Before his upcoming leading role in The Paper, Peacock’s highly anticipated spin-off of The Office, Domhnall Gleeson gave audiences one of the most heartfelt and memorable performances of his career in Richard Curtis’ 2013 film About Time. A modern rom-com classic, the movie blends humor, love, and a touch of fantasy into a poignant meditation on appreciating life’s fleeting moments.
A Rom-Com with a Twist of Time Travel
About Time follows Tim Lake (Gleeson), an awkward young man whose life changes when his father (Bill Nighy) reveals that the men in their family can travel back in time to previous moments in their own lives. Rather than seeking power or wealth, Tim uses this extraordinary gift to pursue love. His journey leads him to Mary (Rachel McAdams), sparking a tender and often hilarious romance that unfolds alongside deeper lessons about family, loss, and the value of living in the present.
Unlike many rom-coms, About Time transcends clichés by weaving its time-travel premise into profound reflections on love, mortality, and the human condition. While it includes all the genre staples — awkward encounters, failed proposals, comedic misunderstandings — the film ultimately lands as an emotional drama disguised as a romantic comedy.
Gleeson’s Understated Brilliance
At the heart of the film is Gleeson’s performance. Unlike Hugh Grant’s effortless charm in Curtis’ earlier rom-coms, Gleeson’s endearing awkwardness and slow-burn charisma make Tim deeply relatable. His nervous mannerisms, clumsy attempts at romance, and eventual growth allow audiences to connect with him on a human level. This authenticity is what elevates About Time beyond formula, proving Gleeson’s ability to anchor a story with warmth and sincerity.
Supporting performances add to the film’s charm — Margot Robbie as the unattainable first crush, Tom Hollander as the irritable roommate, and especially Bill Nighy, whose father-son bond with Gleeson provides the film’s emotional backbone. Their relationship delivers the story’s most devastating and heartwarming moments, ensuring About Time resonates long after the credits roll.
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A Legacy That Lasts
Though not without its flaws — particularly its reliance on male-centered perspectives and ethically questionable choices around the time-travel secret — About Time remains one of the most re-watchable, emotionally satisfying rom-coms of the 21st century. Its blend of lighthearted comedy and gut-punch poignancy continues to win over audiences more than a decade after release.
For viewers skeptical about Gleeson stepping into The Office universe with The Paper, About Time is proof of his unique ability to balance grounded humor with heartfelt sincerity. Just as Curtis’ film celebrates embracing life’s imperfections, Gleeson’s understated charm reassures fans that he’s more than capable of carrying another generation-defining series.
