We Live In Time (Crowley, 2024) - TIFF

 

Director John Crowley returns to the Toronto International Film Festival with his previous collaborator Andrew Garfield after over a decade to present the world premiere of We Live in Time. Crowley chooses a surprising format to tell the story, the film follows three time periods in the lives of Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield). Forever changed after their chance encounter, Almut and Tobias fall in love, build a home and a family. All is well until things end up taking a turn for the worst. We Live in Time is truly a film that will leave your heart hurting.

When the film first begins, the audience is introduced to the couple that is Almut and Tobias through beautiful camera shots and gorgeous British scenery. The timeline of the film begins to change, taking the audience through different parts of their story without allowing an ending to develop. Crowley’s use of nonlinear storytelling changes the effect Almut and Tobias’ story has on audiences. Learning about their life in a chronological nonlinear style, allows audiences to reflect on how life can be remembered as it’s ending, in bits and pieces out of order. Though this chronological mishmash might leave some viewers displeased, Crowley himself told the crowd at the world premiere that he believes it elevates the impact the film hopes to deliver.

Not only does a film require a strong script to provide the plot, dialogue and movements, but the chemistry between the actors is also imperative. Garfield and Pugh were clearly a perfect pair. Alone, the two actors show how they can take a script such as this and bring their characters to life. Together, they are able to evoke emotion and meaning and help convey the film’s deep message.

Future rewatches are a must and will most likely cause more reflection on the film and its message. Taking a new twist on the genre allows for We Live in Time to bring something different to the table that audiences have not had in a long time. The film might not have been made for all, but for those who appreciate the genre, they will be left wanting more.

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Photo credits to StudioCanal.