‘We Live in Time’: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield Navigate the Fragility of Life in Affecting Love Story

Sandra Miska

Life comes at a millennial couple fast in “We Live in Time,” director John Crowley’s romantic tear-jerker that sees Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield’s characters, Almut and Tobias, navigating some of the biggest obstacles lovers can face. Their relationship begins with Almut, an award-winning chef, running into Tobias (Garfield) with her car, while he is walking back to a hotel to sign his divorce papers. From there they encounter many more bumps, and lots of love, as go through all the relatable thirtysomething struggles that come with dating, getting serious and starting a family, while heading down an uncertain road. However, a cancer diagnosis causes them to plan for things that are not on the radar of most people their age.

“We Live in Time” is told in a nonlinear narrative through three timelines; the beginning of Almut and Tobias’ relationship, the final stretch of Almut’s pregnancy with their daughter, and some years later when Almut receives her second cancer diagnosis. Pugh and Garfield’s chemistry carries this film, portraying with charming chemistry their characters’ relationship through different stages. A budding romance feels different than a worn-in love, and a couple on the verge of parenthood experiences a different range of emotions compared to when they are facing a potential tragedy. Throughout the pair succeed in keeping us engaged with them on this affecting journey

Although “We Live in Time” can be categorized as a cancer film, its focus is not on an inevitably weepy ending, but on taking the fragility of being human day by day. While it does not exactly offer an unflinchingly accurate portrayal of what it means to be a cancer patient, it is not afraid of a little vomit, and shows us Almut her most vulnerable. There is also a point where Almut and Tobias’ budding romance almost comes to a halt after Tobias questions their compatibility due to their different views on having children. However, following her first ovarian cancer diagnosis, Almut is forced to make a decision about her reproductive future. Once Almut goes into remission, she eventually becomes pregnant, which leads to the most exciting and anxiety-inducing birth scene in recent memory.

As former competitive figure skater, there is a part of Almut that wonders, “What if?” She feels an exceptional urgency, and these thoughts cannot be pushed to the back of her mind. Now a chef, she makes the decision to enter a prestigious culinary competition, despite the risk to her health and the fact that the dates conflict with her and Tobias’ wedding plans. She wants to be remembered as more than “someone’s dead mom.” She wants her daughter to remember her for her life, not her death. Even though it seems misguided to Tobias, Almut’s decision to see through the competition is inspiring. Due to her declining health, she leans on her sous chef, Jade (Lee Braithwaite), for a lot of support, and their partnership becomes working relationship goals.

In the end, Crowley makes the decision to do away with a sad deathbed scene, and instead decides to focus on Almut’s life and legacy, which is more emotionally impactful. His film honors life’s quiet moments as much as it lauds the bigger, more celebratory ones. Almut is an exceptionally gifted person, but the poignant message is that she will not be remembered by her loved ones for being this perfect person they could never live up to, but for her courage, determination and love of feeding everyone.

“We Live in Time” releases Oct. 11 in select theaters, Oct. 18 nationwide.