Directed by John Crowley (Brooklyn), We Live in Time is a moving exploration of modern love told through a subtle approach to romantic melodrama. Distributed by A24, the film brings together Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, two of the most talented actors of their generation, to deliver a deeply emotional that explores the complexity of human relationships, self-reliance and sacrifice. With a heartfelt narrative and delicate humor, Crowley anchors this poignant story in universal experiences.
The film was released on October 11, 2024 in the USA. The French release is scheduled for January 1, 2025.
As We Live in Time has not yet been released in France, this review contains no spoilers.
Story – A Simple But Emotional Love Story
The film weaves a complex fresco of love, loss and resilience, tracing the lives of Almut ( Pugh), a passionate chef, and Tobias (Garfield), a young divorcee. The narrative adopts a non-linear structure, alternating between different moments in their relationship to reveal its joys, sorrows and nuances. This structure reflects the fragmented nature of memory, offering a meditation on how we cling to the past while facing the uncertainty of the future.
The narrative focuses on their love story, tested by their respective ambitions and overwhelming challenges, including Almut’s cancer diagnosis. The film explores the sacrifices that love imposes, the fragility of human aspirations and the tension between independence and connection. Almut struggles to maintain his professional identity despite illness, while Tobias embodies unwavering support, introducing moments of tenderness. However, the film never strays far from the raw reality of their situation, balancing intense emotion with touches of humor and hope. And while the plot may seem classic, it thwarts expectations by infusing its characters with modernity .
Almut (Pugh) and Tobias (Garfield)
Characters And Performances – A Perfect Chemistry Between Pugh And Garfield
Florence Pugh shines in one of the most striking roles of her career, portraying Almut with remarkable intensity and sensitivity. Her performance is richly nuanced, expressing complex emotions through subtle gestures and meaningful glances. She brings to life a character who is both fiercely independent and deeply vulnerable.
Andrew Garfield complements this intensity with gentle ,authentic acting . As Tobias, he embodies a caring and resilient partner, balancing lightness and gravitas with ease. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, making their love story sincere and captivating.
Secondary performances, notably that of Grace Delaney in the role of their daughter Ella, enrich the story. The young actress brings an additional warmth and authenticity , linking the couple to an emotional legacy.
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- Almut (Pugh) and Ella (Delaney)
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- Tobias (Garfield)
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- Almut (Pugh)
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- Ella (Delaney), Almut (Pugh) and Tobias (Garfield)
Cinematography And Music – Beauty Of Simplicity And Subtlety
Stuart Bentley’s cinematography is stunningly beautiful . It combines intimate close-ups with wide shots that emphasize the emotional weight of the story. The visual palette, warm and evocative most of the time and contrasted with cold colors from time to time, is supported by natural light , which amplifies the film’s realism .
The music, featuring a subtle, melancholy soundtrack by Bryce Dessner, perfectly supports the narrative without ever overwhelming it. The sound design is equally remarkable, capturing everyday life – from the sounds of a busy kitchen to the quietude of moments of reflection. This attention to detail enhances immersion in the film’s universe.
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- Wide shot of a plain
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- Almut in the kitchen
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- Almut (Pugh)
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- Almut (Pugh) and Tobias (Garfield)
Video Editing And Rhythm – A Rollercoaster Of Simplicity & Non-Linearity
Editing is essential to bring this non-linear story to life . Although the approach may seem ambitious, it is executed with precision, allowing the story to unfold organically. The transitions between the different periods are fluid, creating a rhythm that reflects the ebb and flow of the characters’ lives.
The film’s overall rhythm strikes a delicate balance between the time devoted to intimate moments and the progression of the story. Each scene seems to have a precise purpose, culminating in a moving finale that skilfully links the themes of love, sacrifice and heritage.
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- Tobias (Garfield)
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- Ella, Almut and Tobias
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- Almut (Pugh)
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- Almut and Tobias
