The latest film from Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh is a romantic drama told in a non-linear fashion that very much plays out like a typical A24 film. Is it worth seeing? Here are the things you need to know about We Live in Time!
What is the film about?
We Live in Time follows Tobias Durand (Andrew Garfield) as he deals with an impending divorce. As he is about to sign the papers, he is accidentally hit by a car driven by Almut Bruhl (Florence Pugh) and they fall in love from there. Tobias has a boring normal corporate job for Weetabix (a British cereal) while Almut is a former figure-skater turned Michelin-starred chef. Tobias and Almut have very different views on what a relationship should be and how they see their future, specifically as it relates to children. In the midst of their courtship, Almut is diagnosed with ovarian cancer and a difficult, yet loving relationship grows through the struggle from there.
What worked in the film?
The performances from Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh are both outstanding. They very much have to carry the film as it very much just centers on them and not a lot of outside people are involved outside of mainly one other chef in Pugh’s side of the story. I wouldn’t have a problem with either of them being a popular name come award season, although I don’t see that happening. But their chemistry is undeniable and I do want to see more of it in the future.
What didn’t work in the film?
The non-linear storyline doesn’t work quite as well as a film like Challengers did earlier this year, and it can be a little hard to follow, specifically from Garfield’s side. Florence Pugh has different hair styles to let us know where we are in the story at any given point, but it’s harder to tell from Garfield’s side because he looks the same the entire time. There are never any indicators to show which point in time we’ve jumped to and what conversations have been had up until that point. There were only a small number of times it was slightly confusing for me, but for other audience goers, it may be a tough watch.
The winner of this film is?
Florence Pugh. She was incredible in this, and much more was asked of her compared to Andrew Garfield. There are a couple of scenes I don’t want to get into because of spoilers, but she did a very good job in this movie and continues to be one of the biggest names in Hollywood right now for a reason.
You’ll like this if you liked…
Anything A24. Specifically if you liked a film like Past Lives last year, or maybe something like The Farewell or Lady Bird.
Would I recommend We Live in Time?
Absolutely I would. If you don’t like slower movies, or non-linear stories, then it may not be for you, but I thought it was well done.
Final Score – 4.5/5
