Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh help elevate this unconventional British romantic weeper.
So often throughout each year, the public is offered romantic films that cause a stir of emotions. Whether it’s the story, the stars, or something else, this is a genre that continues to thrive and keep things steady at the box office time after time. Unfortunately, more often than not films in this genre run into issues that make them more eventually forgettable than those from other genres. Think about it: Aside from Blake Lively’s It Ends with Us, released just over two months ago, what was the last new mainstream film connected to romance you remember? I wouldn’t say it’s a quality issue so to speak when I pose this question, but I hope you see the point I’m trying to make. Sometimes, it’s all about alignment: the right story, the right cast, and the right pieces to accompany the film (score, cinematography, etc.). Thankfully, there is a film in this genre opening wide this weekend in which everything aligns nicely (and tearfully) with We Live in Time.
Taking place over the approximate span of a decade, We Live in Time centers on Tobias (Andrew Garfield), a guy in IT who is winding up his divorce, and Almut (Florence Pugh) a chef for whom there is more than meets the eye. They first meet in the most unexpected of ways, but a spark is ignited. As time goes by and they spend more time together and learn about themselves, the more they begin to cherish their time together and the life they are building.
A24, the studio, has a good reputation for putting out several, not only quality films every year, but also films with a catch, twist, or story that turns everything upside down. But what’s fascinating with We Live in Time is that it just might be both the most straightforward and unconventional film the studio has ever released. That might not make sense as you read this, but the story contained within the film, while still a weeper, stands in a class of its own, thanks to its pure endearment and unique narrative structure. As the film takes us through Tobias and Amulet’s relationship through the years, it is very effective in showing us those tender moments that resonate with viewers and serve as a reminder for us to cherish our short time on this planet. It also helps that the impact of this romance film is led by two actors who demonstrate that they are more than just the actors we know from comic book movies; they are actors you can rely on in anything put in front of them.
Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh more than make We Live in Time work. Thanks to their great chemistry that generates grins, tears, and even a few laughs throughout the film, this is a relationship with actual spark. And honestly, I’m not sure anyone else cast as the two lovebirds could have made this story work because Garfield and Pugh are at the top of their game here. Whether it’s Garfield’s Tobias bringing a sense of simpleness to things or Pugh’s amulet of growth in their relationship, it’s as believable a relationship as you’ll find in these sorts of films.
We Live in Time comes at a unique time of the year. But it’s also one that is quite memorable in every way for the genre and may convince viewers to revisit it sometime down the line. (You can’t say that about every film in this genre.) For that extra touch, add in things like the cinematography and Bryce Dessner’s score, which are some nice icing for the cake. Come for the performances and unconventional story, stay for the credits, and have the tissues at the ready.