Time Is Up (2021) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Time Is Up (2021) is a romantic drama directed by Elisa Amoruso, featuring Bella Thorne and Italian actor Benjamin Mascolo in their first on-screen collaboration. The movie explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the unexpected twists of fate that can alter the course of one’s life. With its young, charismatic cast and picturesque settings, Time Is Up promises an emotional journey filled with romance, passion, and a dash of teenage angst.
In this review, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, performances, and where you can stream or rent Time Is Up online in the U.S.
Time Is Up (2021) Plot Summary
The film follows Vivien (Bella Thorne), a bright and ambitious high school student with a passion for physics and a strict life plan. Her goal is to attend a prestigious university and leave her small-town life behind. However, Vivien’s rigid plans are thrown into disarray when she crosses paths with Roy (Benjamin Mascolo), a troubled young man with a dark past.
Roy is the polar opposite of Vivien. He’s spontaneous, reckless, and living in the moment, while Vivien is focused on her future and avoiding distractions. However, fate brings them together when a tragic accident forces Vivien to reassess her life and her priorities. As she spends more time with Roy, the two develop a deep connection, challenging Vivien’s carefully laid plans and making her question what she truly wants out of life.
The story navigates the emotional complexities of young love, trauma, and self-discovery as Vivien and Roy embark on a journey that tests the boundaries of their relationship and forces them to confront their pasts. With their futures hanging in the balance, they must decide whether love can conquer all or if time is truly against them.
Bella Thorne and Benjamin Mascolo: A Captivating Pair
At the heart of Time Is Up is the on-screen chemistry between Bella Thorne and Benjamin Mascolo, whose real-life relationship adds a layer of authenticity to their performances. Thorne, who has gained a reputation for playing bold, rebellious characters, delivers a more subdued performance as Vivien, balancing the character’s vulnerability with her ambition.
Mascolo, in his acting debut, portrays Roy with a raw intensity that complements Thorne’s more calculated portrayal of Vivien. While his inexperience as an actor is occasionally evident, his chemistry with Thorne helps to carry the film’s emotional weight, particularly in its more intimate moments.
Together, they create a believable dynamic, even if the script at times struggles to fully develop their individual characters beyond their romantic connection. Nonetheless, their performances offer enough depth to keep viewers invested in their journey.
Exploring Themes of Fate and Second Chances
Time Is Up explores themes of fate, destiny, and the idea that life doesn’t always go according to plan. Vivien’s obsession with controlling her future is contrasted with Roy’s live-in-the-moment philosophy, leading to a narrative that questions whether we can truly plan our lives or if we are subject to the whims of fate.
The film also delves into the concept of second chances — both in love and life. After the accident, Vivien’s recovery forces her to reevaluate her priorities, leading to a deeper understanding of herself and her relationships. Roy’s own struggles with his past make him a fitting counterpart to Vivien’s journey of self-discovery, as both characters learn to confront their fears and embrace the unknown.
While these themes are universal and relatable, the film occasionally falters in its execution, relying on familiar romantic tropes and a somewhat predictable storyline. However, the emotional core of the film remains strong, particularly in its quieter, more introspective moments.
Cinematic Atmosphere and Visual Appeal
One of the standout elements of Time Is Up is its visual aesthetic. Shot in beautiful locations in Italy and the U.S., the film uses its picturesque settings to enhance the romantic, dreamlike quality of the story. From scenic coastlines to intimate, sun-drenched moments between the lead characters, the cinematography adds a layer of depth to the film’s emotional beats.
The film also uses time as a recurring motif, with frequent references to clocks, watches, and the passage of time serving as metaphors for the characters’ emotional journeys. This theme is reflected not only in the narrative but also in the film’s visual style, with lingering shots and slow-motion sequences that emphasize the fleeting nature of life and love.
Where to Watch Time Is Up Online
For those interested in watching Time Is Up, the film is available on several streaming and rental platforms in the U.S. Here’s where you can find it:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: Time Is Up is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re a Prime subscriber, you can watch the movie at no extra cost.
- Tubi: The film can be streamed for free with ads on Tubi, a popular platform that offers a wide range of films and TV shows at no cost.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Video: The movie is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Video. Rentals start at $3.99, while purchase options range from $9.99 to $14.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: You can rent or purchase Time Is Up on Google Play, with rentals starting at $3.99 and purchases available for $12.99.
- Apple iTunes: Both rental and purchase options are available on iTunes, with rental prices starting at $3.99 and purchases starting at $12.99.
- Vudu: Vudu offers both standard and high-definition versions of the film for rent or purchase, with prices similar to other platforms.
Why You Should Watch Time Is Up (2021)
If you’re a fan of romantic dramas with a touch of emotional depth, Time Is Up may be worth your time. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, the film’s exploration of love, fate, and second chances offers a familiar but satisfying narrative. Bella Thorne and Benjamin Mascolo’s chemistry is the film’s biggest draw, and their real-life relationship adds an extra layer of intrigue to their on-screen romance.
The film’s picturesque settings and thematic exploration of time also make it a visually appealing and introspective watch, even if some of the storytelling feels formulaic.
Final Thoughts
Time Is Up is a charming, if predictable, romantic drama that plays to its strengths: the chemistry between its two leads and its exploration of timeless themes. While the film may not be groundbreaking, it delivers a heartfelt story that will resonate with viewers who enjoy romance, coming-of-age tales, and stories about the unpredictability of life.
Whether you’re a fan of Bella Thorne or simply looking for a movie that balances romance with emotional reflection, Time Is Up offers a pleasant and engaging viewing experience. With multiple streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to find and enjoy this romantic drama.
Ready to experience the journey of Vivien and Roy? Check out Time Is Up on your preferred streaming service and dive into this heartfelt tale of love, fate, and second chances.
