The Rachel McAdams Flop Defying Odds And Finding New Life On Netflix
In 2009, the science fiction romance film "The Time Traveler's Wife" was released, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Audrey Niffenegger. The movie stars Eric Bana ("Hulk") as Henry DeTamble, a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to uncontrollably time travel to different places and times. Rachel McAdams ("Mean Girls") plays the title character, Clare Abshire, a woman who continues to encounter Henry over the years and falls in love with him, despite increasing strain on their relationship due to his time traveling.
"The Time Traveler's Wife" had a budget of $39 million and made over $101 million worldwide at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). But despite being a commercial success, the movie failed to wow critics, leading many to view "The Time Traveler's Wife" as a flop. With a 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, many critics said that the movie had "plot contrivances and illogical narrative," referring to Henry's confusing condition and the ever-changing timeline of his life.
While some films flop and are never seen again, "The Time Traveler's Wife" happens to be one of those stories where a movie finds success long after its release. Now in 2021, "The Time Traveler's Wife" is finally getting a second life on Netflix, and more and more people are appreciating the underrated movie.
The Time Traveler's Wife is gaining popularity on Netflix
"The Time Traveler's Wife" is a lush, romantic story about two star-crossed lovers facing a major obstacle in their relationship — uncontrollable time travel. Many times in the film Clare finds Henry disappearing at important moments in their life. In one of the film's most memorable scenes, Clare and Henry are celebrating together shortly before their wedding. Suddenly, Henry disappears, and Clare is left waiting and hoping that her love returns for the ceremony. As Henry jumps around the timeline of his life, Clare must adjust to meeting and living with all these different versions of the man she loves.
Even when "The Time Traveler's Wife" was first released, some critics were able to look past the plot issues and see the strength of the performances from McAdams and Bana, along with the emotional depth of the film. In Mick LaSalle's review for SFGATE, he said that the drama movie "takes, as its subjects, the sadness and grandeur of life and the mystery of time, and it offers a full experience to those who find its wavelength." With the movie's new appearance on Netflix, many people are checking it out, with one fan @neferteeca admitting her love for the movie on Twitter, commenting that "I said I wouldn't watch 'The Time Traveler's Wife' for the 100th time but it's on Netflix again so here I am."
The romantic drama also shares similarities with another Rachel McAdams film, "About Time," in which she also marries a time-traveling man. A perfect double-feature, right? You can check out the underappreciated gem "The Time Traveler's Wife" on Netflix now.