Highly anticipated due to starring Andrew Garfield (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and Florence Pugh (Midsommar) in the leading roles and promising to be a tearjerker, We Live in Time is the newest directorial effort from John Crowley (Brooklyn). Pugh and Garfield play up-and-coming chef Almut and recently divorcee Tobias respectively, as they find their lives changed forever by a chance encounter that brings them together. Spanning over a decade, this moving romance drama focuses on the importance of time, how limited it truly is, and how we can struggle to know how best to use it. With tremendous lead performances, a heartbreaking yet hilarious storyline and so much human, raw emotion at its core, We Live in Time is a triumph.
The script, wonderfully written by Nick Payne (The Last Letter from Your Lover), opts for a multiple timeline approach when telling the story of Almut and Tobias. This means that we quickly learn how they meet and how their story ends, before seeing their entire history unfold. Though this approach is a little jarring at first, as we quickly flit from one timeline and event to the next, the further the story plays out, the more effective this method becomes. Each scene becomes longer with slower chops and changes, beautifully piecing each important segment of their lives together to create a full picture. Not only does this perfectly match the overall theme of time and how precious it is, but allows us to look into every moment that shaped their journey together. From their anti-meet-cute involving Almut hitting Tobias with her car to their first argument to the birth of their daughter to Almut’s life-changing cancer diagnosis, no stone is left unturned, with the audience receiving a thorough look into their relationship. By the time the movie draws to a close, we feel like we know Almut and Tobias, with the storytelling being largely to thank.
To bring a story this intimate and personal to life, we have to believe who we’re seeing on screen. Unsurprisingly, Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield are utterly encapsulating from start to finish, giving their all to their performances as the lovable Almut and Tobias. Largely stealing the show is Pugh, who perhaps delivers her most personal, naturalistic and thought-provoking performance to date. Her character arc is demanding when it comes to the emotion needed, and Pugh flawlessly carries everything that comes with Almut. Cancer diagnosis to the birth scene, head chef cooking sequences to hosting dinner parties, Pugh is transformative in every moment, bringing Almut to life gracefully. Andrew Garfield is equally noteworthy as Tobias, being a perfect match for talent opposite Pugh. Tobias is an individual with a lot of love to give, and despite the bumps along the way, he shows tremendous care and understanding towards Almut at all times. Garfield so naturally brings bundles of charm and emotion to this character, with his adoration for Pugh’s Almut leaping off the screen. What makes the central performances even more impressive is how beautifully they work together. With tangible, believable chemistry from start to finish, Garfield and Pugh essentially become one. Their glances between one another speak louder than words, the passionate scenes ooze with intimacy and every word uttered between the pair has weight to it. It’s hard to imagine a different pair of actors in these roles.
As can be assumed from the trailer, We Live in Time is a tear-jerker that will leave many reaching for the tissues more than once. Although it is often a tough watch due to its exploration of cancer, grief, loss and the struggles that can come with conceiving a child, it explores every theme with care, attention and thorough development. Unfortunately relatable to many, these themes are what makes We Live in Time so heart-breaking yet equally comforting. Many may find solace in the moments of Almut and Tobias’ lives that flash before us, as they remind us that we’re not alone. The story at play is human and all too real, and it does a really good job of portraying its main message – it is ultimately up to us how to use our time, as it is painfully limited and goes by too fast. However, despite its heavy themes, We Live in Time has many fantastic moments of levity that help ease the pain a little. Often sliding into sidesplittingly funny territory, there are plenty of laughs to be had within this witty script, and they’re superbly placed throughout to make this emotional story a little easier to swallow. A lot of this is down to Garfield and his great delivery of his less serious sequences. These laughs are as naturalistic in approach as the grittier sequences, as Almut and Tobias experience sweetly hilarious moments together on their journey. With many a hopeful moment to balance out the heartache, you’ll smile as often as you’ll cry.
Aside from the notable lead performances and script, We Live in Time boasts further exceptional technical aspects that help it soar all the more. The original score, composed by Bruce Dessner (C’mon C’mon), is subtly beautiful throughout and effortlessly elevates every scene it’s placed in. It matches the overall tone of the movie perfectly, providing plenty of emotion on its own. Although this is quite clearly Pugh and Garfield’s movie, the actors making up the supporting cast are fantastic. In the role of daughter, Ella is young Grace Delaney, who manages to capture your heart with her sweetness despite minimal screen time. Almut’s sous chef Jade is played wonderfully by Lee Braithwaite, who becomes a large part of Almut’s overall journey. Their budding friendship and bond are easily one of the movies highlights, with the pair working extraordinarily well together. Notable performances are also delivered by Adam James (Doctor Foster), Douglas Hodge (The Great) and Kerry Godliman (After Life) despite her only appearing in one scene. Even though the film opts for normalcy in terms of plot, the locations and aesthetics on offer are more beautiful than expected. The pairs countryside home is simply stunning, each sequence is vibrant in color and life, and there is much energy in every frame. Although seeming fairly mundane at first, Almut and Tobias’ personalities shine through their costume design, their clothing being a great signifier of their traits. There’s a lot to admire here.
Although getting off to a slightly clunky start, We Live in Time beautifully tells its story through the use of a fantastic non-linear narrative, emotion-fueled performances and thorough theme exploration. It does include obvious attempts at tugging on the heartstrings, but that doesn’t mean the script doesn’t pull it off. With a lot to say about love, loss, and time, We Live in Time is a whirlwind of emotions that manages to be perfectly poignant and leave a lasting impression. A great showcase of talent both in front of and behind the camera, many are likely to find this one of the year’s most moving features.
