Romantic dramedy “We Live in Time” has flown to the top of the charts since its release on Oct. 11, becoming one of the top five arthouse films of the year. Directed by John Crowley who is best known for his films “Brooklyn” and “The Goldfinch,” the movie stars Andrew Garfield who portrays Tobias, a cereal salesman, and Florence Pugh as a highly-competitive chef named Almut.
When Almut (somewhat strangely pronounced “Al-muh”), who is about to open her own restaurant, crosses paths with the recently-divorced Tobias, sparks immediately fly. Upon their first meeting, Almut invites Tobias to the grand opening of her restaurant. He agrees and their love story begins as their lives change incredibly in a single night.
The film depicts a beautiful love story between the two, frequently using flashbacks to provide a window into how the couple meet and overcome the bumps and trials in their relationship. While their meeting is unconventional, it is difficult for any viewer to deny the chemistry between the two.
When Almut is unexpectedly diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, they realize that time may be running out. The diagnosis presents them with many challenges, all centered on how they will spend their remaining time together. When Almut is presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she has to decide what her priorities really are. Almut is an undeniably-talented person, and her deepest desire is to be remembered. She knows that she is so much more than her sickness, and she wants that to take precedent no matter what happens.
As for Tobias, he simply wants to care for Almut in her struggles, believing that her health and safety are more important than whatever she could accomplish through her work. Their differences in coping mechanisms and ideals cause a few rifts between the two, leading to the main conflict in the story.
“We Live in Time” is filled with a whirlwind of emotions, leaving the viewer captivated as Almut and Tobias build and reconstruct their lives together. It is the kind of movie where both laughter and sobs can be heard throughout the theater. The inclusion of flashbacks and the director’s cinematic choices add warmth to the film, providing the viewer with new perspectives and helping provoke a variety of emotions in the viewers.
Garfield and Pugh do a truly wonderful job portraying their characters, almost flawlessly depicting a young couple facing unexpected tragedy. Their on-screen chemistry is fantastic, and the love shown between the two gives the movie significant depth. However, despite the serious themes, the characters and the actors do a great job of lightening the mood when needed.
Overall, “We Live in Time” is certainly a film worth your time. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and most importantly, you’ll likely enjoy the film.
