We Live in Time
October 9th, 2024
MOVIE: WE LIVE IN TIME
STARRING: ANDREW GARFIELD, FLORENCE PUGH, LEE BRAITHWAITE
DIRECTED BY: JOHN CROWLEY
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 ½ STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: R
RUN TIME: 107 MINUTES
The charm of two romantic leads can go a long way. Throughout cinema history, we’ve seen countless on-screen couples whose chemistry radiates off the screen. The larger-than-life personas of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind carry us through the horrors of the Civil War. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal have an iconic “Do we love each other or not?” dynamic from the start in When Harry Met Sally. In Bradley Cooper’s A Star is Born, their chemistry is so palpable that we often wonder how they were still acting. Now, we can add Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in We Live in Time, the latest romantic drama from director John Crowley, which captures a couple’s journey through the highs and lows of love. Despite the potential for a clichéd narrative, the film thrives on the magnetic charm of its leads.
The storytelling structure from Crowley and writer Nick Payne may frustrate some viewers, as it presents the story of Tobias (Garfield) and Almut (Pugh) in a non-linear fashion. Rather than unfolding in a straightforward sequence, it jumps from their initial meeting to poignant discussions about their daughter, to moments of career celebration. Tobias works for a successful breakfast cereal company, while Almut is a chef, and we follow the ups and downs of their intertwined lives.
What truly elevates the film is the undeniable chemistry between Garfield and Pugh, earning a 3.5-star rating largely due to their performances. We witness Tobias’s quirks, from timing contractions with a stopwatch during pregnancy to proposing in a candlelit room, and his attempts at cooking for his star chef partner. Pugh’s Almut is both fearless and endearing, balancing the demands of motherhood, her career, and battling an illness. Her performance will make audiences smile, laugh, and cry—all within moments. It’s hard not to feel selfish, hoping these two will collaborate again soon.
On the directing side, We Live in Time feels somewhat standard for Crowley; it doesn’t capture the same level of romance as his earlier work in Brooklyn, but it still offers a compelling narrative to experience vicariously. The film explores the complexities of love, marriage, family, and simply being alive. It’s reminiscent of A Marriage Story but with a different tone of sadness, blending elements of Love Story and Roman Holiday. Be prepared to shed tears (bring tissues), as this film beautifully illustrates the power of love. Whether it’s the chemistry between Garfield and Pugh or the poignant storytelling, We Live in Time emerges as a touching romance.
3 ½ STARS
WE LIVE IN TIME IS PLAYING IN THEATERS FRIDAY OCTOBER 11TH, 2024.
Written by: Leo Brady
