User reviews

The Nonlinear Structure: A Double-Edged Sword

We Live in Time makes a bold narrative choice by employing a nonlinear structure. While it adds complexity to the story, making it feel like a series of fragmented memories or dreamlike flashbacks, it comes at the cost of emotional connection. The constant jumping between different moments in the relationship prevents the audience from fully immersing themselves in key events. As a result, some pivotal moments feel rushed and we miss the chance to truly absorb the emotions and consequences of certain scenes. A more linear approach might have allowed for deeper connection.

Almut's Career: A Missed Opportunity

One of the elements I found missing in We Live in Time was a deeper dive into Almut's career as a chef. We're told that cooking is her passion, but the film doesn't spend much time exploring why this is so important to her. What sacrifices did she make to get where she is? What role does cuisine play in her identity, and how does it conflict with her personal struggles? By not focusing more on this aspect, the film misses an opportunity to add depth to her character. It would have helped to not only connect the viewer more to her journey but also to make her internal conflict about balancing career and family feel more urgent and relatable.

Product Placement: A Bite of Distraction

Let's talk about the Weetabix moments. When the product literally becomes part of the conversation, it feels like the movie just took a quick break to sell us breakfast. It's the kind of moment that makes you wonder, "How much did Weetabix pay for this?" It didn't ruin the film, but I definitely could've done without the mid-movie snack ad.

Strong Performances Hold it Together

Despite its shortcomings, We Live in Time is held together by the incredible performances of Garfield and Pugh. Their chemistry alone makes the film worth watching. Both actors manage to convey raw emotion with depth, carrying the weight of the film's emotional core.

Conclusion

In the end, We Live in Time isn't a revolutionary film, but it is a heartfelt one. It's a deeply personal story of love, time, and loss, and while it doesn't always land every emotional beat, it still offers moments of real beauty. If you're a fan of character-driven romances and strong performances, this film is worth a watch.

Never has the gap between my expectations and the actual impact of the film been so vast. The possibilities were so high with casting two of the greatest actors of our time- and even they could not make the movie have a soul. The writing and soundtrack were totally forgettable, despite Pugh and Garfield putting in great performances of what was available to them. The back and forth timeline made for an incomplete emotional journey, as there was no build up or stakes to be invested in. Both characters fell very flat, and I felt very little emotional investment in them. I had such high hopes and was counting down the days for this film, and was sorely disappointed upon leaving the screening. Hope someone casts the two together in a future film and gives them a better opportunity to create a masterpiece.

This show has a lot going for it.

A fantastic blown out of the water cast.

Beautiful destination locations for shooting.

The two leads have fantastic chemistry. I mean fantastic

It's a love story in the 20th century (rare and desired)

It's dialogue is truly sweet and consistently smile inducing. There are even some good laughs here!

Andrew Garlfields character is especially great.

Although... his character may be great because I feel so much sympathy for the guy. Like sympathy one has for the abused dogs in the Sarah McLaughlin commercials. Why? Because Florence Pughs character walks ALL over this holy sweetheart of a man.

Florence Pughs character takes the role of protagonist in the film. The films fatal flaw is that it makes you hate her. Any emotion I was supposed to have, was washed over with a scathing dislike and head scratching confusion over the writing decisions made. The film starts strong but goes in a sour emotionless direction. Even the films core message is overshadowed by its poor writing that leads it there. All were seen leaving the theater severely unsatisfied.

I just got done watching We Live in Time (2024) and I got to tell you that this is genuinely one of the most emotionally and realistic romance movies I've seen in recent memory.

Positives for We Live in Time (2024): The leading performances from both Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh are phenomenal in this movie. That really isn't surprising given these two have been nominated for Oscars in the past and I hope they both get nominations this year. I appreciated that this movie manage to tell a love story of two strangers falling in love with each other after meeting for the first time in a realistic way. Now don't get me wrong, I do enjoy my fair share of romance movies where the two lovers meet up in the most cynical and ridiculous way possible, but at the same time I do like it when a movie approaches these stories in a more realistic fashion. The things these two character go through in this movie all manage to be heartwarming, devastating and even wholesome depending on what scenes these moments are taking place. I also appreciated that this movie manages to keep the balance during these moments to where they don't feel overly dramatic or overly emotional to the point where it feel like cringe. And finally, I love how the movie's ending manages to avoided the all of the traditional cliches of other romance movies while also giving the audience the satisfaction they want to see in this movie.

Mixed for We Live in Time (2024): While I certainly appreciated the route this movie took with its story, there are going to be some people who are probably going to have a hard time watching this movie. Now to be fair, the movie did achieve its primary goals with the approach, but it also might hit hard for some people who have gone through similar situations in their lives.

Negatives for We Live in Time (2024): I only have one thing to say about this movie in this area and it's very small. This is a movie that I can only see myself watching once and that's it. But, if this element is the only negative with your movie, then that tells you how good your movie is.

Overall, We Live in Time (2024) definitely gave me what I wanted and I couldn't be any happier about that. If Garfield and Pugh don't get nominations for their performances in this movie, then I'll be very disappointed with the Academy. Regardless, if you're looking for a romance movie that feels genuinely realistic with its approach to the story, then this is the movie for you.

Well, it was definitely an enjoyable film to watch with a lot of other people. Lots of people in the audience laughing and crying. I didn't feel emotionally wrecked - I felt uplifted by the performances I saw - Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh are both wonderful in this film. They are just so good together - a real sense of trust between them. I heard a man exiting festival hall sarcastically saying to his friend 'and she just happened to be a world class chef... ' I didn't mind any of that because I believed her. I don't want to see a film abt normal boring life - I want escapism, romance, something other than my life but based in truth. A domestic drama but between two beautiful people. I'd definitely watch it again - the time flew by.

I saw it for Andrew Garfield , one of magnificient actors of present , for John Crowley , in memory of their fantastic film Boy A.

And, indeed, We Live in Time is a pure beautiful film. Its first virtue is the kick to viewer to discover his past moments and future perspectives. The second virtue is represented by acting. I do not ignore romance or problems of life together or the knife of near death.

But it is a profound subjective masterpiece for the fine portrait of ages. For message, to. For the honest definition of unique moments of life. And for the fantastic performance of Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield .

So, see it !

Saw this at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

John Crowley crafts a simple and predictable romance story that isn't really anything special, yet, captures a beautifully looking presentation with two strong performances from Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh throughout. Frankly, sometimes, we need to enjoy a simple cheesy romance narrative and We Live in Time checkbooks out of the cheese elements together pretty well. With good music, simple dialogue, and structure, it still holds an emotional connect with it's viewers as the chemistry and banter between the two leads are watchable and good.

Obviously, because of it's predictable style, it does feel a bit long with it's pacing and certain elements may put you to snooze, but as a whole, Crowley's direction and Garfield and Pugh's performance kept it running.

We Live In Time is a fantastic, well-made film filled with humor, heart, and a gut punch of emotional weight. Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield give incredible raw performances that should have plenty of talk come award season. Their chemistry and play off each other really made the film tug at the heart strings.

The story is told well, in a slightly different way than expected that works perfectly for the film. These characters and this world feel real and the film has you invested from the moment it begins.

Pack the tissues and be prepared to be taken on a journey.

We Live In TIme is well worth the time and is one of the year's best films.

It's been a long time since a film has left me this unsatisfied. This had everything good going, A24 production, amazing leads, beautiful scenery and it just didn't deliver. The writing is terrible. I don't know why they decided to make it a non-linear storytelling but it was more exhausting than interesting, with times changing too fast and the whole story lacking any depth.

Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield were amazing in their roles but their characters were very much unlikeable and also lacked depth.

Wouldn't recommend it, my rating is just for the main actors and the good architecture. I was so ready to weep my eyes out while/after watching this, but nothing came.

Tobias (Andrew Garfield) is hit by a car driven by Almut (Florence Pugh). She stays in the hospital until he wakes up and because - despite having a broken arm and being in a neck brace - he has already been discharged (there are not enough beds available - political comment there!) takes him to dinner. He is newly-divorced, she has just come out of a lesbian relationship. Despite this unpromising beginning, there is mutual attraction and the pair begin a years-long relationship.

The two leads make an engaging couple. Pugh, especially, is easy to accept as the fiery Almut. Garfield plays nice guy Tobias a bit too geeky to be completely believable, but he manages to stay on the right side of annoying (and, if the shapely bare buttocks in the bathroom scene belong to him and not to a body double, he has a very nice bottom - just saying...) No other actors get enough screen time to make an impact, although I was struck at seeing Douglas Hodge playing Tobias' father - twenty or thirty years ago, he would probably have been playing the male lead himself.

This is a good example of a chick flick: romantic, cheesy and leaving not a single dry eye in the house. I am not sure I would watch it again, but I am glad I saw it at least once.

Director John Crowley's latest venture, "We Live in Time," weaves a narrative that's as intricate as it is emotionally resonant. This film, which focuses on the tumultuous journey of love against the backdrop of time's relentless march, offers a blend of heartfelt moments and poignant reflections, though it occasionally stumbles in its ambition to transcend the conventional romance drama.

Performances: Florence Pugh delivers a tour de force as Almut, the ambitious chef whose life is turned inside out by love and illness. Pugh's portrayal is both fierce and vulnerable, capturing the essence of a woman who battles not just cancer but also the ticking clock of her own life. Andrew Garfield, as Tobias, provides a solid counterbalance, bringing depth to the role of a man who finds love when he least expects it. Their chemistry is palpable, fueling the film's emotional core.

Narrative: The non-linear storytelling, while ambitious, is both a strength and a weakness. Crowley's decision to jump through time offers fresh perspectives on the same emotional beats, illustrating how memories shape our present. However, this structure sometimes disrupts the flow, leaving the audience momentarily adrift in the timeline. The film's attempt at modernity through this narrative technique feels slightly forced, yet it's intriguing enough to keep one invested.

Themes: "We Live in Time" excels in exploring its central themes of mortality, love, and the human experience. The film poignantly questions what it means to live fully, especially when time is not on your side. This exploration is touching, often rendered beautifully through scenes of quiet intimacy or sudden, heart-wrenching clarity. The film's emotional peaks are its strongest suits, offering moments that linger long after the credits roll.

Visuals and Score: Cinematographically, the film is polished, with each frame composed to evoke a sense of timelessness or urgency, fitting the narrative's ebb and flow. The score complements the visuals, enhancing the emotional undertones without overshadowing the dialogue or performances.

Conclusion: "We Live in Time" is a film that aspires to be both a love story and a meditation on life's impermanence. It succeeds more in the former than the latter, crafting a narrative that, while not groundbreaking, is deeply affecting. For those who appreciate a good cry paired with a thoughtful narrative, this film delivers. However, it might leave others wishing for a bit more innovation in its storytelling or deeper dives into its philosophical musings. A commendable effort, but one that leaves the door open for more exploration in the themes it so tenderly touches upon.

I am speechless at how amazing Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh were in this movie. Outstanding performances! Their chemistry and onscreen relationship was perfection! An emotional film obviously because of the subject it was about, but portrayed excellently, with some funny parts also. Both actors deserve an Oscar for this film! These are 2 actors who can play any role flawlessly. Still crying driving home after the movie and a film has never done that! A close to home subject also which probably doesn't help. Well done on this movie that portrays the struggles people are dealing with every single day! 10/10!!

We Live In Time is a 2024 Romantic Comedy Drama starring Andrew Garfield as Tobias who works for Weetabix and Florence Pugh as Almut a respected chef and a former ice skater. Meeting eachother after a car accident, they start to make a family together which the two become successful in doing by raising and giving birth to their daughter, however Almut is diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer even though she's representing the UK as a chef for a competition, it's chaos!

The plot is all over the place throughout, as one focuses on how they met to present day to showing a new plotline to showing different perspectives, it's hard to follow at most times! But the film is forgiven for it's humour and decent performances from all involved. There's definitely that rom-com tone throughout, even though it's mixed into a drama with all these scenes that are all over the place, but I think it's definitely realistic and well made in regards to the genre.

The dialogue, while rusty at times, still does it's job and scattered jokes there and there always are a fine addition. In terms of performances, Andrew Garfield is ok as he has some comedic and dramatic scenes but I think Florence Pugh really stands out with her strong dialogue and especially being very believable. I can definitely see her get nominated here, but I think for the most part everyone did what they did and I don't think this is a film you should take too seriously as it's just what it is on paper, a rom-com drama.

Overall, while nothing particularly unique is added to the format, We Live In Time is an enjoyable one to watch with a friend and holds it's audience's attention throughout the film with it's comedic and dramatic elements that make a film like this fun for most people on a night out, definitely recommend.

Grade: B+

London Film Festival 18th October.

Some movies don't just entertain-they resonate. They reach into the deepest parts of you and bring something to light that you never even realized was there. This film did exactly that for me, and I can honestly say it has changed my life.

For the longest time, since I was a teenager, I've struggled with fears I couldn't even fully articulate-chief among them was the fear that I might never have children. It's something I always knew I wanted, but I never understood just how deeply, how completely, my heart longed for a family. For years, I wrestled with my own mind-bipolar disorder, overwhelming despair, and countless moments where I thought life wasn't worth continuing.

But as I watched this movie, something shifted. For reasons I still can't entirely explain, it made me realize that no matter how hard things get, no matter how many obstacles lie ahead, I want to live. I want to live not just for myself, but for the dream of building a family one day. That revelation hit me harder than anything else ever has, and it's because of this movie.

The story, the emotions, the way it all unfolds-it's not a perfect film, but its impact on me was. It reminded me that life is worth fighting for, that even in the darkest moments, there is something worth holding onto. I will live. I'll try my best, no matter what, to reach that future I now know I've always wanted.

This movie wasn't just something I watched; it was a turning point. And for that, I'll forever be grateful.

I'm enjoying a romantic weekend at a B&B with my wife. We chose this movie for a little outing. It completely killed the mood. We saw it listed as a "romantic comedy." The romance was depressing and there was absolutely no comedy. NONE! My wife hated it so much she asked me to never speak of it again.

For those who like this type of genre, it was well acted. The timeline was nonlinear, so the disordered chronology was challenging at first. Some of the storylines were never resolved, so it was unclear whether there was an issue with over-editing or an oversight in the storyline.

Bottom line is that my wife hated it. Now, I need to watch some Pride & Prejudice with her AGAIN to butter her up.

Can I just start off by saying the hype over this movie before it came out made me so skeptical. However, it's so eloquently written. Both Florence and Andrew did put on an exceptional performance truly showing the ups and downs of falling in love and the grief that follows loss. Andrew was the perfect cast, his true personality in real life reflected so deeply in his roll as Tobias. Not only do I highly recommend this movie but please do yourself a favor and bring some tissues. I smiled, I laughed, and I snot cried like a child. The best movie i've seen in '24 without a doubt. The cinematography was breathtaking! It felt like I was standing in the same room embodying their journey as if it were my own. As someone who's dealt with loss and love first hand it's so spot on it's not even funny. Florence was exceptionally beautiful and has this metamorphosis as an actress i've yet to see in any one of her previous roles. Truly gut wrenchingly beautiful.

I went to see this movie during a free screening. I had high hopes since the two leads are phenomenal actors.

I wanted to love this movie but it felt disjointed. Most movies where there's something mysterious/emotional that happens, there's a build up. You get to know the characters. You feel connected to them. In this case, there wasn't that build up. It was hard to really feel anything for what happens.

I'm also not a fan of movies where they piece together multiple timelines that jumps back and forth. Especially when there's not much that allows you to recognize which timeline you're watching.

This movie was meant for Netflix, not the big screen.