Review: Exploring Love and Cancer in the Film ‘We Live in Time’
- 'We Live in Time,' directed by John Crowley and starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, uniquely explores the themes of love and mortality in a non-linear storytelling format, reflecting the fragmented nature of memories.
- The film centers on the relationship between Almut, a chef with cancer, and Tobias, a divorcé, as they navigate love and the desire for a family amidst the poignant backdrop of Almut’s illness.
- Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield’s compelling performances invite the audience into a deeply emotional journey, despite the film's structural challenges, highlighting the preciousness and fragility of life and love.
Culture every morning
Always be up-to-date. Get the freshest on culture, every morning to your inbox.
A Journey Through Time, Love, and Mortality
In a cinematic landscape where romantic dramas often veer into the realm of fantasy, "We Live in Time" stands out for its unflinching portrayal of love and cancer. This poignant film, directed by John Crowley and written by Nick Payne, follows the intricate dance between life and mortality as it explores the relationship between Almut and Tobias. Starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this movie takes viewers on a heart-wrenching yet deeply human journey.
The Unconventional Approach
"We Live in Time" tells a very conventional romantic drama in a very unconventional way. The film eschews a linear timeline, instead drifting in and out of the couple’s lives as they navigate different stages of their relationship. This non-linear storytelling device can initially feel disjointed, but it eventually pays off by creating a sense of fragmented memories that mirror the way we often recall our loved ones. The film's structure is a deliberate choice, one that adds to the emotional impact of the story.
The Characters: Almut and Tobias
At its core, "We Live in Time" is a love story between two complex characters. Almut, played by Florence Pugh, is a Michelin-starred chef who has recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Despite her illness, she remains determined to continue her career and live life to the fullest. Tobias, played by Andrew Garfield, is a recent divorcé who finds himself drawn to Almut’s fiery passion and determination.
The dynamic between Almut and Tobias is magnetic. They begin a partnership that surprises them both, and their relationship quickly evolves into a deep and abiding love. Initially, they are not in total agreement about having children, but their quest to become parents becomes a significant part of their journey. As they navigate their relationship, they must also confront the reality of Almut’s illness and the inevitable tragedy that it brings.
Exploring Complex Themes
"We Live in Time" delves into several complex themes that are both deeply relatable and profoundly sad. The film touches on the push-pull between individual and familial desires, needs, and responsibilities. Almut is torn between taking it slow while receiving treatment for her cancer and competing in a cooking competition that Tobias thinks is, given the circumstances, a bad idea. This internal conflict is a fundamental one for Almut, and Pugh strives to make the character’s many aspects mesh in a way that is both authentic and heartbreaking.
The Performances
The performances by Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield are undoubtedly the shining light of this film. Pugh delivers a powerful performance as Almut, capturing the character’s determination and vulnerability with ease. Her portrayal of Almut's struggles with cancer is deeply moving, and her chemistry with Garfield is palpable. Garfield, too, brings depth to his character, playing Tobias as a good-hearted and kind man who is prone to passive-aggressive moments with the woman he loves.
Together, Pugh and Garfield create a love story that is both strong and tender. Their dynamic is what salvages the film from its many missteps and makes it watchable. They bring a sense of levity and humor to the story, even in its darkest moments. The film's most memorable scenes often feature Pugh and Garfield, whether they are cooking together or sharing intimate moments in bed. Their love story is one of the strongest I've seen this year, despite the sterile landscape it's presented in.
The Director's Vision
John Crowley’s direction is commendable for its commitment to the unconventional storytelling device. Initially, this approach can keep the audience at arm’s length, preventing them from fully connecting with the characters. However, once the film settles into its groove, the structure does resemble how we remember a loved one, and it becomes emotionally powerful. Crowley’s use of time jumps and flashbacks creates a sense of urgency and fragility, highlighting the preciousness of life and love.
A Tearjerker Worth Watching
Despite its contrived nature, "We Live in Time" has its moments. The film's greatest accomplishment is jamming more sentimental and silly incidents into its runtime than any romantic drama I've seen in recent years. The sheer amount of emotional manipulation can be overwhelming at times, but it's also what makes the film worth watching. When it’s done well, it can move even the most hardened viewer to tears, and "We Live in Time" does just that.
One of the most poignant moments in the film comes when Almut tells Tobias that she's not sure she can go through another round of treatment. The scene is heartbreaking, not just because of Almut's illness, but because it highlights the fragility of human life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It’s a powerful reminder that life is short and should be lived to the fullest.
Conclusion
"We Live in Time" is not a great film by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a good one. It never becomes a masterpiece, but it does become memorable for its portrayal of love and cancer. The film’s non-linear structure, despite its initial disjointed feel, eventually pays off by creating a sense of fragmented memories that mirror the way we often recall our loved ones. The performances by Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield make this film watchable and even enjoyable, despite its many missteps.
If you’re looking for a good cry, "We Live in Time" is a movie worth paying attention to. It's a journey through time, love, and mortality that is both deeply human and profoundly sad. It's a reminder to cherish every moment and to live life to the fullest, because in the end, it's all we have.
References
- We Live In Time Review: Pugh and Garfield Shine Despite Everything (withashleyandco.com)
- 'We Live in Time' Review: Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh Can't Save Cancer Weepie (thedailybeast.com)
- Review: Exploring Love and Cancer in the Film ‘We Live in Time’ (blackgirlnerds.com)
- TIFF Review: 'We Live in Time' Finds Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh Bringing You to Tears (awardsradar.com)
