We Live in Time: An authentically human story about loss and cancer

Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh will put you in your feels.

Two breathtaking performances by Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh combine with strong nonlinear screenwriting to create a story that feels incredibly authentic and human.

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Garfield and Pugh treat us to a phenomenally acted romantic drama in We Live in Time. The two of them take a step back from their usual blockbuster roles for a grounded, emotional story about a couple grappling with the grief of a serious cancer diagnosis to Pugh’s character.

They have an undeniable on-screen chemistry that makes the story and couple’s dynamic feel real, or regular. It is this authenticity to normal life that is special. If you’ve witnessed a loved one or friend go through something similar, not only will you relate to this, but you’ll see yourself in these characters.

Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield’s characters telling their young daughter about the cancer diagnosis over dinner.

On the surface, you may think a story of this nature would be overwhelmingly depressing and sad. It certainly has those moments, but We Live in Time is far more lighthearted and uplifting than you’d think. Director John Crowley achieves this through strong dialogue and what I thought was a highly effective use of nonlinear storytelling. For example, right after you are presented with a hard hitting scene about a cancer diagnosis, the movie jumps back to a happy scene of the couple getting to know each other after meeting for the first time.

A non-linear plot is a storytelling technique in which a narrative is told out of chronological order. Non-linear plots come in various forms. Non-linear plots can weave multiple plot lines and time lines together to create a cohesive story. - Studiobinder

This style is not for everyone, but I found the nonlinear elements both unique and purposeful. Instead of being presented with everything all at once, the film forces you to assemble its story like a puzzle as you go. This left me both intrigued and committed through the very end.

The nonlinear plot also creates some pretty powerful dichotomies in the story. The impact of seeing a despondent scene back-to-back with a humorous one effectively conveys the movie’s most important themes. It is only after you watch, therefore, that you will fully appreciate the film’s title.

Pugh, who actually shaved her head for the role, next to Garfield in We Live in Time.

Garfield and Pugh are really good in this. If nothing else, you’ll walk away fully convinced that they are both the present and future of Hollywood. They shine the brightest in the scene depicting the birth of their child. Not only was this moment a unique combination of moving, emotional, and humorous, as someone in healthcare, I can vouch for how realistic and accurate it was.

Pugh’s character, named Almut, was full of depth and emotion. Garfield’s character, named Tobias, though no fault of his own, was a little less developed than I would have liked. While enriched with stories about Almut’s childhood and past, Tobias’ history was more vague. I think a little more emphasis on his upbringing and previous marriage would have even further strengthened the story.

We Live in Time is available to watch in theaters today. What is your rating of the film?

What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.

Gladiator

I had to revisit this Ridley Scott classic to get ready for Gladiator II in a few weeks. It might be my most anticipated film of 2024 after Dune: Part 2.

Shrinking (Season 2)

One of the best dramadies on TV is back and I couldn’t be more excited. This exceptional story about loss, grief, and community has touched me in a way few shows have in recent memory. Season 2 of Shrinking adds Brett Goldstein to its already star-studded cast and the first 3 episodes have delivered. If you haven’t seen this yet, how could you say no to a show with Harrison Ford playing a therapist?

Faceoff: Inside the NHL

The new Amazon Prime hockey show has been such an enjoyable experience. Fans of the sport will revel in the show’s unprecedented access and new fans will start falling in love with the league’s superstars. If you enjoy Drive to Survive, Full Swing, or Break Point, Faceoff is made by the same people.

Sable,

Bon Iver never fails to deliver and his new EP, SABLE, has been on repeat for the last week. I highly recommend a listen.

Mistborn

Brandon Sanderson is one of the best fantasy writers alive and Mistborn has been a joy to read each night. If you like fantasy, magic, and a little bit of politics, you’ll really fancy Sanderson’s work.

FC 25

It is not EA’s best iteration of this iconic franchise, but if you love the world’s game, then you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time playing FC 25 like myself.

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Thank you for reading! Let me know what you think of We Live in Time and be sure to share what you’ve been watching in the comments. I look forward to our discussion!