We Live in Time
Rush to make the right or wrong decisions.
The latest film from A24 feels somewhat lackluster compared to the studio's other works, yet it still strives to impart a meaningful life lesson to its audience.
Tobias (Andrew Garfield) is a romantic yet aimless office analyst, while Almut (Florence Pugh) is a driven chef and career-focused woman. Their lives collide one day due to a bizarre incident, and, through small but steady steps, they grow closer and eventually move in together. However, their domestic bliss is shattered by a devastating illness, forcing them to confront the harsh reality of time slipping away far too quickly.
At first glance, We Live In Time appears to be a profound film, poised to convey the delicate fragility of life and the weight of human decisions. However, as the story unfolds and the characters' motivations are explored, it becomes clear that the film gradually blends into the mold of a typical tragic romance.
Non-linear storytelling is a rare but masterful technique for unveiling characters, events, and atmosphere in a film. It can also cleverly mask a conventional plot, and in this case, it’s this very technique that rescues the movie. Had the narrative followed a straightforward, chronological structure without time jumps, it would have been indistinguishable from a typical melodrama.
The film presents the story of an ordinary married couple confronted with a profound tragedy. However, a major flaw in the plot lies in a pivotal decision made by Almut midway through the movie. This decision feels completely disconnected from the character the audience has come to know through earlier scenes. It lacks justification, depth, and emotional resonance, making it difficult to empathize with the protagonist. Instead, it comes across as a sudden, arbitrary shift, seemingly dictated by the screenwriter’s whim rather than the character’s natural progression.
The chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh is undeniably engaging — the dynamic between their characters is both peaceful and playful, creating a unique tension in certain moments. However, it’s Garfield who steals the spotlight in this pairing. His portrayal of a shy, insecure man — who can easily fade in the shadow of his beloved feels more vibrant and natural than Florence Pugh's character. Throughout the film, there’s a sense that Pugh holds back, hesitant to fully explore her character. At times, her performance lacks emotion, expression, and even simple gestures, while other moments could have benefited from a deeper, more varied portrayal.
From a cinematographic perspective, the film plays it safe, offering nothing particularly daring or surprising. However, it delivers a high-quality visual experience with a pleasing color palette that creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The soundtrack, while occasionally mismatched, sometimes effectively complements the mood of the film, enhancing the emotional moments and situations of the main characters.
The film's central message is to cherish time and loved ones, but that's about all it has to say. It could have explored deeper themes, like the pain of losing a loved one, the clash of interests, or the consequences of life choices—right or wrong. Instead, the film presents the illogical decisions of its main characters, spiced up with moments of sharp black humor, beautiful visuals, and a non-linear narrative that creates the illusion of a deeper story than it really is. We Live In Time is worth a watch — Andrew and Florence’s dynamic is captivating and enjoyable, and the core message about the impact of our decisions will linger. However, it’s unlikely anyone will feel compelled to revisit it for a second time.
P.S. The film’s big meme appears for only a brief second on screen.
6/10