We can all say life is hard and no matter what challenges you face, it’s hard to predict what you do with the time you have. It is this simple yet contemplative statement that forms the foundation of Brooklyn director John Cowley’s latest film, We Live in Time, starring Academy Award nominees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. The film sees thirty-somethings Tobias (Garfield) and Almut (Pugh) as they navigate their relationship from early beginnings in London to a quiet life in the country in a heartfelt romantic comedy-drama.
When we first meet the protagonists, they are chalk and cheese – Tobias exudes shyness and quiet frustration while Almut is detailed and quietly competitive. Initially, their different personalities seemingly stifle their emotional connection so the audience has to dig in deeper to find a rapport between these two characters. We see them enjoy each other’s company and their interactions involve bouts of enthusiastic sex and some awkward conversations around children, the depth of their relationship feels artificial – until things get very real.
With snippets of the past interlacing with the present, Nick Payne’s non-linear narrative develops the emotive connection between Tobias and Almut as they blossom from a tentative romance to an intrepid relationship. Although the time jumps feel confusing at first, they slowly allow the evolution of a relationship between two ordinary people to become deeper and increasingly poignant, balancing laughter and drama with the emotional impact that illness can inflict on life. The events that occur in the film mostly stem from Almut’s cervical cancer diagnosis, which causes her to compromise her career as a chef. In addition, a tragic event in her youth all but stopped her professional ice skating dreams – something she doesn’t want to repeat in her culinary career as an adult. With each knock, Almut strives to put on a brave face to show that illness shouldn’t stop life and may even cause her to unexpectedly change her plans.
In contrast, Tobias is depicted as a long-suffering partner who can do nothing but support Almut as she experiences endless obstacles when it comes to her health and career. Despite being powerless, his constant support delivers reassurance and the occasional reality check that hammers in the extent of their situation, even if Almut is unwilling to slow down. All the while, Payne’s screenplay blends unexpectedly hilarious bouts of comedy – key moments involving snacks – with brutal truths that reinforce the emotions of the couple’s journey.
Pugh delicately balances her ambition with determination while Almut’s life slowly changes. There is also an honesty she has consistently expressed in her filmography where her character fights for what she wants, as well as a maturity that evolves throughout their relationship. Complementing her is Garfield’s endearing Tobias, whose physical comedy softens his doe-eyed expressions. Regardless of what life throws the couple’s way, he bravely wears his heart on his sleeve, daring to be shy, observant or frustrated when life continues to throw punches their way.
The beautiful chemistry between Pugh and Garfield allows the audience to experience the couple’s ups and downs together. Whether it is a precarious scene at a petrol station or heartfelt conversations about their future, their surprising yet deeply profound celebrations and turmoils highlight the depth of emotional investment towards the characters. This is heightened by the charming and occasionally heartbreaking screenplay, delivering a relatability to its narrative that resonates past the emotional connection between Tobias and Almut with small bouts of wit. Meanwhile, Crowley and cinematographer Stuart Bentley use close-up shots in both intimate and chaotic spaces to visually show how the complexities of time can affect the individual and collective lives of two ordinary people. By capitalising on the performances of its stars, the narrative feels not only relatable but believable so be prepared to weep.
We Live in Time is simple on paper but rich in emotion and has winning performances from Pugh and Garfield. A true love story for modern times, its unpretentiousness will strike directly into the hearts of audiences.
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Director: John Crowley, Nick Payne (screenwriter)
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh
Runtime: 107 minutes
Country: UK
