“Would you rather live six months of passion or twelve months of misery?”
Directed by John Crowley, most well known for the “Goldfinch”, “We Live in Time” is a romantic drama that tugs on the heartstrings. Starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, “We Live in Time” was released in theaters on October 11, 2024.
The movie follows the love story of a young couple, Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and Almut (Florence Pugh), over the years as their lives are shaken by an unmistakable tragedy: Almut is diagnosed with life-threatening cancer.
The movie makes a unique choice to jump around in “time”. To some, the decision might remove all suspense; the jumps can also feel abrupt or mis-timed, leaving the audience wanting more from the scene. Even so, they help the viewers find a deeper understanding of the characters, even better than they might know themselves. They realistically show how someone would reflect on their lives with people they love, with memories not necessarily in chronological order but in order of emotional resonance.
The movie decides to let the audience figure out when scenes are taking place, marking new times with subtle differences in cinematography. During the first wave of their relationship, the lighting is warm and the shots are intimate. Every glimpse into Almut and Tobias’s lives feel raw and genuine, their chemistry translating well across simple, domestic moments. After Almut’s diagnosis, the lighting dims somewhat, becoming cooler. Even through happier moments, there is still an undercurrent of sorrow. It is a clever method of storytelling, one that has faith in the audience.
Overall, besides the non-linear form of storytelling, the script itself is somewhat simple and unoriginal. A lesser movie might have faltered, however, “We Live in Time” is elevated by the heartfelt performances of Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. Pugh’s portrayal of Almut bears much of the heavy lifting; it feels cruel to watch her balance her own dreams and family in what could be the last few months of her life. Garfield’s character, although not as well-developed, also shines as the supportive, tearful partner watching everything they love slip away.
The first half of the movie is strong, even though most audience members would be able to guess the end. There is plenty of focus on the ‘boring’ moments of the relationship, but isn’t that where love truly thrives? It makes the bigger moments and milestones so much sweeter to root for as an audience member. The ending is unique, choosing to focus on uplifting aspects; a change for a movie of this genre.
And while the storyline is predictable, isn’t that what we look for in romantic movies? Love can be found and lost in the most unexpected places, but as long as our memories live on, it doesn’t really go away.
3/5
