⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
Have you ever watched a film that touches your soul, and you cannot completely put your finger on why? We Live in Time is one of those experiences that show the messiness and unexpected beauty of tragedies that come into our lives in different ways. Josh Crowley’s (Brooklyn) non-linear tale of love in this modern world manages to showcase the exceptional talents of Andrew Garfield (tick, tick… BOOM) and Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer).
Almut (Pugh) is a successful chef about to open her first restaurant when she suddenly hits Weetabix executive Tobias (Garfield) as he innocently steps into traffic. This disruptive event changes both of their lives unexpectedly as they discover one another at a season in both of their lives where they both manage to fit together. As the unlikely pair navigated through the exploration of one another’s pasts and emotions, Almut and Tobias realised that they were perfectly suited for one another. Even when multiple tragedies strike, and their relationship is pushed to the limits of sustainability, they find the bonds that will keep them together until the end.
From the opening scene focusing on the effective way of cracking an egg to its bookend conclusion, John Crowley packs more into this film than any standard romance. That should be said from the outset, and this is unlike any romance of recent memory. The narrative travels through a jumbled timeline that is initially discombobulating. At the same time, it eventually becomes its own metaphor for the beautifully messy of real life. Despite knowing that there is a tragic undercurrent of their relationship, all the viewer will yearn to see how the building blocks of this romance formed and how they will respond to one another throughout their lives together.
The centrepiece of this story is the chemistry of the lead actors, and Garfield and Pugh do not disappoint. They pour themselves into these roles with a convincing passion that makes you believe they are soul mates to the very core. The rawness of their connection is exposed on screen in language and sexual desire, which is a reality of different stages of every relationship. Both actors take on Nick Payne’s (The Last Letter From Your Lover) script with no inhibitions, even though neither character comes off as perfect and some bare unexpected flaws that make them less than appealing as one would expect from a romance. Yet, this character development gives this tale a depth that will keep audiences engaged until the subtly telegraphed conclusion.
We Live In Time is a romance for grown-ups, especially those who have lived a portion of life that can appreciate the harsh realities of love. Be sure to check the rating system prior to choosing this romance. The maturity and depth of the on-screen love affair will leave an enduring effect on all who are willing to embrace this devastatingly seductive view of romance between a man and woman.
Reel Dialogue: Selfishness
After a favorable review, it might be surprising to land on the topic of selfishness, but as was mentioned before, there were key attributes of some characters that were surprising. As they were being set up to be tragically celebrated, one attribute stood out about their human character. The dichotomy of Almut’s life was that she loved her family, but she proved to have a personal drive that caused tensions within all of her relationships.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others - Philippians 2:3-4, NASB
In this passage from a letter from the Apostle Paul, he compares selfishness to “empty conceit.” Selfishness can also be translated as vanity, arrogance, or merely having an overly high opinion of oneself.
The opposite of selfishness is found in another letter from the writer of much of the New Testament, Philippians. He says that being united with Christ, having tenderness and compassion, being like-minded, having the same love, and being one in spirit and purpose is where you can find the solution to selfishness.
