Shadows on the Wall | We Live in Time

We Live in Time

Review by Rich Cline | MUST SEE

dir John Crowley
scr Nick Payne
prd Adam Ackland, Leah Clarke, Guy Heeley
with Florence Pugh, Andrew Garfield, Grace Delaney, Lee Braithwaite, Aoife Hinds, Adam James, Douglas Hodge, Amy Morgan, Niamh Cusack, Lucy Briers, Robert Boulter, Nikhil Parmar
release US 11.Oct.24,
UK 1.Jan.25
24/UK StudioCanal 1h47

TORONTO FILM FEST

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Impeccably observed, this film is particularly notable for strikingly authentic performances by Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, who provide unusual insight into everyday situations in a romantic relationship. Even with some slapstick moments, director John Crowley creates an unusually true-to-life vibe, evoking huge emotions without ever turning sentimental. So while the story deals with an enormous issue like terminal illness, it manages to remain challenging and even life affirming.

Rising-star chef Almut (Pugh) and just-divorced Tobias (Garfield) meet in a way that's both shocking and cute, then embark on a romance that shifts over the years, discovering common ground while grappling with their differences as they build a life that, after struggling to conceive, eventually includes their wide-eyed daughter Ella (Delaney). Along the way, Almut is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, undergoing treatment that leaves her utterly drained. But Tobias is right beside her, and she's determined to live as fully as possible, secretly entering a global cookery contest for reasons she has trouble articulating.

Events are depicted out of sequence, weaving a variety of scenes together into a riveting larger narrative. Thankfully, this fragmented structure coalesces skilfully, adding layers of meaning with each new scene to provide a remarkably true-to-life depiction of Almut and Tobias' relationship. And one of the key ingredients is humour, which infuses almost every moment and occasionally erupts into a full-on comical bit, like the hilariously chaotic childbirth sequence.

Seriously gifted actors, Pugh and Garfield are staggeringly natural in these roles, bouncing off each other effortlessly to create riveting chemistry while fuelling moments that are riotously funny and thoughtfully emotional. There isn't a single minute that feels melodramatic or forced, as just as much is conveyed through a look or a touch as through the incisive dialog. Of the surrounding cast, Braithwaite has the strongest kick as Almut's sparky cooking cohort. Everyone on-screen is earthy and honest.

This is a rare movie that grapples with big ideas without ever pushing them, allowing these events to unfold in ways that are immediately recognisable. So even as Almut and Tobias face huge things like infertility and mortality, the film remains tightly focussed on the fact that these are the years they have together, including whatever life throws at them. This allows the story to profoundly explore the idea of legacy, how our daily decisions feed into the impact we have on the world. Yes, this is a rare film that leaves us with a lot to ponder.

themes, language, sexuality 13.Sep.24

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