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The magic of time and love: an insight into We Live in Time
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The magic of time and love: an insight into We Live in Time

Kinga Bartczak
The magic of time and love-An insight into We Live in Time-Article image

Sometimes the power of love unfolds like a spell that affects time itself – freezing moments, accelerating them furiously or stretching them into an almost endless expanse in which even the smallest gestures become monumental memories. The film We Live in Time, directed by John Crowley and written by Nick Payne, captures precisely this power and weaves it into a deeply moving romantic drama that goes far beyond a classic love story.

A love story that gets under your skin

At the center of the film are Almut, played by Florence Pugh, and Tobias, played by Andrew Garfield. Their story begins with a chance encounter – a literal collision of two lives. What follows is a journey through time, marked by the ups and downs of love, parenthood and the inevitable confrontation with grief. The story is anything but linear: three different time periods – a decade, six months and a single spectacular day – intertwine to create a unique cinematic experience.

“I was attracted by the idea of using time on film to express what it really feels like to be in a relationship,” says director John Crowley.

It is precisely this approach that makes the film so incomparable. The narrative structure merges past, present and future into an emotional kaleidoscope that goes straight to the audience’s heart.

Two acting greats, one chemistry

Photo: StudioCanal

Pugh and Garfield’s performances are the emotional heart of the movie. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, their performances of incredible depth and authenticity. Garfield describes Tobias as a reserved but passionate character who is challenged by Almut’s wild, unpredictable personality. “Tobias is thrown into the anarchic chaos of love by Almut. She challenges him to risk everything, and once he takes that risk, he realizes that he is invited to the full possibility of life.”

Pugh, on the other hand, brings a lively and multi-layered portrayal of the independent and determined Almut to the screen. Her portrayal shows a woman who always finds joy, humor and resilience despite tragic circumstances. Particularly impressive is a scene in which Almut has her head shaved – a moment of raw, moving beauty that Pugh actually realized live on camera.

The art of staging

Photo: StudioCanal

In addition to the lead actors, the entire creative team also contributes to making We Live in Time a masterpiece. Stuart Bentley, the cinematographer, creates a look that is warm, intimate and real. The film shows a London that is not characterized by glitz and glamour, but by authentic everyday life. This setting emphasizes the down-to-earth nature of the story and at the same time raises it to a universal level.

The music by Bryce Dessner, member of the band The National, lends the film an additional emotional dimension. With his subtle, melodic compositions, Dessner succeeds in perfectly capturing the complexity of Almut and Tobias’ feelings.

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A universal message

In the end, We Live in Time is more than just a movie about a love story. It is an ode to life itself – to its transience and its infinite possibilities. It is a movie that encourages us to cherish every moment and embrace love in all its facets. Garfield sums it up aptly: “What happens between Almut and Tobias deals with questions we all ask ourselves: How do we do this thing called life? How do we love freely? How do we give ourselves the space to grow?”

Conclusion

We Live in Time is a movie that touches the heart and moves the mind. With outstanding acting, innovative storytelling and a universal message, it is a must-see for anyone who appreciates cinema as a place for great emotions and profound stories. A movie that reminds us that while time is limited, love can last forever.


Theatrical release: January 2025

Click here for the trailer:

About the author

Kinga Bartczak
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Kinga Bartczak advises, coaches and writes on female empowerment, new work culture, organizational development, systemic coaching and personal branding. She is also the managing director of UnternehmerRebellen GmbH and publisher of the FemalExperts magazine .

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