardiness for work at the library’s office of archives, where she has made it her mission to uncover the secrets of the past.

As Adaline works, she stumbles upon a film reel that reveals the extraordinary circumstances of her life. Born on New Year’s Day in 1908, she embarked on a journey marked by love, loss, and transformation. Her marriage, parenthood, and widowhood were all preceded by a fateful event: an unexplained snowfall on a night when lightning struck her car, forever trapping her at the age of 29.

Initially, the effects of this phenomenon went unnoticed, but as her daughter grew older, Adaline’s condition became increasingly apparent. One fateful evening, she found herself pulled over by a cop, who confiscates her identification, revealing her true age to be in the late 40s. Disillusioned and desperate for answers, Adaline embarked on a year-long research odyssey at a prestigious medical college, only to emerge empty-handed.

As the years went by, Adaline developed a knack for reinventing herself every decade, shedding old identities like worn-out skin. This nocturnal existence culminated in a heart-wrenching farewell with her now-adult daughter (Ellen Burstyn), who is left to ponder the enigmatic life of her mother.

In the present day, Adaline adds a co-signer to her account, a move that sparks a flashback to her initial foray into the world of finance. She had invested in Xerox, and the company’s meteoric rise has rendered her financially independent - a circumstance she is keenly aware of as she prepares to leave behind the trappings of modern society and retreat to a secluded farm in Oregon, where she hopes to find solace and a respite from the constant need for disguise.

As Adaline (no age specified) enters the swanky hotel on New Year’s Eve, she’s met with a sea of revelers and a nostalgic blast from the past: a vintage photograph on the wall featuring her and friends in a bygone era. The image seems frozen in time, much like Adaline herself, whose youthful appearance belies the secrets hidden beneath the surface.

As she makes her way through the crowd, she’s drawn to the melodic strains of her blind friend, who’s tickling the ivories for the partygoers. Her friend, quick-witted as always, quips about the two of them being “cougars” - a jest that underscores their advanced age. Meanwhile, Adaline’s radar is piqued by a young man who catches her eye; she quickly sizes him up, deducing from his heirloom watch and freshly painted hands that he’s an artist hailing from a wealthy family.

The air is electric as the clock strikes midnight, and Adaline exits to take a call from her daughter. The tender moment is short-lived, however, as a handsome stranger attempts to charm her with a smooth line about kissing strangers at midnight - a move she politely rebuffs. As she departs, she bids farewell to her friend and makes her way to the elevator.

Just as the doors are closing, Ellis Jones (Michael Huisman) intervenes, his hand deftly opening the panel to reveal Adaline’s startled expression. Their awkward conversation is marked by failed flirtations and a decidedly firm rebuff from Adaline. The encounter ends with her hailing a taxi and departing the scene.

The next day at work, whispers circulate about a mysterious benefactor set to donate rare books to the institution. Little does Adaline know that this philanthropist is none other than Ellis, whose arrival sparks a flurry of activity. As he presents her with a curated selection of volumes featuring floral titles - a subtle nod to their earlier elevator exchange - it becomes clear that he’s been monitoring her movements at board meetings and has developed an interest in getting to know her.

Ellis extends an invitation to join the publicity photo shoot, which Adaline politely declines. He then ups the ante by offering a date in lieu of the photograph, only to withdraw his donation offer when she turns him down once more. The game is afoot, and Adaline must navigate this unexpected turn of events with caution and wit.

As the story unfolds, Adaline finds herself in the labyrinthine tunnels beneath San Francisco’s bustling streets, accompanied by a charismatic stranger (Ellis). The air is thick with anticipation as he regales her with tales of his life, only to turn the tables and ask about hers. Her responses are guarded, revealing little more than a fleeting glimpse into her world - a world that revolves around a loyal canine companion. But when Ellis offers to share a joke, Adaline’s defenses begin to crumble. His off-color humor is met with laughter, paving the way for their next encounter.

Their romance blossoms over a series of intimate dates, marked by shared plates of hot dogs and wine, as they sway to the sultry rhythms of jazz. As the night wears on, their passion reaches a fever pitch, only to give way to the harsh light of morning. Ellis’s phone rings, filled with the demands of his work, and Adaline seizes the opportunity to make her exit.

Meanwhile, Adaline’s inner turmoil is reflected in a poignant conversation with her daughter (who bears an uncanny resemblance to Adaline herself at a ripe old age). Her struggles with mobility, coupled with a desire to reconnect with loved ones, serve as a stark reminder of the life she has been forced to lead. Her daughter’s words of wisdom - “stop running” - resonate deeply, but it is unclear whether they will have the desired effect.

As Adaline navigates her complex emotions, a haunting flashback to an unknown suitor, fiddling with an engagement ring, serves as a potent reminder of past choices made. It is little wonder that she remains elusive, rebuffing Ellis’s attempts to rekindle their connection.

However, when fate intervenes, and Ellis appears at her doorstep, his presence sets Adaline’s heart racing once more. Her loneliness becomes palpable as she surveys the fading photographs of a life left behind. The loss of her beloved dog serves as a poignant catalyst, prompting her to reevaluate her priorities.

In a stunning reversal, Adaline seeks out Ellis at his workplace, apologizing for past transgressions. As they rekindle their romance, they find themselves drawn to an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater, where the stars twinkle like diamonds on the ceiling above. Ellis’s parents’ 40th anniversary party offers a glimpse into a future filled with hope and possibility - one that Adaline is finally willing to embrace.

As Adaline (no surname) navigates the winding roads, she embarks on a journey of self-preservation, jokingly remarking that she has nine lives as she picks up William Jones’ sister along the way. Upon arrival at their destination, she’s met with a mixture of surprise and nostalgia by William himself (Harrison Ford), who immediately addresses her as Adaline - a name that holds a deep significance for him. The revelation is met with a palpable sense of unease as he shares his profound emotional connection to her, revealing the depth of their bond.

The following morning, William’s enthusiastic reminiscing about Adaline has his wife bristling with annoyance. As the day unfolds, another poignant flashback reveals the serendipitous meeting that brought them together in England, where they both found themselves navigating car troubles and shared a passion for languages. Theirs was a love that transcended borders and time zones, as they returned to America hand in hand, driven by a shared sense of purpose.

That night, the family gathers around the table for a spirited game of trivia, with William boasting an impressive 47-game winning streak. Adaline, ever the quick-witted competitor, feigns ignorance but soon seizes the opportunity to turn the tables and emerge victorious. The evening’s lighthearted banter is peppered with good-natured jabs at Ellis, who can’t help but notice Adaline’s uncanny skills behind the wheel.

As the day of the party dawns, the family scatters to pursue their individual interests. Amidst the chaos, Adaline and William share a poignant moment, as he becomes fixated on a scar on her left hand - a tangible reminder of their shared past, including the stitches he had once applied while they were hiking. As he rummages through an old shed for proof, he’s met with a photograph that confirms his deepest fears: Adaline is indeed the same enigmatic figure who left him behind without explanation.

In the aftermath, William is torn between pleading with Adaline to stay and acknowledging the unbridgeable chasm between their past and present. As she departs, leaving behind a note for Ellis and a trail of unanswered questions, William’s family is left grappling with the mystery of her disappearance. With his car keys now in her possession, Ellis sets out on a quest to track down Adaline, driven by a mix of curiosity and determination.

As Adaline navigates the winding roads, she finds herself at a crossroads - literally. She pulls over, phone in hand, to share a tender moment with her daughter. The weight of her years-long secrecy becomes too much to bear, and Adaline makes the decision to finally put the past behind her. Just as she’s turning the car around, fate intervenes in the form of a careless tow truck driver, who careens into her vehicle before speeding off into the night. In a bizarre twist, the skies above darken, and snowflakes begin to fall once more. Ellis arrives on the scene, bearing witness to the chaos, as an ambulance rushes Adaline to the hospital.

Upon awakening in the sterile confines of the medical facility, Adaline is greeted by Ellis’s concerned face. With a mix of trepidation and relief, she decides to bare her soul, revealing her extraordinary secret to her daughter. As the truth washes over them both, tears of joy stream down their faces as they embrace each other tightly.

A year has passed since that fateful night, and Adaline and Ellis are now ringing in the new year together at a lively soiree. With champagne glasses raised, Adaline encourages her daughter to let loose and enjoy herself - but she’s already got plans for a quiet evening in with her own special companion (a playful puppy). As she prepares to leave, Adaline catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror, only to be startled by the sight of a single gray hair sprouting from her scalp. This small but significant sign marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life - one where the defibrillator’s effects have been amplified by the hypothermic episode, restoring her human experience.

Meanwhile, a celestial visitor arrives at the party - Della, the meteor that was expected 50 years prior, now shines brighter than ever, as if compensating for its tardiness. Its radiant presence serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary journey Adaline has undertaken, and the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.