20/38
The constant jumping between different moments in the relationship keeps the audience completely immersed in the main events
Narrative
An aspiring chef and a recently divorced woman change their lives forever when a chance encounter brings them together in a deeply moving, decade-long romance. Florence Pugh has described filming this project as “one of the highlights of [her] career.” It’s a shame Written by Al Hazan Performed by Allie Hazan Nonlinear structure: a double-edged sword We live in an age where we use nonlinear structure to make bold narrative choices. While this adds complexity to the story, making it feel like a series of fragmented or dreamlike flashbacks, it comes at the expense of emotional connection. As a result, some key moments feel rushed and we miss the opportunity to truly absorb the emotions and implications of certain scenes.
A linear approach might have allowed for a deeper connection
Almut’s career: a missed opportunity One of the elements I missed in We Live in Time was a deeper dive into Almut’s career as a chef. We’re told that cooking is her passion, but the film doesn’t spend much time exploring why it’s so important to her. What sacrifices has she made to get to where she is? What role does cooking play in her identity, and how does it contrast with her personal struggles?
Product Placement: A Little Distraction Let’s talk about the Weetabix moments
By ignoring this, the film misses an opportunity to add depth to her character. This would have helped not only connect the viewer more with her journey, but also make her internal conflict in balancing her career and family more immediate and relatable. When the product literally becomes part of the conversation, it feels like the film has just taken a short break to sell us breakfast. It’s a moment that makes you wonder, “How much did Weetabix pay for this?” It didn’t ruin the film, but I definitely could have done without the mid-film commercial for the snack.
Their chemistry alone makes the film worth watching
Great Performances Hold It Together Despite its flaws, We Live in Time is held together by incredible performances from Garfield and Pugh. Both actors are able to deeply convey raw emotion, carrying the weight of the film’s emotional core. Conclusion Ultimately, We Live in Time isn’t a groundbreaking film, but an honest one. It’s a deeply personal story of love, time, and loss, and while it doesn’t always hit every emotional beat, it still offers moments of true beauty.
If you’re a fan of character-driven romance and strong performances, this is a film worth checking out
Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, New York Film Festival, and more.