A24 has many exciting films for the fall season. However, the romantic drama We Live In Time deserves attention. Director John Crowley showed his talent with his Oscar-nominated film Brooklyn.
He created a powerful and emotional story about growing up. In We Live In Time, he tells a similar story about relationships.
While recent hits like Anyone But You suggest romantic comedies are coming back, We Live In Time is a serious drama. It shows how far partners will go to stay together.
The story of We Live In Time seems simple at first. It follows the relationship between Tobias Durand, a Weetabix representative played by Andrew Garfield, and Almut Brühl, an acclaimed chef played by Florence Pugh.
They fall in love after a strange meeting in which Almut accidentally hits Tobias with her car. This unique beginning sets the stage for a deep and complex love story.
Meeting at a Crossroads
Tobias and Almut both face major life changes when they first meet. Tobias is dealing with the emotional fallout of his divorce from his ex-wife.
He feels anxiety about his future, especially concerning his dreams of becoming a parent. He fears that he might never get the chance to be a father.
This fear weighs heavily on him, creating a sense of urgency in his life. At the same time, Almut has just started to run her own restaurant.
She faces her own set of anxieties related to her new responsibilities. The pressures of running a successful business add stress to her life.
Their initial interaction is friendly, but there is an undercurrent of tension. Tobias decides to accept Almut’s invitation to meet at her restaurant, hoping to show this connection further.
During their first meeting, Almut struggles to keep her flirtation in check out of respect for Tobias’s situation. She is still unsure about her feelings and the possibility of a new relationship.
As they spend time together, Tobias eventually reveals his divorce. This honesty opens the door for a deeper relationship, and they quickly fall in love. They start living together, and their relationship deepens. They share intimate moments, laughter, and the joys of companionship.
Challenges of Parenthood
However, their love story is not without complications. Tobias and Almut face significant challenges regarding their views on parenthood.
While they are deeply in love, they hold different perspectives on having children. Tobias yearns for the chance to become a father, while Almut is uncertain about her readiness for motherhood.
As their relationship progresses, Tobias tries to address any misunderstandings between them. He reaches out to Almut after an incident where he unexpectedly shows up at a party.
He apologizes for any offense he may have caused, and Almut accepts his apology. They work to rekindle their connection, showing the complexities of their feelings.
Despite their efforts, the conversation about having children looms large over their relationship. They discuss their dreams and fears, but the topic remains sensitive.
Almut’s hesitations create a rift, making it difficult for them to align on their future together. This disagreement tests their love and commitment to one another.
The Unexpected News
Just as things seem to be improving, Almut receives devastating news. She learns that she has ovarian cancer. The diagnosis shocks both of them and forces them to confront the fragility of life.
Almut’s doctor recommends a hysterectomy to prevent the cancer from spreading. This news brings their discussions about parenthood to a halt, as Almut faces a life-threatening illness.
Almut undergoes painful treatments, and the couple’s relationship is put to the test once again. Despite the difficulties, Almut decides not to have a full hysterectomy, as she still hopes to bear a child one day.
The couple’s love grows stronger as they face this challenge together. They support each other through the tough times, demonstrating their commitment to one another.
After several months of treatment, Almut receives good news: her cancer goes into remission. This gives them hope for the future and allows them to focus on their dreams of becoming parents.
The couple’s journey takes a positive turn as they begin to try for a child, working together to build a life filled with love and family.
The Chaos of New Parenthood
Despite their struggles, Almut eventually becomes pregnant. The couple’s joy is palpable as they prepare for their new arrival. However, the journey to parenthood is anything but straightforward.
One day, as they sit in traffic, Almut goes into labor. The chaos of the moment leads to a frantic situation. Amid the traffic jam, Almut has no choice but to deliver the baby at a local gas station.
The scene is both humorous and intense, capturing the unpredictability of life and parenthood. Despite the circumstances, they welcome their child into the world.
Almut and Tobias experience a brief period of happiness as they embrace their new roles as parents. Almut lands her dream job at a high-end restaurant, and Tobias revels in the joy of fatherhood.
The Return of Cancer
Just when it seems like things are finally going well, Almut learns that her cancer has returned. This news brings a dark cloud over their happiness.
Almut must go into chemotherapy immediately, and the couple faces another difficult chapter in their lives. At first, Almut is hesitant about starting treatment, fearing the toll it will take on her body and spirit.
However, after Tobias proposes to her, Almut finds the strength to fight for her life. She realizes that she wants to be there for their child and have the chance to build a family.
Almut’s decision to start treatment marks a turning point in her character. She becomes determined to overcome the challenges ahead.
The Bocuse d’Or Competition
Amid her illness, Almut receives an invitation to participate in the Bocuse d’Or cooking competition. This prestigious event gathers some of the best chefs from around the world.
Almut sees this competition as an opportunity to prove herself and achieve her dreams. However, she is aware of the physical demands it will place on her body.
Almut begins to prepare for the competition without telling Tobias. She fears that he will want her to withdraw, worried about the risks to her health.
Despite her frail state, she immerses herself in training, determined to succeed. This dedication causes tension between them when Tobias discovers that she has been missing treatments to prepare for the event.
The couple has a heated argument when Tobias confronts Almut about her choices. He accuses her of neglecting her responsibilities as a parent. Almut passionately defends her decision, expressing her desire to succeed in the competition.
She wants their daughter to have memories of her as a strong and accomplished woman. This moment highlights the complexities of their relationship as they show the balance between personal dreams and family responsibilities.
A Compromise for Love
After their argument, Tobias realizes how much Almut’s dreams mean to her. He acknowledges that her desire to succeed in the competition is rooted in love for their daughter.
Tobias ultimately decides to cancel their wedding plans, allowing Almut to focus on the finals. He agrees to be there to support her, bringing their daughter along to watch her compete.
This decision reflects the growth in their relationship. They learn to communicate openly and prioritize each other’s dreams while also considering their family’s needs.
Almut’s participation in the competition becomes a symbol of her strength and resilience, as well as the deep bond they share.
Triumph Amidst Struggles
During the competition, Almut relies on her assistant chef, Jade, for support. Despite her frail condition, Almut pushes herself to perform at her best.
The competition becomes a source of encouragement, with Tobias and their daughter cheering her on from the audience. This moment illustrates the power of love and family support.
Almut’s determination pays off, and she wins the top prize at the Bocuse d’Or. This victory is not just a personal achievement but also a triumph for their family. The joy of her success is palpable, and they celebrate together, cherishing the moment.
After the competition, the family decides to leave the arena and spend time together. They want to enjoy their precious moments as a family, creating lasting memories amidst the challenges they face.
A Bittersweet Conclusion
While the film does not explicitly show Almut dying on screen, it implies that her time with the family is limited. The closing scene shows the family going ice skating, suggesting that this may be one of their last joyful moments together.
The bittersweet nature of this scene evokes deep emotions, highlighting the importance of cherishing every moment.
After the ice skating outing, the story shifts back to Tobias and their daughter as they return to their farm. They have adopted a dog, humorously echoing a joke Almut made earlier in the film about being “replaced.”
This light-hearted moment contrasts with the weight of their loss, showing how life goes on even in the face of grief.
As Tobias teaches his daughter how to crack an egg into two different bowls, he shares a cherished memory of Almut. This moment serves as a reminder of the legacy Almut leaves behind. Despite the sadness of her absence, the film ends on a hopeful note.
Tobias demonstrates his commitment to being a good parent, ensuring that Almut’s spirit lives on through their daughter.
The Legacy of Love
We Live In Time delivers a powerful message about love, loss, and the importance of family. It emphasizes the idea that relationships can shape our lives in profound ways. The film encourages viewers to appreciate the time they have with loved ones and to find joy in the small moments.
Through the journey of Tobias and Almut, the story shows the complexities of love. It shows how relationships can endure challenges and evolve over time. The emotional depth of the film resonates with anyone who has experienced love, loss, or the desire to build a family.
We Live In Time is a poignant reminder of the beauty of relationships and the importance of embracing every moment. It highlights the strength of the human spirit, especially in the face of adversity. This film invites audiences to reflect on their own lives and the legacies they wish to create.
Conclusion
We Live In Time offers a deeply emotional scheme of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships, making it a standout film in A24’s impressive lineup.
The story centers around Tobias and Almut, two characters at pivotal points in their lives, grappling with their pasts, future aspirations, and the unyielding pressures of life.
The film portrays their relationship with authenticity and depth, inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of love and what it means to truly commit to another person.
One of the film’s most significant themes is the idea of shared experiences and how they shape our identities. Tobias and Almut face the emotional view of their relationship, marked by the challenges of Almut’s health issues and the weighty discussions about parenthood.
Through these trials, the film emphasizes that love is not just about joyous moments but also about facing hardships together.
Their journey reminds us that real intimacy is built through vulnerability, understanding, and mutual support. The film captures the essence of relationships, highlighting how they can be both a source of strength and a catalyst for personal growth.
Moreover, We Live In Time goes into the theme of legacy. Almut’s fight against cancer and her ambition to succeed in the cooking competition underscore her desire to leave a lasting impact, not just through her culinary achievements but also in the memories she creates with her family.
The film beautifully illustrates that the bonds we form with others extend beyond our time on earth. Through Tobias and their daughter, Almut’s spirit lives on, reminding us that love can transcend even the most challenging circumstances.
This message resonates powerfully, encouraging viewers to think about how they wish to be remembered and the values they hope to pass on to future generations.
The emotional weight of the film is further enhanced by its poignant ending. The ice skating scene, subtly implying a final moment of togetherness, strikes a chord with audiences.
It captures the film’s overarching message: the importance of cherishing the time spent with loved ones, regardless of the challenges faced.
In a world where life can change in an instant, We Live In Time prompts us to appreciate every shared laugh, every comforting embrace, and every simple moment of joy.
Additionally, the film’s cinematography and direction contribute to its emotional resonance. John Crowley’s non-linear storytelling effectively captures the complexity of human emotions, allowing the audience to engage with the characters’ journeys more profoundly.
The use of imagery and symbolism reinforces the themes of time, love, and the legacies we create. This artistic approach invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and relationships, making the experience feel both personal and universal.
We Live In Time is a remarkable film that captures the intricacies of love and the inevitability of loss. It reminds us that while relationships can be fraught with challenges, they also provide us with profound joy and meaning.
The film leaves a lasting impact, encouraging audiences to reflect on their connections and the importance of treasuring the moments spent with those they love.
Ultimately, We Live In Time stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.
