Powerful Performances and Intimate Moments Shine in This Year’s Most Talked-About Romantic Drama
Tobias and Almut’s portrayal in the new romantic comedy We Live in Time is so clean and sanitized, so excessively quaint and precious, that they’re almost unbearable to watch. Despite being one of the best romance movies in recent years, some critics found the central relationship lacking genuine chemistry.
Mixed Critical Reception
Movie Freak’s Sara Michelle Fetters offered a more positive take: “Despite some dramatic elements falling short, Garfield and Pugh deliver such powerfully compelling performances that they make We Live in Time significant, even with its frustrating flaws. The love-making scenes and emotional moments showcase why this is one of the best love movies of the year.”
The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee gave a glowing four-star review: “It’s delightful to see two such confident and natural actors given space to flex both their star power and acting skills, showcasing their ease with comedy and drama alike. Their gentler, funnier, and more sensual scenes outshine most recent romantic comedies, while their more intense, serious conflicts are equally impactful. We Live in Time proves why it deserves a spot among the best rom-com movies.”
Florence Pugh in 2024, Toronto International Film Festival
Photo credit: Xfranksun, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
A Touching and Intimate Scene
A touching scene shows Tobias and their daughter helping to shave Almut’s head after her cancer diagnosis and hysterectomy – using Florence Pugh’s actual hair. “For any actor in this emotional role, it’s crucial to see her head and the shaving process – it was always obvious,” Pugh recently told British Vogue. “You get the privilege of doing something to yourself that fully supports the character.”
Andrew Garfield admitted feeling nervous filming the scene on a closed set. “What if I accidentally harmed the head of one of the best actors of her generation?” he quipped. “It was scary, but ultimately it was a beautiful, intimate scene to film, and thankfully she has such a nicely shaped head.”
Personal Connections to the Role
Pugh added that her character’s zest for life and desire to seize the day inspired her. “This movie came at the right time for me,” the 28-year-old said. “I was dealing with relationship issues last year, and part of the story is about not being passive, not letting things just happen to you. I want to seek out love and be loved and have children.”
Plot Overview
We Live in Time follows the non-linear storytelling of Tobias, a British cereal spokesperson and chef, and Almut, who bond over their shared love of Anglo-Bavarian cuisine. Their meet cute at a wedding planning expo kicks off a whirlwind, a genuine relationship is full of passionate sex scenes. But when Almut receives an unexpected diagnosis, the couple must learn to cherish the simplest of things as they navigate real-life issues with grace.
Critical Praise and Cast Highlights
Early reviews praise this tearjerker’s grounded, realistic nature, which isn’t afraid to tackle traditional movie topics in an unconventional way. We Live in Time’s cast elevates the material, especially leading Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. Pugh’s previous work includes roles in Little Women, Midsommar, Don’t Worry Darling, Oppenheimer, Black Widow, and Dune: Part Two. Garfield has appeared in The Social Network, Hacksaw Ridge, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, the Spider-Man series, and Tick Tick… Boom!
Future Projects for the Stars
We Live in Time marks an exciting entry in the Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield movie canons. The two stars have a busy slate ahead, with Florence Pugh’s 2024 projects including A Good Person and Dune: Part Two and the new Garfield movie Instrumental on the horizon for Andrew Garfield 2024. If this romantic drama is any indication, scene news from those upcoming films will surely spark more conversation.
Sources:
Steven McIntosh. Garfield brings cardboard cut-out of Pugh to red carpet. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy94nxgwn58o. Accessed October 18, 2024
Benjamin Lee (September 7, 2024).We Live in Time review – Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh charm in heartfelt weepie. https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/sep/07/we-live-in-time-review-andrew-garfield-florence-pugh-weepie. Accessed October 18, 2024
Header Image: Andrew Garfield at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International in San Diego, California.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
