With We Live In Time, director John Crowley crafts an evocative, time-hopping love story that balances emotional depth with quintessentially British wit. Anchored by the electric chemistry of Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, the film offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the choices that define a legacy.
The story unfolds through a cleverly structured narrative, employing jumps between timelines that initially feel disorienting but gradually reveal their purpose. While requiring some adjustment, these temporal shifts deepen the emotional resonance of the plot, creating a layered storytelling experience. As past and present weave together, the audience becomes immersed in the intricate tapestry of Garfield and Pugh’s characters’ intertwined lives.
Garfield delivers a nuanced performance, blending vulnerability with a quiet determination that reflects his character’s internal struggle. Pugh is equally compelling, her portrayal radiating warmth and complexity, ensuring her character feels both deeply real and profoundly relatable. Together, they share a magnetic on-screen presence, their connection palpable in every scene. The authenticity of their dynamic elevates the film, grounding its more abstract moments in genuine human emotion.
Written by Nick Payne, the screenplay achieves a delicate treatment of heavy themes, uplifted by moments of restrained humour that feel inherently British – a buoyancy that prevents the story from becoming overly dour. These touches of levity provide a natural balance, allowing the narrative to explore its weightier ideas with grace. The pacing, while slow at times, serves a purpose; to draw viewers fully into the characters’ lives and emotional arcs.
Visually, We Live In Time is a treat. The cinematography captures the quiet beauty of everyday moments while also creating a sense of timelessness that mirrors the film’s narrative structure. Crowley’s direction ensures that even the most subtle details contribute to the story’s emotional impact, from a lingering glance to the gentle rustle of leaves on a quiet street.
At its core, the film examines the notion of control and choice—how individuals navigate the legacies they leave behind and the marks they hope to make on others’ lives. This theme resonates powerfully, making the story feel both personal and universal. The deliberate pace and reflective tone encourage viewers to sit with these ideas long after the credits roll.
Utterly charming and deeply moving, We Live In Time is a testament to the power of storytelling that embraces both the highs and lows of human connection. Crowley, alongside Garfield and Pugh, delivers a film that lingers in the heart and mind—a gentle reminder that while time may shape us, our choices define us.
Rating: ★★★★½
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