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Movie of the Day: We Live in Time (2024) by John Crowley

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • May 4
  • 5 min read

We Live in Time (2024) by John Crowley: A Love Story Told Through the Tapestry of Time

A chance encounter leads Almut (Florence Pugh), a budding chef, and Tobias (Andrew Garfield), a recent divorcé, into a profound relationship. Their love story unfolds over a decade, navigating the joys of family life and the challenges of unforeseen illness, all portrayed through a non-linear narrative that mirrors the complexities of memory and

Detailed Summary

We Live in Time is a romantic drama that delves into the lives of Almut and Tobias, whose relationship begins with an unexpected meeting. As their bond deepens, the film portrays their journey through love, marriage, and parenthood. The narrative structure is non-linear, reflecting the way memories are recalled—out of sequence, yet emotionally resonant. This storytelling approach emphasizes the impermanence of life and the enduring nature of love, even in the face of adversity.

Plot Summary

Almut and Tobias's relationship starts with a serendipitous encounter that blossoms into a deep connection. As they build a life together, the film presents snapshots of their shared experiences—moments of joy, challenges, and growth. The narrative takes a poignant turn when Almut is diagnosed with a terminal illness, compelling the couple to confront the fragility of life and the strength of their bond.

Director's Vision

Director John Crowley, known for his work on Brooklyn, brings a delicate touch to We Live in Time. His vision emphasizes the authenticity of everyday moments and the emotional depth of the characters' experiences. By employing a non-linear narrative, Crowley invites viewers to engage with the story on a more intimate level, mirroring the way personal memories are often

Themes

  • Time and Memory: The film explores how memories shape our understanding of love and life, presenting events out of chronological order to reflect the nature of recollection.

  • Love and Loss: It delves into the profound connection between the protagonists, highlighting how love endures through life's inevitable challenges and separations.

  • Mortality: The narrative confronts the reality of terminal illness, examining how individuals and relationships cope with the knowledge of impending loss.

  • Emotional Intimacy: Through subtle interactions and shared experiences, the film portrays the deep emotional bonds that form between people.

Key Success Factors

  • Authentic Performances: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield deliver compelling portrayals, capturing the nuances of a long-term relationship.

  • Innovative Narrative Structure: The non-linear storytelling enhances the emotional impact, allowing audiences to connect with the characters' memories and experiences.

  • Emotive Score: Bryce Dessner's music underscores the film's emotional landscape, complementing the narrative without overwhelming it.

  • Cinematic Aesthetics: The film's visual style, characterized by warm tones and intimate framing, reinforces the personal nature of the story.

Awards and Nominations

We Live in Time premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim. It garnered nominations at the Irish Film and Television Awards, including Best Director for John Crowley and Best Actress for Florence Pugh. 

Critics' Reception

  • Rotten Tomatoes: Critics praised the film as a "funny-sad, poignant, beautifully acted" exploration of universal themes. 

  • The Australian: Described it as a film that "explores questions we will all have to face at some time in our lives," highlighting its relatability.

  • Sydney Morning Herald: Noted that despite the weighty themes, the lead actors "extract a lot of fun from their scenes together," avoiding sentimentality.

Overall Summary: The film has been lauded for its heartfelt storytelling, strong performances, and its ability to handle complex emotional themes with sensitivity and authenticity.

Box Office

As of early 2025, We Live in Time has grossed approximately $57.5 million worldwide, with $24.7 million from domestic markets and $32.8 million internationally. 

Production

The film was produced by StudioCanal, SunnyMarch, Film4, Shoebox Films, Canal Plus, Cine Plus, and OCS, with production taking place in the United Kingdom and France. 

Production Companies

  • StudioCanal (France)

  • SunnyMarch (UK)

  • Film4 (UK)

  • Shoebox Films (UK)

  • Canal Plus (France)

  • Cine Plus (France)

  • OCS (France)

Sales Companies

  • StudioCanal (Worldwide)Handled global sales and distribution rights for the film. 

Distribution Companies

  • A24 (United States)Managed the film's theatrical release in the U.S.

  • StudioCanal UK (United Kingdom)Oversaw the film's distribution in the UK.

  • StudioCanal (France)Handled the film's release in France. 

Release Dates

  • World Premiere: September 7, 2024, at the Toronto International Film Festival. 

  • U.S. Theatrical Release:October 11, 2024. 

  • UK Theatrical Release:January 1, 2025. 

  • Streaming Release: Available on Max (formerly HBO Max) starting February 7, 2025.

Why Recommend This Movie

  • Emotional Depth: The film offers a profound exploration of love, memory, and mortality, resonating with audiences on a personal level.

  • Stellar Performances: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield deliver nuanced portrayals that anchor the film's emotional core.

  • Innovative Storytelling: The non-linear narrative structure enhances the thematic richness and invites viewers to engage more deeply with the characters' experiences.

Why You Should Watch This Movie

  • Relatable Themes: Addresses universal experiences such as love, loss, and the passage of time, making it accessible to a wide audience.

  • Artistic Cinematography: The film's visual style complements its narrative, creating an immersive viewing experience.

  • Thought-Provoking Narrative: Encourages reflection on personal relationships and the transient nature of life.

Movie Trend

Name: Chronological Disruption in Romance Summary: We Live in Time follows the trend of romantic films that utilize non-linear storytelling to explore relationships, similar to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Past Lives.

Social Trend

Name: The Grief Conversation Summary: The film aligns with a broader societal movement toward open discussions about grief, illness, and emotional vulnerability, reflecting a growing demand for narratives that address these themes authentically.

Final Verdict

We Live in Time is a beautifully crafted film that offers an intimate look at the complexities of love and the human experience. Its innovative narrative structure, compelling performances, and emotional depth make it a standout in contemporary cinema.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

  • Embrace Non-Linear Storytelling: Utilize unconventional narrative structures to reflect

  • Focus on Intimacy Over Plot: Tell stories grounded in real human emotion rather than dramatic spectacle. We Live in Time proves that subtle, everyday moments can carry powerful narrative weight when actors and direction are emotionally in sync.

  • Trust Your Audience:Allow the audience to fill emotional and narrative gaps through implication and memory. The film’s elliptical structure encourages emotional reflection instead of linear explanation.

  • Use Illness and Loss with Care: Handle topics like terminal illness with emotional authenticity and restraint, avoiding melodrama while still honoring the gravity of the subject.

Recommendations for the Movie Industry

  • Back Mature Love Stories: Films like We Live in Time cater to an audience that seeks realistic depictions of relationships — nuanced, complex, and vulnerable. There is a strong appetite for such emotionally resonant content.

  • Support Talent Pairings with Depth: The chemistry between Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield elevates the film — prioritizing emotional compatibility in casting creates deeper engagement.

  • Champion Grief-Centered Cinema: Stories that deal with illness, mortality, and memory have long been overlooked. Their return — as seen in films like Past Lives, The Father, and now We Live in Time — reflects an important shift in public discourse. Continue investing in them.

  • Expand Festival-to-Streaming Pipelines: Films like this benefit from early buzz (TIFF, LFF) followed by timely, prestige streaming releases. Balance exclusivity with accessibility to maximize cultural impact and award consideration.

Final Conclusion

We Live in Time is a deeply affecting, time-fractured romance that captures how love is experienced in moments rather than milestones. With extraordinary performances by Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, John Crowley delivers a film that is at once emotionally intimate and universally resonant. It joins a rising wave of romantic dramas that dare to reflect life as it truly feels — nonlinear, tender, and bittersweet.



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