Films about not aging explore the tantalizing premise of eternal youth, a concept that has fascinated humanity across cultures and eras. This intriguing theme is often used to delve into deeper issues such as the nature of happiness, the fear of death, the consequences of immortality, and the existential crises that might accompany an ever-lasting life. Such films usually center around characters who, due to supernatural, scientific, or mysterious reasons, do not age like regular humans, leading them on extraordinary journeys that challenge their perceptions of time, relationships, and humanity itself.
“The Age of Adaline”, 2015
Director: Lee Toland Krieger
This romantic drama follows the life of Adaline Bowman, a woman who ceases to age following an accident at the age of 29. Living through the 20th century into the 21st, Adaline guards her secret as she experiences the isolation and challenges of immortality, until a chance encounter threatens to uncover her truth.
Starring: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Kathy Baker, Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn, Amanda Crew, Lynda Boyd, Hugh Ross, Richard Harmon, Fulvio Cecere;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama, fantasy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, 2008
Director: David Fincher
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1922 short story, this film narrates the unusual life of Benjamin Button, a man who ages in reverse. Born as an elderly man in post-World War I New Orleans and progressively getting younger, Benjamin's unique condition presents an insightful exploration of time, love, and the human experience from a reverse perspective.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Julia Ormond, Taraji P. Henson, Jason Flemyng, Jared Harris, Tilda Swinton, Mahershala Ali, Elle Fanning, Elias Koteas;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, fantasy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 166 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” on the website imdb.com
“Tuck Everlasting”, 2002
Director: Jay Russell
Adapted from Natalie Babbitt's 1975 children's book, this fantasy film revolves around the Tuck family, who, after drinking water from a magic spring, become immortal. When a young girl named Winnie Foster discovers their secret, she is faced with the choice of eternal life or a natural life cycle.
Starring: Alexis Bledel, Jonathan Jackson, Scott Bairstow, Sissy Spacek, William Hurt, Ben Kingsley, Amy Irving, Victor Garber, Kosha Engler, Richard Pilcher;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: fantasy, drama, melodrama, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Tuck Everlasting” on the website imdb.com
“Death Becomes Her”, 1992
Director: Robert Zemeckis
A dark comedy starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis, this film delves into the vanity and obsession with youth in modern society. After drinking a potion, two rivals achieve eternal youth, but they soon discover that immortality comes with unpleasant side effects.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis, Goldie Hawn, Isabella Rossellini, Ian Ogilvy, Adam Storke, Nancy Fish, Alaina Reed Hall, Michelle Johnson, Mary Ellen Trainor;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: comedy, fantasy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Death Becomes Her” on the website imdb.com
“Interview with the Vampire”, 2022
Director: Levan Akin, Keith Powell, Alan Taylor, Craig Zisk, Alexis Ostrander
Based on Anne Rice's novel, this gothic horror film tells the story of Louis de Pointe du Lac, a 200-year-old vampire recounting his life story. The narrative delves into themes of immortality, loss, loneliness, and the devastating consequences of not aging.
Starring: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian, Bailey Bass, Assad Zaman, Ben Daniels, Delainey Hayles, Luke Brandon Field, Kalyne Coleman, Chris Stack;
Production year: 2022;
Genre: fantasy, drama, horror;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Interview with the Vampire” on the website imdb.com
“Only Lovers Left Alive”, 2013
Director: Jim Jarmusch
A film by Jim Jarmusch, this romantic drama focuses on the relationship between two centuries-old vampires, Adam and Eve. The story explores their love and experiences across time, set against the backdrop of the modern world's existential despair and cultural decay.
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Anton Yelchin, Mia Wasikowska, Jeffrey Wright, Slimane Dazi, John Hurt, Carter Logan, Aurélie Thépaut, Ali Amine;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: fantasy, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
These films, while differing in genre, tone, and setting, all explore the nuanced implications of not aging and the myriad ways in which this phenomenon affects the characters' lives, relationships, and perceptions of the world around them.
In conclusion, the allure of eternal youth has captivated filmmakers and audiences alike, leading to a rich and diverse genre of films centered on the prospect of not aging. Through a myriad of lenses—from fantasy and horror to romance and science fiction—these films question the very nature of time, mortality, and the human condition. They challenge viewers to reflect on the price of immortality, the value of aging, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life. As technology advances and societal attitudes towards aging evolve, this theme remains eternally relevant, continuously inspiring storytellers to explore the complexities of eternal youth. Ultimately, these films serve as a poignant reminder that, despite the often-romanticized idea of everlasting youth, the natural progression of life—with all its trials, tribulations, and triumphs—holds its own unique beauty and purpose.
