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Love in the Time of Terminal Illness: A TIFF Review of ‘We Live in Time’
September 12, 2024Ben MK
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With Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare set the bar for romantic tragedies. When it comes to the modern-day moviegoer, however, the Bard could never have anticipated that his iconic tale of two star-crossed lovers would one day be eclipsed by big screen adaptations of books by the likes of such authors as Nicholas Sparks, Jojo Moyes and John Green. Whether it's Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in A Star is Born, Julia Roberts and Campbell Scott in Dying Young, or Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in The Notebook, audiences have proven time and time again that romance and tragedy are a sure-fire recipe for box office success. And with We Live in Time, director John Crowley is reaffirming that fact, in this tearful story about love, loss, and the legacy we leave behind. Tobias Durand (Andrew Garfield) is an average kind of guy who works for the cereal brand Weetabix, lives with his dad (Douglas Hodge), and is in the process of gettting a divorce. However, when up-and-coming chef and restaurateur Almut Bruhl (Florence Pugh) accidentally hits him with her car, Tobias finds his sad and depressing life suddenly taking an unexpected turn. A passionate young woman who also happens to be former competitive figure skater, Almut is in many ways the polar opposite of Tobias. Yet, despite their obvious differences, the pair soon hit it off, bonding over their shared desire for a change of pace. Fast forward a few years, and not only has Almut's career flourished, but so has the couple's relationship. Now the lucky parents of a pre-schooler named Ella (Grace Delaney) and with Almut having survived ovarian cancer, it seems life couldn't be better for them. But when Almut's cancer returns more aggressively than ever, it sees the couple's future growing increasingly uncertain. Could chemotherapy be the key to saving Almut's life yet again? And even if it is, is enduring months of rigorous treatment something she's willing to subject herself and her loved ones to a second time around? For some, the result may be the most emotionally manipulative piece of filmmaking to come along in a long while, whereas for others, it's one of the most heartfelt love stories to ever grace the big screen. Either way, both Garfield and Pugh deserve all the accolades they've been receiving for their roles. And while We Live in Time might not be looked back on as the most popular movie in their respective filmographies, thanks to their tear-jerking performances and terrific chemistry, it's sure to be commemorated as a career high. |
We Live in Time screens under the Special Presentations programme at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Its runtime is 1 hr. 47 min.
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