Directed by John Crowley, We Live in Time is a romantic drama that takes audiences on an emotional journey through the relationship of Thomas and Almut. The film’s nonlinear narrative explores the couple’s love story, from the initial sparks to their most challenging moments, blending heartache with tender reflections on time and loss. If you’re on the fence about whether to watch this film, our review will help you decide.
Contents
A Heartbreaking Beginning
The film opens with a gut-wrenching scene: Almut’s cancer diagnosis. From there, the story oscillates between past and present, showcasing the significant milestones in Thomas and Almut’s relationship—moments of joy, heartbreak, and everything in between. The time jumps might feel random at times, but they reflect how difficult moments often bring old memories to the surface.
Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh deliver standout performances, capturing the essence of their characters’ emotional complexities. Their chemistry brings authenticity to the narrative, and even in the film’s quieter moments, they convey deep feelings through subtle expressions and body language.
Life’s Unpredictability: A Key Theme
Crowley’s direction highlights the unpredictability of life and relationships. One moment, Thomas and Almut are sharing laughter and affection, and the next, they are forced to confront life-altering decisions. A memorable scene involves the couple having a baby in an unexpected setting, blending humor with poignancy and reminding us of life’s strange, unpredictable nature.
Fans of 500 Days of Summer may draw comparisons, as both films use unconventional narrative techniques to portray bittersweet love stories. However, We Live in Time has a more somber and reflective tone. While 500 Days often leans into humor, this film is more contemplative, exploring love’s fragility through memories that mix joy, regret, and longing.
The Emotional Depth of We Live in Time
The screenplay by Nick Payne adds layers of emotional depth, especially in its exploration of how relationships evolve over time. Almut’s internal struggle, balancing her personal aspirations with her illness, is deeply moving. Her character isn’t always easy to like—especially when discussing children—but these flaws make her more relatable, adding nuance to her portrayal.
Garfield’s portrayal of Thomas brings warmth to the “nice guy” trope, imbuing the character with a sincerity that feels genuine. While Almut’s illness looms over the story, the film resists being overly melodramatic. Instead, Crowley focuses on quiet moments of connection between the couple, allowing the emotions to resonate naturally.
Blending Light and Heavy Moments
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to blend humor with heavier themes. A key scene where the couple tries to conceive a child mixes tenderness and awkward humor, illustrating how love can be both complicated and beautiful even in life’s toughest moments. These lighter moments prevent the film from feeling overly heavy, while still conveying the emotional stakes.
How Does It All Come Together?
Some parts of the movie may feel familiar, like the meet-cute caused by a car accident, but the film presents these moments with a refreshing sincerity. Rather than focusing on big, dramatic gestures, We Live in Time zeroes in on the small, everyday moments that define relationships. This approach gives the film an understated emotional power, eschewing the exaggerated portrayals of romance often seen in modern cinema.
Ultimately, the movie’s success lies in the exceptional performances of Pugh and Garfield. Their ability to communicate complex emotions through a glance or silence is captivating. As the story unfolds, the film reminds us that love is not just about happiness but about facing life’s hardest challenges together.
Final Thoughts
We Live in Time is a deeply moving romantic drama that touches on love, time, and resilience. While certain aspects of the plot might feel reminiscent of other films, the authenticity of the performances and the emotional honesty of the narrative make it a standout. The film serves as a powerful reminder that true love isn’t about constant happiness but about weathering life’s storms side by side. If you’re a fan of heartfelt storytelling and strong performances, this movie is definitely worth watching.
