Synopsis
We Live in Time is an upcoming romantic drama movie that will be released in 2024, directed by the John Crowley, who also directed Brooklyn and Boy A. No stranger to emotional undertones, We Live in Time plunges patrons into a stunning deep dive of how love intertwines with time, and life in its unpredictable grandeur.
This teaser depicts the initial glimpse of love between Almut and Tobias. Two people, who, at the start, seem very average, undergo an extraordinary transformation when their paths are aligned by destiny. Almut is a passionate French woman who works as a chef in London. Brimming with creative energy, she is wise beyond her years. Tobias is a British architect, who seems to be doing well on the exterior surface, but internally, he is dealing with a myriad of issues at work and in his personal life. Their first meeting is anything but average. Indeed, Almut is so dynamic that while trying to figure out London’s traffic, she almost runs over Tobias, making for a rather peculiar start to the two’s hybrid story.
In hindsight, the gradual transformation of two fictional lovers is narrated in an unprecedented way. Unlike most romantic dramas that chronologically focus on the rise and fall of attraction in a couple, We Live in Time instead takes a macro approach by trying to depict love through the eyes of time and all its variations and life-defined stages; spark, connection, enduring daily challenges, and unavoidable unrelenting shifts dictated by time and circumstance.
Throughout Almut and Tobias’s relationship, they experience profound joys alongside deeply challenging moments. Domestic rhythms and career successes bring the couple together, but intertwined within the love story is the reality of loss.
Focusing on the love of Almut and Tobias without addressing the reality of loss does, in some instances, create spoilers for the film. We live in Time is a celebration of love, but simultaneously serves as a sobering meditation on existence. The film shifts from romantic explorations towards the deeper reflection of aging, illness, and memory.
The nonlinear storytelling that sets this love story apart is seamlessly woven together by Nick Payne’s script. Almut and Tobias’s juxtaposed scenes from earlier and later years drive the focus: love not only exists in moments, but over time shared between couples, making love intangible.
The narrative structure facilitates viewers experiencing the characters’ lives in a way that makes them feel like they are there for the entirety of the characters’ relationship. This fluidity in time adds emotional weight to the plot, intensifying the impact of heart-wrenching events as they contrast with the uplifting moments of youthful idealism.
The visual feel of the film is intimate and warm. Stuart Bentley, the cinematographer, is sensitive to both the subtle magnificence of ordinary moments and to life’s wonders. The visuals range from Almut’s kitchen’s tender morning sunlight to London’s grand urban views, which perfectly align with the heart-warming emotion that the film evokes.
Cast & Crew
The talented cast and crew of We Live in Time are the ones to take credit for the gripping and backbone-hitting story, as every detail and scene is tailored beautifully as if crafted with care and precision to make the film authentic and raw.
Florence Pugh as Almut
Almut is, perhaps, Pugh’s finest performance to date; her warmth, humor, and vulnerability shine through the character. Pugh captures the spirit of a loving and ambitious woman, and balances the lighter, comedic moments of the story with its more dramatic scenes. Her range of emotions gives immeasurable strength to Almut, which brings the character to life in a way that will make audiences never forget her.
Andrew Garfield as Tobias
Andrew Garfield does not disappoint as Tobias. Garfield brings soft charm and intensity to the role. Garfield’s subtle performance demonstrates Tobias’s internal struggles and his great love for Almut. The chemistry he has with Pugh feels organic, effortless, and powerful, resulting in a bond that is trustworthy and emotionally truthful, which grounds the film.
John Crowley (Director)
John Crowley’s direction is as gentle as it is purposeful. Crowley’s prior experience with character-driven narratives shows in his mastery of blending romance and philosophy in the film. His expertise at eliciting strong, yet nuanced performances from his actors ensures that the powerful emotional pulse of the film lingers long after the credits roll.
Nick Payne (Screenwriter)
Payne’s screenplay, a blend of poetry and prose, is exemplary from the both a literary and cinematic perspective. He reflects on time and love without losing his authenticity. The book of the film is, indeed, the pillar of its emotional outburst.
Stuart Bentley (Cinematography)
Bentley has done wonders for the cinematography of the film. The natural light he employs, accompanied by close framing, adds immediacy and pulls the viewer into Almut and Tobias’s sphere. With his camera-work, the stunning visuals are in perfect intersection with the poignant beats of the screenplay.
Volker Bertelmann (Composition)
The delicate and evocative score of the movie is crafted by Volker Bertelmann. His music accentuates the emotional flow of the screenplay without overpowering the dialogues or the actors’ performances during significant scenes.
IMDb Ratings & Reception
The film We Live in Time has received a lot of attention and positive reviews from the public and critics. It has been rated between 7 to 8 on IMDb, indicating that the movie has truly garnered some love. Audiences appreciate the bittersweet sentiment of life and love which the movie revolves around along with the stunning performances by the actors.
Most We Live in Time reviews consider it as standout romantic drama of 2023. A significant number of critics appreciate the film’s modern depiction of relationships over time, rather than falling back on tropes. Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield’s chemistry has also been regarded as the emotional core of the film.
The audience enjoys the film’s slow but steady pacing, which works well along with the solemn themes tackled in the film. The nonlinear approach to the story has been regarded as a brilliant device to show Almut and Tobias’s relationship from its different points in a more natural and touching manner.
Although a few critics point out the slow pacing may not sap the interest of a few watchers, like the bulk of other reviewers, the emotional resolution is more than worth it. We Live in Time is a visual masterpiece for those who seek profundity in character-focused narratives.
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