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“We Live In Time,” the latest movie from the powerhouse indie-darling production house A24, is absolutely fantastic. The film follows Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and Almut (Florence Pugh) as they fall in love and reckon with Almut’s ongoing battle with cancer. While it has all the ingredients for a classic rom-com, the film puts a unique twist on the formula with its incorporation of nonlinear storytelling, a strategy that builds tension and adds a healthy amount of confusion to keep the audience engaged.
Adding to the audience’s engagement is the fact that the film is absolutely hilarious. Garfield and Pugh have fantastic onscreen chemistry, which elevates the comedic moments to a whole new level. Their banter feels so natural that it’s as if we’re eavesdropping on a real couple’s playful exchanges. The comedy is juxtaposed so well with the gut-wrenchingly serious scenes without detracting from their impact, creating an emotional rollercoaster that had me laughing one moment and reaching for tissues the next. Their performances were masterful, proving once again that both actors are at the top of their game
The unorthodox sequencing combined with the juxtaposition of these scenes did, however, cause confusion. While the nonlinear approach adds layers to the story, it can also be disorienting. After the film, I was still lost as to where certain scenes fit into the overall timeline. I felt like I had missed critical pieces of the puzzle even after the curtain closed, leaving me yearning for a clearer narrative thread.
Despite this, the film excels in its exploration of love and loss. It paints a beautifully complex portrait of a relationship challenged by illness, deftly balancing humor with heartache. The moments of tenderness between Garfield and Pugh are breathtaking, and you can’t help but root for their characters to find happiness in the face of adversity. The film also does a great job of showing why each character makes certain mistakes by not villainizing the characters for messing up but rather making them feel more human.
The supporting cast deserves a mention as well. Their performances enrich the story, providing both comedic relief and emotional depth. There’s a particular scene with Almut and her mother (Niamh Cusack) that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, encapsulating the film’s themes of familial love and the bonds that keep us grounded during difficult times. The blend of laughter and tears is a hallmark of great storytelling, and this film delivers that in spades.
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography captures the beauty of everyday moments, such as the light filtering through trees and the glow of a city at dusk, maintaining an intimate feel that pulls the viewer in. The use of color also plays a significant role, with vibrant hues during the lighter scenes contrasted against more muted tones in the heavier moments. This visual storytelling complements the narrative structure beautifully, even if it sometimes leaves us a bit lost in time.
This film is fantastic. It has the emotional impact of Noah Baumbach’s 2019 “Marriage Story” mixed with Christopher Nolan’s unique scene sequencing in “Memento.” The performances are perfect. The pacing is wonderful. The comedy bits are hilarious. The dramatic moments are gut-wrenching. The direction is flawless. If it weren’t for the fuzziness of the timeline, the film would be perfect in my book. It’s a testament to the strength of the storytelling that even with its narrative quirks, the film leaves a lasting impression. Just prepare yourself for the emotional whiplash; it’s a wild ride and one you won’t forget.