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Starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, “We Live in Time” is a poignant romantic drama that navigates the complexities of love, loss and the inexorable passage of time. The film employs a nonlinear narrative spanning over the course of a decade to weave together the memories of a relationship, capturing both its idyllic highs and devastating lows.
The story centers on Almut, an ambitious chef with a passion for Anglo-Bavarian cuisine played by Pugh, and Tobias, a breakfast cereal representative and a recently divorced man played by Garfield. Their chance meeting – a quirky accident in which Almut accidentally hits Tobias with her car – sparks a whirlwind romance. The narrative oscillates between the joyful moments of their love story and the darker realities they face, including Almut’s battle with terminal cancer and the challenges of navigating career aspirations and family planning.
At its core, the film is a tale of attractive, thirty-something, cussing Londoners flirting and falling in love. However, the characters also deal with complicated, less cozy issues. The story moves seamlessly between the couple’s passionate, carefree beginnings – marked by spontaneous intimacy – to the complexities of a tense, harsh pregnancy and the emotional weight of Almut’s diagnosis. It contrasts the serene joy of leisurely weekends with the intense struggles of navigating heartbreaking decisions during their most challenging days.
The film’s opening scene, depicting Almut receiving her diagnosis, sets the tone for the emotional depth of the story. The couple’s journey, captured through fragmented memories, demands the audience piece together their story, making the viewing experience both engaging and introspective.
The standout performances of Pugh and Garfield anchor the film. Their chemistry imbues the story with authenticity, transforming potentially melodramatic scenes into deeply affecting moments. Pugh and Garfield present their ability to balance charm, humor and emotional gravitas, which elevates the somewhat conventional narrative.
The film’s nonlinear structure, while divisive, adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling. By juxtaposing moments of joy and sorrow, it mirrors the unpredictable rhythm of life and relationships. The score, composed by Bryce Dessner, further enhances this emotional journey, providing a dreamlike backdrop to the film’s most intimate scenes.
John Crowley’s direction is confident, allowing the characters’ vulnerabilities and triumphs to shine through. The inclusion of humor and lighthearted moments prevents the film from veering too heavily into sentimentality, striking a delicate tonal balance. Despite its emotional resonance, the film leans on clichés common to romantic dramas. The characters, while compelling, occasionally feel idealized, and their conflicts, such as debates over parenthood and career ambitions, can appear contrived. The nonlinear editing, though innovative, risks alienating viewers by diluting the emotional impact of pivotal scenes.
The film sometimes lacks depth in its exploration of Almut and Tobias’s individual personalities, relying heavily on the actors’ performances to compensate. While the story touches on profound themes, it sometimes struggles to fully explore them, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential.
“We Live in Time” is a heartfelt exploration of love’s endurance in the face of adversity. Though not without flaws, its earnest performances and emotionally charged narrative make it a memorable cinematic experience. Fans of deeply emotional romances will likely find much to admire, while those seeking innovative storytelling might view it as a mixed bag. Ultimately, the film succeeds in reminding viewers of the fragility and beauty of life’s fleeting moments, even if it occasionally stumbles in delivering its message. Whether viewers leave the theater in tears or with a bittersweet smile, “We Live in Time” ensures its story lingers long after the credits roll.
