We Live in Time Movie Review

“We Live in Time” could be a typical story of the stages of a relationship. But it is being told in a very non-typical way. This is a love story that has a beginning, middle, and a somewhat tragic end. But each section is sliced and diced and told out of order. Like a deck of cards, you have to deal with what you’ve been dealt…

It is the story of Tobias (played by Andrew Garfield) and Almut (played by Florence Pugh). They meet, get into a relationship, then almost lose that relationship; all as life continues to happen. The sequences and sections of their lives are arranged in a jumbled manner. This is to emphasize key values that each person holds most dear.

Tobias is a well-placed executive in the London-based Weetabix company, which makes biscuits and snacks. He is getting the final papers ready to sign for a divorce. Out on the road on a business trip, he trots over to a corner store in his hotel robe to buy a new pen. On his way back, he has a ‘meet cute’ incident…

Only this incident is actually an accident. He is hit in the road as he stopped to pick up the pen. The ‘accidental vehicular meet-cute’ was with Almut. She is a very competitive and accomplished chef. She has achieved many awards and has been part of a European cooking contest. But Almut was distracted with text about the new restaurant she is about to open. That is when Tobias stepped in front of the car…

Almut and Tobias become very closely attached, and get very serious. But when he asks about children, Almut becomes very upset and defensive. That seems to ruin the relationship before it even can get off the ground. But Tobias has such deep emotions for Amult that he knows this is not the end of the love affair.

Almut also has a deep love for Tobias, but she is super focused on her business. She has opened her fancy new restaurant, and it is doing well. She has an assistant chef named Jade (played by Lee Braithwaite). Jade believes that Almut is a true master, and she is honored to work for her. Almut keeps in contact wither her prior boss.

Her old boss is world-class chef named Simon Maxson (played by Adam James). He knows the inner talent and the competitive nature that Almut has for cooking. He knows that Almut is interested in the European cooking contest that can prove her excellence. Would Almut endanger her relationship with Tobias just so she could participate?

Then, a tragic medical condition happens with Almut. She has ovarian cancer, and she and Tobias need to determine the type of treatment. Will if be an invasive surgical process — and totally eliminate the chance that Almut and Tobias might be able to have a child? Or will it be less invasive chemotherapy treatment? Tobias thought that Almut had rejected the idea of a child.

Almut said she had changed her mind when she met Tobias. The chance to live a full life, even if might be for a limited amount of time — it will be worth it if she can live those years with Tobias. Now that Almut has left the door open to having a baby, they get busy with the process.

Cancer is in remission, and Almut has one of most popular new restaurants in London. Tobias is on board now that Almut is pregnant. She is due at any point. When she needs to get to hospital, of course everything does not work out as neatly as they had planned. There is a massive traffic snarl, and they get stuck. Almut makes a run for a corner petrol station. It is in London, after all…

Almut is on the verge of delivering the baby, so she makes it into bathroom in the station. Tobias is panic-stricken. But he does get help from the workers at the store.  Two cashiers named Sanjaya (played by Nikhil Parmar) and Jane (played by Kerry Godliman) are round to help Almut become a new mother. It’s a crazy time, for sure.

Tobias and Almut now have a new little girl, named Ella (played by Grace Delaney). Many years go by, and Tobias is still a big shot in the snack industry. Almut is very successful with the restaurant, and her assistant chef Jade has also become an important part of her success. Almut will get a message from her old chef pal, Simon Maxson. He mentions that the European cooking contest will be coming up soon.

Almut has learned that the cancer has returned. Little Ella is now the treasure of Almut and Tobias. He has proposed to make their union official. But Almut still has a competitive nature and listens to her friend Simon. He gets Almut and Jade signed up to the European cooking contest.

Almut does not want to die without leaving a legacy of accomplishment. But Tobias reminds her of all that they have accomplished already. They have become the happy family that he always wanted. They are always making the best time out of whatever limited time there is left for Almut.

“We Live in Time” is a deeply emotional movie that might bring on the need for some tissues. The fact that the scenes are shown ‘out-of-order’ does not negate the powerful feelings that Almut and Tobias have for each other. The basic love story does not break any new ground, but it allows for the viewer to share the pains and the pleasures of this couple.

Florence Pugh playing Almut gives a committed performance. Almut can be sometime a little self-centered and overly prickly. But Pugh always can find a softer and gentler side of this character. Plus, when she looks at her dear Tobias – there are genuine emotional connections there.

Andrew Garfield playing Tobias does a perfect counterpoint to Pugh. His performance is deeply emotional. His eyes are always on the verge of tears, that is how much the emotion is welling up inside of his character. He has a great screen presence to work against the higher-energy Pugh.

Director John Crowley takes the script from Nick Payne and gives it an intimate touch of looking into the lives of two people who are deeply in love.  Just because the sequences do not follow in chronological order, it does not hurt the movie. It gives it a fresh feeling. Quentin Tarentino and Christopher Nolan would be proud.

“We Live in Time” is a look at the blessings and tribulations of a love story over time. But it is presented in an out-of-order order to emphasize the important moments.