We Live in Time

John Crowley, known for adapting Colm Tóibín’s romantic novel Brooklyn, is back with another emotional feature, starring two successful A-list actors: Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. We Live in Time follows the story of Tobias (Garfield), an employee of Weetabix, who is preparing to sign his divorce papers when he meets chef and restaurant owner Almut (Pugh). It is the end of one chapter and the exciting start of another, as he is handed a second chance at love when Almut crashes into his life, literally. For Almut’s part, it’s only fair after running someone over with your car to take them out for an apologetic meal. Sparks fly and the rest is history.

Crowley and editor Justine Wright use a non-linear structure to tell Tobias and Almut’s story. We jump between various timelines in their relationship. From the aforementioned first meeting and a honeymoon period of courtship to suburban bliss as young parents to adorable daughter Ella, and finally, to navigating the heartbreakingly tough and challenging nature of a cancer diagnosis. The lack of a sequential narrative highlights the importance of all moments in their story, including the highs and the lows.

Both Pugh and Garfield are captivating and committed in their respective roles, alongside a delightful supporting turn from Douglas Hodge who, in one simple scene, captured the essence of enduring love. There is a beautiful chemistry between Pugh and Garfield, one of ease and genuine laughter, but it’s not quite the electric chemistry you’d expect from romantic leads. What quickly becomes clear is that this is Almut’s story, not Tobias’s, whose entire focus and motivation revolves around Almut. Whilst doing this has the unfortunate result of Garfield not being able to stretch his characterisation beyond “sad, supportive partner” (which he nails), the focus on Almut and her goal to achieve a professional accolade has the alternate benefit of addressing what potentially is a common consideration of those experiencing terminal illness; how they will be remembered.

In some respects, We Live in Time does strum the formulaic tones of a generic tearjerker, but Nick Payne’s writing fosters a good balance between humour and sadness and manages to invoke the right amount of sentiment without becoming too saccharine. It’s a heartfelt, well-captured film that many will enjoy.

Sunny Morgan

Read more reviews from our London Film Festival coverage here.

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Watch the trailer for We Live in Time here: