Film & TV

Film Review: We Live in Time

Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield) are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives.

Pugh shines in her role as Almut, showing us the power of choosing to live in the moment - with intention.
3.5

Directed by John Crowley and written by playwright and screenwriter Nick Payne, We Live in Time follows the romantic journey of couple Tobias Durand (Andrew Garfield) and Almut Brühl (Florence Pugh) after an accident brings them together. Produced by Adam Ackland, Leah Clarke, and Guy Heeley, this non-linear narrative is filled with themes that emphasise the importance of living in the present, rather than overthinking about the future.

Although Andrew Garfield has successfully portrayed many characters, I often still think of him as Peter Parker in Spider-Man or as the conscientious objector Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge, a role for which he was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. His role as Tobias, however, is that of a wonderful, supportive husband, living a rather ordinary life with a rather ordinary job as a cereal marketeer.

Yet Garfield brings the same introspectiveness to the screen in this role as the quieter, gentler soul, in contrast to his wife Almut, played by Academy Award nominee Florence Pugh. Almut is a fierce, competitive force, confident and bold. Tobias doesn’t enjoy the spotlight, while Almut thrives in it, relishing the pressure. This dynamic extends into their social life, as shown in the few scenes that feature more than just the two of them, as the film centres almost entirely on the pair.

Their characters blended well together from the start and their character development occurs through pivotal moments in their love life and how they manage them, given their different views on life. Without the acting talents of Garfield and Pugh, the film would have had a very different feel, as the impact of these moments lies in their portrayal. This is best summed up when Tobias comes to realise that his rational, rule-driven approach to life has kept him from truly living as he tells Almut ‘I am guilty of looking ahead instead of right in front of me.’ By living according to a strict set of rules, he has shut out love, light, and joy. Both characters shift throughout the story as Almut never originally considered herself to be part of the world of motherhood, only to decide to give birth when the choice might be taken away.

The story reminds us that anything can change in an instant, so it’s vital to enjoy the present. I feel this resonates in an era where many are focused on extending their lives, and not necessarily thinking about its quality. Anyone who has battled illness will truly understand the mindset of Almut, as it highlights how treatment can, at times, inadvertently waste our time.

The accents and the close-up footage give the film an intimate, authentic and familiar feel—depicting everyday life in the midst of a life-changing event. Although fairly predictable, the strength of the actors, coupled with a screenplay that offers solid character development and relatability – in particular their journey as a couple – makes this a great film to watch.

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