REVIEW: ‘We Live in Time’ is a Beautiful Film Made Even Better By Its Leading Pair
What would you do if you were running out of time? What would your loves ones do if you were running out of time? These are the questions director, John Crowley asks in his new romantic drama, We Live in Time. Centered around Alma (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield), the film focuses not only the on the sacrifices these two characters make for love, but also the stark reality of not having enough time. When Alma is diagnosed with potentially terminal ovarian cancer, the couple must decide how they want to spend Alma’s final months. As the main storyline, the “A” storyline, is unfolding, we watch through time jumps, the “B” storyline, as the pair meet, fall in love, and face a variety of trials and tribulations that come with being in a relationship.
Crowley beautifully entwines these two storylines, so the audience is never confused. Each flashback serves to not only elevate what is happening at that moment in the “A” storyline, but to help the audience better understand Alma and Tobias relationship. The film features tear-jerking scenes and feel-good laughter. Could Crowley have made it more emotional and gut-wrenching? Probably, but part of going to see a film is being able to escape reality. And Crowley does just that. He tiptoes the line between reality and fantasy creating a romantic drama that will live through time.
Pugh and Garfield are the main reason Crowley is able to fully pull of this film. The two are a pair to be reckon with on screen. From their undeniable chemistry to their individual performances, these two prove why they are some of the bests in the business today. Pugh brings to life the stubborn, independent Alma with ease. She fully embraced this role, down to the shaving of her head, and will leave you frustrated with her characters in some moments and loving her character in others. Garfield brings a more sensitive, shy side to Tobias, and blows it out of the park. How this man has not won an Oscar yet is beyond me. His boy-ish charm will have you rooting for him from the first moments he is introduced on screen.
It’s also interesting to watch these two in their roles because typically in these types of films it is the male character that can’t fully comprehend the reality of the situation. Writer Nick Payne opted to do the opposite, and it worked out tremendously. It allowed Pugh and Garfield to bring to life something new rather than something we’ve see many times before.
We Live in Time is not The Notebook, nor will it be loved by everyone, but if you love romantic dramas this film is for you. If you love Garfield and/or Pugh, this film is for you. It is an honest look at love, and it will leave you questioning what you would do if you were running out of time.
Grade: A-