In the current landscape of film, many have taken notice of the decrease in the presence of major movie stars, good on-screen chemistry, and mid-to-low budget films made for adults. Considering that most films that make considerable money these days are blockbusters, many studios put most of their finances into big-budget spectacles, leaving hardly any room for smaller movies to be made. Not that long ago, dramas, romances, and comedies would be released in theaters and make a good amount at the box office, but now, they just aren’t being made as often or are punted to streaming since they aren’t viewed as being profitable at this current point in time.
With changes currently occurring in the world of film, many studios are taking a chance on movies from those genres that haven’t been making as much money over the past several years. While some of these films find homes at major studios, most of them end up at indie distributors. This is certainly the case with We Live in Time, a romantic drama from A24. Most people tend to think of A24 as a purveyor of artsier fare, but We Live in Time is much more conventional compared to most of their output, and probably would have been picked up by a bigger studio if it was made many years earlier. Despite this, it is nice to see a film like this get a wide release, and with a pair of bonafide stars like Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield as the leads no less. The film itself might be a tad generic and lays the sentimentality on thick, it is still deeply charming, largely thanks to Pugh and Garfield’s excellent chemistry. If nothing else, We Live in Time is a breath of fresh air amidst the current film landscape, and checks a lot of the boxes of what people have been missing from recent releases.
Told in a non-linear format, We Live in Time focuses on three major moments in the lives of Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and Almut (Florence Pugh).We see the unusual beginning of their relationship, the days leading up to the birth of their child, and a cancer diagnosis that changes their lives. Throughout the film, we see the highs and lows that they experience as a couple, and how they are affected by the major changes that life throws at them. Some moments are joyful, others are heartbreaking, but everything comes together to tell a rather sweet love story.
The film is not unlike other romantic dramas like it, and tells a familiar story at its core. That said, it does contain some interesting plot elements that I wasn’t expecting, and helps give the film a distinct identity. This is most apparent in how the film grounds itself in reality, allowing its events to feel rather genuine. This is further helped by moments that might be played for laughs in a typical romance movie being played straight, making them feel a bit truer to life. There is a heavy amount of sentimentality in the film as a whole, which isn’t surprising considering director John Crowley’s body of work, but it mostly works in the film’s favor. It does sometimes feel like a bit much in that department, but this aspect helps more than it harms. This carries over to Bryce Dessner’s score, which sometimes feels a little distracting but generally fits the film fairly well. The film’s sweetness and earnest nature might be too much for some, but those who enjoy a good love story will undoubtedly be satisfied.
Despite being told non-linearly, the film is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. The structure helps keep things interesting, showing three distinct points in Tobias and Almut’s life and provoking some curiosity regarding the moments that connect them. It helps make up for the film’s more generic tendencies, and keeps the viewer on their toes a little. The simple plot does give way to some pretty emotional moments, which helps us connect to our two leads and their relationship pretty well. It balances its heavier moments with warmth, which makes the film feel somewhat comforting despite tackling some heavy themes. There is a cathartic energy it has that really connected with me, and I’m sure will connect with others as well. It might be easy for some to write off as sensationalized, but this aspect is what will likely draw most viewers in.
The main draw for the film, and its two strongest assets, are none other than Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. I have long been a fan of both actors, and seeing them together is an absolute delight. Pugh in particular is amazing in this film, as her character has more of an emotional journey throughout it. As Almut, she has a headstrong, self-assured air about her that clashes with Tobias’s more cautious, timid nature. She feels so natural in the role, and has such a strong presence in every scene she’s in. Garfield has this awkward, yet endearing energy he brings to his character, and it is such a good complement to what Pugh brings to the table. He kind of reminded me of 90s rom-com era Hugh Grant, as he has this slight nervousness to him that makes him even more charming. Both are great on their own, but really shine as a duo. They have such amazing chemistry, and legitimately feel like a real couple. They both elevate the film a fair deal, which helps make up for some of the film’s shortcomings. Pugh and Garfield are electric and so alluring to watch, and continue to prove that they are two of our brightest film stars.
We Live in Time might not reinvent the wheel, but it is still bound to make viewers fall in love with it. This is largely thanks to Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, who give a pair of excellent performances here. The film’s simplicity and propensity to be a bit cloying do hold it back a little, and might turn some off, but Pugh and Garfield’s chemistry is hard to resist. It is such a sweet and charming little film, and it is sure to hit with people who love a good romance. It may not be perfect, but it feels refreshing in the current world of movies, as it is a kind of film that doesn’t get made as much anymore, and it has some great on-screen chemistry and star power to boot.
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