We Live in Time Review: New Take on the Classic Weepy Romance with Stellar Performances

The weepy romantic drama genre saw a surge in popularity after The Notebook, sparking a wave of similar films based on Nicholas Sparks novels and their imitators. However, this flood of sentimental stories eventually lost steam. Enter We Live in Time, directed by John Crowley and starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This film revives the heart-wrenching romance genre while offering something unique in a post-pandemic world, where audiences are more discerning than ever.

While it draws inspiration from a lineage of doomed love stories, We Live in Time sets itself apart by delivering a fresh narrative approach and captivating performances from two of Hollywood’s most talented actors. In a cinematic era dominated by cynicism, this movie stands out as an earnest and deeply emotional journey that refuses to shy away from sentimentality. Though some may find themselves resistant to being manipulated by the plot, it’s hard not to get swept up in the experience, thanks to the film’s emotional depth and the undeniable chemistry between its leads.

A Story of Love, Loss, and Choices

We Live in Time is a movie that directly confronts its audience, pulling at heartstrings while delivering complex, layered performances. The story revolves around Almut, played by Florence Pugh, and her partner Tobias, portrayed by Andrew Garfield. From the very beginning, viewers are introduced to Almut’s grim reality: a devastating cancer diagnosis. She faces an impossible choice: should she pursue six months of a quality life, or endure a year of aggressive chemotherapy, knowing that the treatment may not succeed?

From this emotional starting point, the movie unfolds across multiple timelines, jumping between different moments in Almut and Tobias’s relationship. One timeline follows the couple in the aftermath of Almut’s cancer returning, where Almut, a professional chef, decides to enter a cooking competition as one last attempt at achieving something meaningful. Another timeline rewinds to the early days of their romance, where the two meet in a rather unconventional way when Almut accidentally hits Tobias with her car. These fragmented timelines also reveal earlier stages of Almut’s cancer journey, including the couple’s struggle with the realization that they may never have children.

Nonlinear Storytelling – A Bold but Risky Choice

The film’s nonlinear structure may be divisive for some viewers. Rather than using traditional markers like title cards to distinguish between timelines, We Live in Time relies heavily on visual and emotional cues. Almut’s physical state, such as her pregnant belly or shaved head from cancer treatment, helps viewers navigate the timeline jumps. For audiences accustomed to more straightforward storytelling, this approach may feel disorienting. However, for those willing to engage with the film on its own terms, there’s a certain emotional logic to the way these scenes are woven together. It mirrors how someone might recall key moments from their life, especially when faced with the end.

The fragmented nature of the script may feel frustrating at times, especially for viewers who want to spend more time in certain chapters of the couple’s relationship. But this nonlinear structure also adds depth to the performances of Garfield and Pugh, who must adapt their portrayals to reflect different stages of their relationship from the early days of infatuation to the later, more tragic moments of their life together. For fans of these two actors, this film serves as a masterclass in subtle, nuanced performance.

The Power of Performance – Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield Shine

The heart of We Live in Time lies in the performances of its two leads. Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield bring a level of authenticity and raw emotion to their roles that elevates the material beyond the limitations of the script. Pugh, who has already established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses, takes on the heavier narrative load, portraying a woman grappling with the inevitability of her fate. However, it’s Garfield who delivers a truly standout performance, using his expressive face to convey a wide range of emotions from deep concern to anger and heartbreak.

Their chemistry is palpable, and it’s clear that Crowley has crafted their relationship with a level of respect and maturity that’s often missing from modern romances. Unlike many other romantic dramas, We Live in Time treats its characters like real adults, navigating real problems. Their relationship, while aspirational in many ways, feels grounded in reality, making their journey all the more compelling.

Themes of Life, Legacy, and Love

At its core, We Live in Time is about more than just a romance. It’s a film that asks profound questions about the kind of life we want to live and the legacy we leave behind. Almut, in particular, is forced to confront these questions as she grapples with her terminal illness. Should she fight for a few extra months with her loved ones, even if it means enduring unimaginable pain and fatigue? Or should she focus on making the most of the time she has left, creating memories that will last long after she’s gone?

These existential questions resonate with viewers on a deeply personal level. In a world that’s been forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, where so many have been forced to confront their own mortality, We Live in Time feels especially relevant. It taps into universal themes of love, loss, and the choices we make in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

The Appeal of a Classic Tearjerker

For fans of romantic dramas, We Live in Time delivers all the emotional beats you’d expect. While the nonlinear narrative may dampen some of the tear-jerking moments, there are still plenty of scenes that will tug at your heartstrings. Garfield and Pugh fully commit to the more tragic elements of the story, making it impossible not to feel the weight of their characters’ struggles.

However, it’s worth noting that We Live in Time doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of some of the genre’s most iconic films. While it’s undeniably moving, the film’s fragmented structure prevents it from building to a single, cathartic climax. Instead, it offers a series of smaller, bittersweet moments that linger long after the credits roll.

A New Chapter in the Romantic Drama Genre

So, is We Live in Time destined to become one of the great British romantic dramas of the decade? Perhaps not. But it’s still a remarkable film, elevated by the undeniable star power of Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. Their performances, combined with Crowley’s sensitive direction and the film’s unique approach to storytelling, make We Live in Time a worthy addition to the genre.

At a time when many romantic dramas feel formulaic and overly sentimental, We Live in Time offers something fresh, even if it doesn’t completely reinvent the wheel. For those who enjoy a good cry, this film will certainly deliver, but it also offers a deeper emotional resonance that’s sure to stay with viewers long after they’ve left the theatre. In a world full of cynicism, sometimes a little earnest sentimentality is exactly what we need.