by Samuel Nichols, Contributing Writer
Nonlinear storytelling is a spice in cabinet of moviemaking. Depending on the “dish” you’re making it can really help out or it can hurt the taste of your picture. We Live in Time uses it like salt: It preserves our interest in the story. But this spice does not add more to an already good dish. Yet in the hands of stars like Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, we are are treated to a stirring story about sharing our life with someone we love.
Almut (Pugh), an up-and-coming British chef, meets the love of her life in Tobias (Garfield), as he walks across the highway in front of her car. Over time, the two grow close and fall in love. But their world grows dark as Almut is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. They struggle together against it and support one another, while trying to just prolong what they have. Almost from the very beginning, they know their time together will be short, but their love is still beautiful despite all the challenges they face.
Pugh and Garfield have effortless chemistry. Their relationship feels perfectly real at all points of their time together. Just met: curious and infatuated. Together for some time: in love and strong. Going through difficult times: supportive. While it is obvious that this is a tragic love story, the beauty of it is watching them show such unconditional love and endurance through the hell they face. Garfield is the model of support for his love, giving her every opportunity to still follow her cooking dreams. Pugh is throwing her entire weight behind a show of strength. The charm they have together is terrific. I would love to see them collaborate on more projects in the future. To be honest, these kinds of roles are not usually what will get you into awards consideration at the end of the year, but the pair works so well together that they could get some.
To be honest, there is not much more to talk about regarding this movie other than that. It is a clear awards vehicle that was on screen in front of me a few nights ago. Usually that kind of thing annoys me. It’s a child screaming for attention and throwing things at you for your adulation. But the roles associated with that are usually very in-your-face, with people portraying real life or famous fictional characters. Garfield and Pugh are not being subtle, but they feel very real to me. Of course, this is not the best work either of them have done (Silence would be my choice for Garfield and Lady MacBeth for Pugh). But they deserve the proper praise for their performances here.
Rating: Liked It
We Live in Time is currently playing in theaters
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