Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tearjerker is too gloomy for tweens and younger teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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The Time Traveler's Wife
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say that this movie overall elicits mixed feelings; while some viewers find it thought-provoking and emotionally impactful, others express discomfort with the premise of a significant age difference and the character dynamics, particularly the grooming aspect. It is viewed as a good adaptation for older teens and adults but may not be suitable for younger viewers due to its darker themes and emotional weight.
- thought-provoking
- uncomfortable themes
- good adaptation
- mixed reviews
- older teen suitability
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 25 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Clare (Rachel McAdams) and Henry (Eric Bana) are star-crossed lovers who meet and are torn apart by a unique genetic condition that arbitrarily sends him time traveling. When they first meet (from her perspective, anyway), he's in his thirties and she's still a young girl -- but they form an unlikely friendship that transcends space and time. And, eventually (or, from the start, from his perspective), they wind up together. But even their tremendous love may not be enough to sustain a relationship hobbled by Henry's sudden absences and Clare's longing for a stable life.
Is It Any Good?
For a film about the metaphysical, THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE is curiously lacking in energy. It starts out far too explanatory, like a wannabe friend who overshares. While it's true that the audience needs prodding given the material -- how to make time travel approachable? -- it nevertheless seems questionable to keep inserting explanations that have been heard before. (For instance, why Henry keeps stealing clothes wherever he turns up.)
The time-travel jump cuts make the film all the more befuddling, and although Henry's supposed to morph in age from one time period to the next, all that ever seems to change is how many wrinkles he sports and how gray his hair gets. It's not until midway through the movie, when questions about Henry's genetic makeup arise, that the film begins to really transport you -- and, by the end, it does get very emotional. (How can it not, given the heavy tugging? After all, the melancholic piano is cued at every tragic turn.) But still, somehow the end result is more tepid than tearjerking.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what keeps Clare and Henry connected despite all of their difficulties. Is their life together believable? Would Clare really stay with Henry when he's so unpredictable? How does their relationship compare to other movie pairings you've seen?
Does the film handle the topic of time travel believably (as much as is possible, that is)? Does it seem like a benefit or a curse?
If you've read the book, how do you think the movie compares? What are some of your favorite books-turned-movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 14, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : February 9, 2010
- Cast : Eric Bana , Rachel McAdams , Ron Livingston
- Director : Robert Schwentke
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements, brief disturbing images, nudity and sexuality
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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