Here we go again.
Yet another romantic tragedy with the same regurgitated, but loved, Hollywood stars. Produced by the widely popular entertainment company, A24, this one might be slightly different though.
“We Live in Time,” starring Andrew Garfeild (Tobias Duran) and Florence Pugh (Almut Bruhl) takes us through a relationship that follows a fateful and unexpected encounter between two strangers in their mid-30s. This plot may sound like every romance movie ever, but in this case the timeline switches from past to present in the span of a decade, exploring their unconventional relationship of anticipating what many of us fear in life, change.
The movie takes place in a British countryside, starting off with the the main characters awaiting Almut’s cancer re-diagnosis leaving them with a huge ultimatum: go through with the difficult treatment again with the chance it may not work, or go without the treatment and live a shortened but fulfilled life. Almut is a sarcastic, independent and headstrong figure skater turned chef who wants to take the latter option, and Tobias is a freshly divorced and insecure Weetabix (a British food company) representative who is opposed to the second option.
The couple seem like they wouldn’t work, but they do? This plotline is the same that we’ve seen countless times before: from fun movies like “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” classics like “When Harry Met Sally,” and iconic dramas like “Titanic.” In many of these films, the main characters struggle with their differences and opposed viewpoints but eventually find a rhythm. “Opposites attract” isn’t all that original, but this movie implements it in a unique way.
Usually movies that utilize this plotline go from when they meet, their struggle to find common ground and then their realization of similarities and love they have for each other. Like previously stated this film presents their relationship in an unchronological order, so one second we see them fighting, and the next they’re meeting for the first time.
Another popular theme displayed throughout this film is every second counts. This is not unfamiliar to many, but director John Crowley executed it well. The way Crowley utilizes this theme sets the film apart from all the others that encompass this plotline through the fact that, in their case, every second really does count. This semi-unique take on the plotline makes the movie all the more impactful as they decide to go through with the option of living a limited, but fulfilled life. The way the two characters spent this time and how it all comes together in the end is well done in terms of the plot, and the way Crowley decides to end the movie will definitely leave you sitting in thought.
My initial thoughts after completing the movie were slightly different from what they are now. The ads that I came across presented a heartwarming yet tragic movie that would not only make me cry, but also make me unable to stop crying throughout the entire film. This marketing tactic drew me in, as I was very excited for this movie to change the way I viewed time and gratitude. But when I left the theater, my face was dry, and I was confused. When I further analyzed the movie, I realized my reaction to the film may not be due to the film itself, but rather the way it was advertised.
They got it all wrong. This film wasn’t going to change my life, and the main themes it consists of are those that aren’t unfamiliar to me, but rather it just feels like a warm hug. If they hadn’t advertised it in a way that would get my hopes up, waiting the whole movie to start sobbing, my initial reaction would possibly be more positive. And there definitely were positives.
The events of the movie are tragically realistic and in many ways, depressing. I definitely felt for the two characters as their struggle with cancer is something millions have, and still are, facing today. Through the beautiful visuals of the British countryside, as well as the often implemented ambient lighting, the movie made you feel like you were literally in their relationship. Crowley takes you through their fights, intimate moments, rough patches and so much more. Pugh and Garfield’s chemistry was so good it didn’t even feel like acting. If this had been an unscripted documentary, I would believe it — they genuinely felt like a real life couple. The cinematography is appropriate and impactful and really sends the mood of each scene through the screen, something A24 productions do very well.
Overall, this movie is not my favorite. I enjoyed watching it, and though I was expecting more, I can appreciate the thought and hard work that went into this project and the message it will send to those who watch it. It’s probably not a movie I will intentionally sit down and rewatch, but if you’re in the mood for a slow and heartwarming as well as depressing watch, this movie is a good option.
