The Child in Time (2018)

In the captivating film, The Child in Time (2018), we journey into the life of Stephen Lewis, a renowned children's author, whose world is shattered when his 4-year-old daughter, Kate, inexplicably vanishes during an ordinary shopping trip. This tragic event sends ripples through his life, corroding his marriage and resulting in his wife Julie's retreat to a secluded seaside village. Despite their strained relationship, Stephen's love for Julie persists, evident in his frequent, heartfelt visits. As Stephen grapples with his loss, he finds unsettling parallels in his best friend Charles Dark's life. Once a prominent cabinet member, Charles renounces his position and retreats into a solitary woodland haven with his wife Thelma. His regression into what appears to be a second childhood unnerves Stephen, serving as a stark reminder of his own loss. The two men's lives echo each other, both in their desperate searches for lost childhoods. The profound impact of their respective journeys manifests in their personal lives, leading to marital strain, disturbing obsessions, and even the tragic decision of suicide. Three years after Kate's disappearance, a plea for help from Thelma forces Stephen to confront his grief, leading to a shocking revelation. Concurrently, Stephen's false recognition of another child as Kate in London underscores the depth of his desperate longing. As the narrative unfolds, it is punctuated by a glimmer of hope. A surprising call from Julie promises a fresh start, while the birth of a new child offers a semblance of resolution, hinting at the possibility of healing from the wounds of the past. This poignant tale explores the complexity of loss, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring capacity for renewal.

The Child in Time is a drama movie featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and directed by Julian Farino.

The Child in Time is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Hoopla and PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Child in Time on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.