The Age of Adaline 2015
Directed by
Lee Toland Krieger
Made by
Lionsgate
Plot Summary
Adaline Bowman, portrayed by Blake Lively, is shown acquiring counterfeit IDs in a San Francisco apartment. The forger, intrigued by her choice of age, suggests she could easily appear younger, to which she responds with a gracious smile, appreciating his kindness. Curious about his life choices, Adaline questions why he resorts to forgery given his evident potential. As she leaves, she points out that the signed baseballs on his desk reveal his true identity, stating, “It’s the little things that slip you up.”
Returning home, Adaline is welcomed by her loyal dog, a constant companion that has shared her extraordinary life for over a century. She recalls the countless times she has raised the same dog as she prepares for her work at the library’s archives. During her job, she comes across a film reel that reveals her remarkable journey: born on New Year’s Day in 1908, she experienced love and loss after becoming a widow due to her husband’s tragic accident while constructing the Golden Gate Bridge. A freak accident involving a lightning strike leaves her forever 29. Initially, this seems like a blessing, but as her daughter, now played by Ellen Burstyn, continues to age, the truth becomes unavoidable.
After being pulled over by a police officer who questions her ID, Adaline realizes the dangers of living a lie and chooses to disappear, adopting new identities every decade to elude those who would uncover her secret. One rainy evening, a close call with two FBI agents propels her into a life of constant change and secrecy, leading to an emotional farewell with her now adult daughter.
In present-day San Francisco, Adaline opens a new bank account under a fresh alias and reminisces about past investments that have set her up financially. On New Year’s Eve, she attends a gala where she spots a photograph of herself with friends from a bygone era. While mingling at the party, she runs into Ellis Jones, played by Michiel Huisman, a young man who catches her eye. Their brief exchange is flirty yet guarded, and as the clock strikes midnight, a charming conversation ensues, though Adaline remains elusive.
The following day, to her surprise, Ellis arrives at her workplace, introducing himself as a benefactor who recognizes her from previous meetings. He persuades her into a photo session for publicity, challenging her to a date when she initially declines. After a witty discussion, they embark on a light-hearted adventure through the underbelly of the city, where Adaline only shares the bare minimum about herself.
Their connection deepens over shared meals and laughter, and when Ellis invites her to his family’s anniversary party, she agrees, amidst an internal struggle about her past. At the party, she encounters his father, Harrison Ford, who calls her by her mother’s name, stirring troubling memories.
As the night unfolds, loving memories resurface as William, Ellis’s father, recalls details from Adaline’s life, weaving a story that intertwines their pasts. Conflicted emotions reignite as memories of her former life begin to haunt her.
After a series of bittersweet moments and a touching heart-to-heart with her daughter, Adaline grapples with her choice to maintain her distance from Ellis. Ultimately, as she decides to embrace authenticity, tragedy strikes when she meets with an accident, followed by a miraculous recovery that allows her to accept the inevitability of time and love.
In the end, as Adaline prepares to celebrate another New Year’s Eve, she notices a change in herself—a sign of aging, a bittersweet reminder of her humanity restored. With hope ahead, she steps into a new chapter of her life, enriched by love and family, as the long-anticipated arrival of Della the meteor serves as a symbol of timeless beauty that shines brighter than ever.
Timeline
Counterfeit IDs Acquisition
Adaline Bowman visits a forger in a San Francisco apartment to acquire counterfeit IDs. This meeting is marked by a sense of curiosity about each other's life choices, which sets a contemplative tone for her character.
Homecoming
Upon returning home, Adaline is greeted by her loyal dog, a companion who has shared her extraordinary life for over a century. This moment showcases the unwavering bond and loyalty that remains in Adaline's life despite her tumultuous existence.
Recalling Her Past
Adaline prepares for her day at the library, reflecting on the numerous times she has raised her dog. This thought leads her to uncover a film reel that reveals significant moments from her past, including her birth on New Year's Day in 1908.
A Life Changed
Adaline's life takes a dramatic turn following a freak accident caused by lightning, which leaves her perpetually 29 years old. Initially perceived as a blessing, this condition soon reveals its darker side as she watches her daughter age.
The Decision to Disappear
After an interaction with a police officer raises suspicions about her ID, Adaline recognizes the dangers of living under a false identity. This moment marks her decision to adopt new identities every decade to protect herself from those who might discover her secret.
Escape from FBI Agents
A chance encounter with two FBI agents forces Adaline into a life of constant change and secrecy. This pivotal moment reinforces her need to keep her past hidden, leading to an emotional farewell with her now-adult daughter.
A New Bank Account
In modern-day San Francisco, Adaline opens a new bank account under a fresh alias, reflecting her ongoing need for anonymity. This action signals her continuing efforts to secure her identity against the backdrop of her extraordinary life experiences.
The New Year's Eve Gala
Adaline attends a New Year's Eve gala where she unexpectedly comes across a photograph of herself from a time long past. At the party, she encounters Ellis Jones, leading to a flirtatious yet cautious exchange that sparks a connection.
Another Encounter with Ellis
The day following the gala, Ellis surprises Adaline at her workplace, introducing himself as a benefactor. His charm and determination lead her into a spontaneous photo session that culminates in a suggested date, pushing her to confront her guardedness.
A Light-hearted Adventure
Adaline and Ellis embark on a playful exploration of the city, sharing laughter and light-hearted conversation. During this time, Adaline remains cautious, revealing only minimal details about her past while feeling her connection to Ellis deepen.
The Anniversary Party
Ellis invites Adaline to his family's anniversary party, a decision that weighs heavily on her due to her tumultuous past. At the gathering, she faces unsettling memories when Ellis’s father recognizes her by her mother's name, reigniting buried emotions.
Confronting the Past
During the party, Adaline is drawn into conversations that reveal details of her previous life. As loving memories resurface, she struggles with the realization of how deeply their lives are intertwined, exacerbating her internal conflict.
A Heart-to-Heart
Following bittersweet moments with Ellis and a touching conversation with her daughter, Adaline confronts her feelings about her choices. This emotional juncture propels her towards embracing authenticity, marking a significant turning point in her journey.
Tragedy and Recovery
Adaline's decision to embrace her true self leads to a tragic accident that forces her to reassess her life. Miraculously recovering from this life-threatening situation, she begins to accept the inevitable aging process and the possibility of love.
A New Beginning
As Adaline prepares to celebrate another New Year's Eve, she senses a change within herself, marking her humanity's return. Filled with hope, she embarks on a new chapter of life enriched by love and family, symbolized by the arrival of the meteor Della.
Characters
Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively)
Adaline is a complex character who has lived for over a century while maintaining the appearance of a 29-year-old. Her journey is marked by a longing for connection and love, coupled with the burden of her secret. Despite her struggles with identity, she exhibits resilience and strength, ultimately seeking authenticity in her relationships.
Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman)
Ellis is a charming and ambitious young man who becomes intrigued by Adaline. His pursuit of her reveals his sincere nature and desire to form a deep connection, despite Adaline's guarded demeanor. He symbolizes hope and the possibility of new love, challenging her to confront her past.
William (Harrison Ford)
William, Ellis's father, unknowingly serves as a link to Adaline's past, evoking memories she struggles to confront. His presence brings complexity to the story, stirring deep emotions as he recalls details about her former life. His character represents the intersections of fate and history.
Ellen (Ellen Burstyn)
Ellen is Adaline's daughter, who embodies the passage of time as she ages while her mother remains unchanged. Their relationship is pivotal, reflecting the challenges of love and separation. Ellen's character serves as a poignant reminder of familial bonds and the inevitability of change.
Setting
Time period
1908, Present Day
The movie spans from 1908 when Adaline was born to the present day, showcasing significant historical events and societal changes over the century. This period includes major advancements and transformations in technology and relationships. The juxtaposition of past and present illustrates the challenges of maintaining identity amidst rapid change.
Location
San Francisco
San Francisco is a vibrant city known for its iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and its historical significance during the gold rush. It's a hub for culture and innovation, featuring diverse neighborhoods and a picturesque coastline. The city's unique ambiance and charm make it a backdrop for stories of love and self-discovery.
Themes
⏳
Time
The theme of time is central to Adaline's story, as she grapples with the consequences of immortality. Her relationships evolve through the years, highlighting the contrast between her unchanged appearance and the aging of those around her. This theme underscores the inevitable passage of time and its affect on love and identity.
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Love and Loss
Adaline's journey is marked by profound love and heartbreaking loss. The film explores her struggles with intimacy due to her extraordinary circumstances and the pain of losing loved ones over time. Ultimately, the story conveys that love remains a powerful force, even in the face of tragedy and change.
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Identity
Identity plays a crucial role as Adaline navigates her life under various aliases to protect herself. Her desire for authenticity battles with the need to conceal her true self. This aspect of the story invites viewers to reflect on what defines us—our past, relationships, or the choices we make in the present.
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