Published November 4, 2024
BY NICOLE MIRSKI
The raw and emotional script and performance of “We Live in Time,” directed by John Crowley, surpasses expectations and shines a light onto the tragic difficulties that can occur to anyone, at any time.
Meeting under less than ideal circumstances, Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and Almut (Florence Pugh) are at very different points mentally with different goals and dreams that prove to be a great point of contention. The story follows the couple’s race against time in a way reminiscent of John Green’s novel “The Fault in Our Stars,” as the two try to enjoy what they were told would be their last few months together.
(courtesy of STUDIOCANAL)
Starring Garfield and Pugh, the story of a couple falling in love isn’t hard to see as their on-screen chemistry is unrivaled. Representing the lows of going through life with cancer and the desire to enjoy the time she has left, Pugh’s acting solidifies the storyline and draws the watcher in for the entire run time of an hour and 45 minutes.
Garfield’s outstanding performance as someone who’s recovering from a divorce and trying to accept the fact their partner is sick fully engages the viewer with raw dialogue and tough, but important, conversations.
Crowley’s nonlinear storytelling, slightly confusing at first, switches between before the two meet and years after, providing foreshadowing without spoiling the plot too early. The lack of narration forces the viewer to figure out what’s happening without any actor explicitly saying so. This causes an engaging interaction where one is trying to piece together pieces of a puzzle.
The film’s cinematography by Stuart Bentley and lighting effects, especially at pivotal moments, emphasizes the satisfying feeling that comes after completing a long and grueling project. Accomplishments, betrayal and even scenes that come off as disturbing are filmed in such a captivating way that it’s difficult to look away, even when one really wants to.
With beautiful music and a soundtrack by Bryce Dessner that really ties that whole film together, “We Live in Time” captures the essence of what it must feel like to navigate the ups and downs of life while fighting difficult battles.
Whether it be the romcom aspect of the film or the need for something sentimental and heartbreaking, “We Live in Time” is a great film that covers difficult topics appropriately and should be added to everyone’s “to watch” list.
9/10
