Is time travel possible? The filmmakers have debunked their view of the mystery behind the hypothetical ability to travel to the past or future. From the iconic Back to the Future series to Christopher Nolan’s modern hit Interstellar, the possibilities of time travel are brought to life on the silver screen in unforgettable ways. The genre has entertained sci-fi and fantasy fans for decades, but a little-known classic puts a clever spin on legendary British author HG Wells and his fictional ideas. I’m adding it.
A masterful blend of historical fact, fiction, and pure imagination, Time After Time (1979) is an underrated gem in the time travel genre, directed and written by Nicholas Meyer. The film is based on Karl Alexander’s novel of the same name, which was inspired by H.G. Wells’ infamous book The Time Machine. Time After Time is one of those rare films that transports audiences to 1979 San Francisco on a thrilling chase through the future, but it never gets the recognition it deserves.
“Time After Time” is a bold combination of imagination and historical figures.
Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
Surrounded by several genres, Time After Time stands out as an original and heartwarming story that combines suspense, romance, and a deep dive into human nature. At its heart, this movie is about what happens when technology, morality, and the best of intentions collide with the realities of the modern world. But this painting is also more than just a thought experiment. It’s a moving adventure that still resonates today.
Director Nicholas Meyer, then a newcomer who would go on to direct Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, achieved a balance that many films struggle with. It’s charming without being stupid, romantic without being boring, thoughtful without being preachy. The story starts with a great concept. What if HG Wells, the father of science fiction, actually invented a time machine? And what if notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper stole it and ran off into the future? , is wild, but the film succeeds because it bases this great premise on character-driven storytelling.
‘Time After Time’ cast takes the movie even further
Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
Malcolm McDowell stars as Wells and his performance is moving. McDowell, known for intense, unsettling roles such as A Clockwork Orange, brings surprising warmth and vulnerability to H.G. Wells. He is an earnest idealist who truly believes that the future promises a utopia of peace and equality. Welles’ realization that the 20th century was far from the enlightened paradise he had imagined creates a painful contrast that makes the film still relevant decades after its release. McDowell’s portrayal lends an almost childlike wonder to his historical figures, but there’s also a sadness as he grapples with how far humanity falls short of his ideals.
Conversely, David Warner’s Jack the Ripper is chilling precisely because of its calmness. Warner plays the Ripper as a man perfectly at ease amidst the violence and chaos of modern life, making him a mirror of Welles’ idealism. The brilliance of Time After Time lies in its use of heroes and villains to examine the tension between hope and irony, progress and decline. The time machine becomes more than just a plot device. It’s a metaphor for Welles’ struggle to reconcile his vision of the future with the dark reality he now faces.
And Mary Steenburgen plays Amy Robbins (a similar role she played in Back to the Future III), a 1970s bank clerk who finds herself caught up in the Ripper hunt and ends up in the world. She falls in love with Wells, who she can’t imagine. . Steenburgen brings warmth and humor to the role, and his chemistry with McDowell is beyond endearing. In fact, the romance between Welles and Amy was real, and McDowell and Steenburgen married after the film ended. This personal connection between the actors gives their on-screen relationship an extra spark and heightens the emotional stakes of Time.
70’s groundbreaking ‘Time After Time’ stands out for its use of optical special effects
From a filmmaking standpoint, Nicholas Meyer’s direction is particularly sharp and unconventional. Time After Time employs retro special effects, which are modest by today’s standards but contribute greatly to the film’s appeal. The time machine itself is designed with a steampunk-like structure, complete with gears, lights, and rotating dials, reminiscent of the look and feel of an invention straight out of a Wells novel. However, optical effects were the best way to convince viewers of the machine’s time-traveling abilities.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actual time travel moments are depicted using optical effects that were common in the late ’70s. It uses bursts of light, stripes of color, and simple but effective editing techniques to simulate Wells’ journey through time. Transitions between eras are visually marked by these glowing swirling effects, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that enhances the fantastical nature of the story. While these effects don’t have the sophistication of modern CGI, they have a timeless appeal and serve the story well without looking cheap.
But what makes Time After Time truly underrated is that it never gets lost in the trappings of science fiction. Rather than focusing solely on the mechanics of time travel, the film tackles timeless questions. In other words, can we really change or are we doomed to repeat the same mistakes? Is progress inevitable or something that must be fought every step of the way? Despite its originality and the strong performances of its lead actors, Time After Time was a huge success, but somehow never caught the attention of many. Perhaps that’s because it doesn’t fit neatly into one genre. Or maybe it’s because it appeared in the shadow of other flashy time travel movies.
But in a way, that makes Meyer’s adaptation even more special. This is a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation, a story that offers something deeper than just a fun way to pass the time. Time After Time deserves a spot near the top. It’s a suspenseful, emotional and entertaining journey that can say something meaningful about who we are and where we’re going.
Time After Time is available to rent on Prime Video in the US
