Watch The Child in Time

The Child in Time is a heart-wrenching drama movie that follows the journey of a father, Stephen Lewis (Benedict Cumberbatch), as he navigates through the grief of losing his young daughter, Kate, in a supermarket. Along with his wife, Julie (Kelly Macdonald), Stephen tries to cope with the tragedy that forever changed their lives. Based on Ian McEwan's novel, the movie depicts Stephen's harrowing journey through time and the emotions he experiences as he tries to come to terms with the loss of his child. Stephen's professional life as a writer of children's books is affected as he struggles to focus on his work while battling with the haunting memories of Kate's absence. As the movie progresses, Stephen's life seems to spiral out of control as he begins to lose grip on reality.

The movie opens with a scene of Stephen and Kate, who is four years old, enjoying a picnic in the park. However, this idyllic moment is short-lived as they are interrupted when Kate is suddenly snatched away from Stephen in a busy supermarket. The scene is utterly nail-biting, and the sense of desperation that Stephen feels is palpable.

The story then jumps forward two years, and viewers are reintroduced to Stephen, who is now unable to move on from the horrific experience. The symbolism of the missing child is felt throughout the narrative as it dawns on the audience that Stephen is also missing in his own life.

Benedict Cumberbatch gives a remarkable performance as Stephen, managing to convey the character's overwhelming sense of pain and grief without overplaying the melodrama. His portrayal of a father yearning to be reunited with his lost daughter is heart-wrenching, and also at the same time, realistic, given the circumstances.

Kelly Macdonald's performance as Julie is just as powerful. As Stephen's wife, she is also struggling with the loss of her daughter, but her approach is much different than her husband's. Her way of coping is to keep busy with work and to look after their friends' child, which serves as a stark contrast to Stephen's descent into despair.

The movie also touches on themes of parenthood and the complications that come with it. The failure to protect your children and the damage that it causes are significant themes dealt with in the film. Stephen's inability to let go of the guilt he feels for the loss of his daughter is a tangible example of this.

The Child in Time is not just about the tragic loss of a child. It is also a commentary on the human condition, particularly the idea of moving on from pain and grief. As Stephen struggles to regain his footing, he is forced to confront his past, present, and future, and the choices he has made in life.

Stephen Campbell Moore's portrayal of Charles Darke, Stephen's best friend, serves as a catalyst for Stephen's healing process. His character is instrumental in helping Stephen come to terms with his loss, and the two men share an emotional scene towards the end of the movie, which will leave the audience in tears.

The cinematography in The Child in Time is stunning. There are several stunning shots that evoke a sense of melancholy and reflect the movie's tone. The use of color and light is also subtle yet effective.

In conclusion, The Child in Time is a poignant and moving movie that delves into the complexities of loss and grief. The performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Kelly Macdonald are top-notch, and the movie is visually stunning. Undoubtedly, this movie is not for those who are looking for a light-hearted story but for those who appreciate the power of storytelling and its ability to move people. A definite must-watch for anyone interested in the human condition and delving into the depths of the human psyche.

The Child in Time is a 2017 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.