We Live In Time

We Live In Time is a film that doesn't just tell a classic love story, but explores the depth of human bonds in all their complexity. Through the relationship between Almut Brühl and Tobias Durand, played by Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield respectively, director John Crowley and screenwriter Nick Payne offer a cinematic experience that transcends the conventions of the romance genre. The film delves into profound themes such as mortality, legacy and the way time shapes our lives and memories. With its bold approach to storytelling and captivating performances, We Live In Time proves to be a moving and unforgettable work.

One of the film's most striking features is its non-linear narrative structure. Unlike a traditional chronological narrative, the story unfolds like a mosaic, with each scene adding a new piece to the emotional puzzle that is the lives of Almut and Tobias. This technique, though disconcerting to some viewers, mimics the workings of human memory, where significant moments don't necessarily follow a temporal logic but are strung together according to their emotional impact. From their accidental meeting, when Almut hits Tobias with his car, to their tender daily lives, to the upheaval caused by Almut's illness, the film invites viewers to piece together the story themselves, while immersing themselves in each poignant moment. This approach offers a striking contrast between the fleetingness of each moment and the depth of the emotions they convey.

Florence Pugh is dazzling as Almut Brühl, a star chef whose passion for cooking and life is palpable in every scene. Almut is a complex character, both strong and vulnerable, who refuses to let herself be defined solely by her illness or her relationships. Pugh manages to capture these nuances with rare sensitivity, showing a woman determined to pursue her dreams despite adversity. She also embodies a mother and wife who struggles to leave a lasting legacy, not only to her daughter Ella, but also to the world she leaves prematurely. Her performance strikes a subtle balance between moments of grace and flashes of pain, making her character deeply human and endearing.

Opposite her, Andrew Garfield delivers an equally moving performance as Tobias Durand, a man whose quiet sensitivity contrasts with Almut's energy. Tobias is a character of remarkable compassion and emotional depth, but he is also haunted by the fear of losing the one he loves. Garfield excels in moments of silence, expressing a range of emotions through simple glances or gestures. His screen presence perfectly complements Pugh's, and their chemistry is so powerful it seems almost tangible, capturing viewers in their love story.

Beyond the romance, the film explores universal questions about the meaning of life and legacy. The subplot centered on Almut's participation in a prestigious culinary competition, despite her deteriorating health, adds further depth to the story. For Almut, this competition represents more than just a professional opportunity: it's an act of self-affirmation, a way of showing that she's much more than her illness. This personal quest, while polarizing for some viewers, highlights the dilemma many face in the face of mortality: how to be both fully present for those we love and true to ourselves to the very end. This tension gives rise to moments of gripping dramatic intensity, particularly in the exchanges between Almut and Tobias, where their divergent perspectives on the present and future create profoundly realistic conflicts.

Visually, We Live In Time is a work of remarkable beauty. John Crowley's direction is particularly effective in the intimate scenes, where he lets the actors' performances take center stage without unnecessary distractions. These moments, such as a scene where Almut and Tobias share a dessert in their bath or chat in their garden, are imbued with a sincerity and tenderness that resonates long after the credits roll. Stuart Bentley's cinematography amplifies this atmosphere with images that are both warm and evocative, capturing the beauty of their surroundings and the intensity of their emotions. The soundtrack composed by Bryce Dessner is equally memorable, its delicate melodies reinforcing the emotional impact of the scenes without ever overpowering it.

However, the film is not without its faults. Nick Payne's screenplay, while rich in emotion, sometimes verges on the melodramatic, and the non-linear structure can seem calculated at times. What's more, the subplot surrounding the culinary competition, while thematically interesting, could be seen as a distraction from the central relationship. Despite these imperfections, these weaknesses are more than made up for by the power of Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield's performances, as well as the emotional depth of the story.

At the heart of We Live In Time is a poignant reflection on memory and legacy. In one of the most striking scenes, Almut confides her desire not to be reduced to her illness in her daughter's memory: “I don't want my relationship with Ella to be defined by my decline.” This statement alone sums up the film's central message: what remains of us is not only what we have achieved, but also the emotional impact we have had on others. It's a heartfelt meditation on what makes life meaningful, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is beauty and truth to be discovered.

In a cinematic landscape often dominated by cynical blockbusters or spectacular narratives, We Live In Time stands out for its disarming sincerity and emotional depth. It's a film that celebrates the beauty of human relationships while confronting the difficult realities of loss and mortality. The performances of Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, combined with John Crowley's delicate vision, make this a rare and memorable work. Through this story, the film reminds us that life's true treasure lies in the moments we share with those we love, and that time, however fleeting, can be used magnificently.

We Live In Time
Directed by John Crowley
Written by Nick Payne
Produced by Adam Ackland, Leah Clarke, Guy Heeley
Starring Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh
Cinematography : Stuart Bentley
Edited by Justine Wright
Music by Bryce Dessner
Production companies : Film4, SunnyMarch, Shoebox Films
Distributed by A24 (United States), StudioCanal (France)
Release dates : 6 September 2024 (TIFF), October, 18 2024 (United States), 1 January 2025 (France)
Running time : 108 minutes

Viewed: November 26, 2024 (VOD)

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