"An up-and-coming chef and a recent divorcée find their lives forever changed when a chance encounter brings them together, in a decade-spanning, deeply moving romance." 

OUR MOVIE REVIEW:

An original idea is never conceived with the intention of becoming a cliché; it transforms into one only after making a significant impact, followed by countless attempts to replicate its originality. Films are frequently criticized for being laden with clichés. Depending on their execution, these clichés can come across as annoying or eye-roll-inducing, or they can be delivered with such finesse that they still resonate, even if they feel overused. The allure of clichés lies in the fact that when they hit the mark, they truly resonate.

We Live in Time, the latest directorial venture from Brooklyn's John Crowley, is a film packed with every romantic drama cliché imaginable. In fact, I can almost guarantee that if you name any stereotype from the genre, this film likely has it. However, as I mentioned earlier, We Live in Time embraces these tropes and executes them with near perfection. Despite being filled with what some might label "unoriginal" ideas, the film emerges as an emotionally moving experience, brimming with thought-provoking themes, heartfelt romance, and remarkable chemistry between its two lead actors.

Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and Almut (Florence Pugh) share one of the most unforgettable meet-cute experiences imaginable, one that hilariously reveals their awkward yet delightful personalities, which complement each other beautifully. The film chronicles their relationship through job changes, parenthood, and health challenges, all while keeping their romance and unwavering devotion to each other at the forefront. Presented in a non-linear format, the film seamlessly jumps between different moments in their journey, adopting a vignette-like style. While this approach can sometimes confuse audiences, I found it easy to follow the timeline, effortlessly connecting each segment to the broader narrative of their relationship.

What struck me most as I walked away from this film was its central theme. As I followed Tobias and Almut through their various circumstances, I felt as though I was right there with them, fully immersed in their experiences. This prompted me to reflect on the importance of being present with our loved ones and the people we choose to surround ourselves with, a message beautifully encapsulated in the film's title, We Live in Time. Time is a recurring motif, and it served as a poignant reminder that our moments with others are fleeting. This theme resonates throughout the film, emphasizing that precious experiences don’t last forever and can vanish in an instant.

The idea of "treasuring your time with loved ones" is certainly not new in the realm of romance, and this is just one of the many clichés woven into the fabric of this film. While I recognized each trope as it unfolded and noted its lack of originality, I couldn’t help but feel that they all contributed to the film's broader narrative. In fact, I found myself moved to near tears multiple times, swept away by the genuine love radiating from the screen. It was nearly impossible to become disinterested or bored by the predictable plot points laid out before me.

We Live in Time centers on a relationship unfolding throughout middle adulthood, spanning roughly 5 to 10 years—my estimate being around 6 years. The characters age from their mid-30s to their early to mid-40s during the film. This transition was relatively easy for Andrew Garfield, who is currently 41, but it posed a significant challenge for lead actress Florence Pugh. At one point, her character Almut claims to be 36 years old during the early stages of her relationship with Tobias, and by the end, it’s clear she’s meant to be in her early 40s. 

Despite Pugh's impressive and successful career in Hollywood—featuring critically acclaimed roles in Midsommar and significant exposure in the MCU and Dune: Part Two—she is only 28, which is still quite young despite being an actress of her calibur. While her chemistry with Garfield is undeniably electric, making it hard to imagine anyone else capturing the essence of love and romance they portray, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was miscast for the role. This disconnect made it challenging for me to fully engage during pivotal moments in the story that were meant for someone significantly older.

At first glance, it might seem that this film is riddled with flaws. On paper, it appears to have a lead actress who is too young and a plethora of romantic clichés that can feel overwhelming. However, I found myself completely captivated by We Live in Time at every turn. I entered the theater expecting a typical romantic drama, but I was unprepared for how effectively the film would resonate and how emotionally moving it ultimately proved to be. It’s undoubtedly the perfect movie for hopeless romantics, and I can see it establishing a place among other romantic classics, akin to The Notebook. This is a film you won’t want to miss in theaters; don’t underestimate its ability to move you or tug at your heartstrings, despite its seemingly straightforward premise.