18/42
Nonlinear Structure: A Double-Edged SwordWe Live in Time makes a bold narrative choice by employing a nonlinear structure
Story
An up-and-coming chef and a recently divorced woman find their lives changed forever when a chance encounter brings them together in a deeply moving, decade-long love affair. Florence Pugh has described filming the project as “one of the highlights of [her] career.” Is It a SinWritten by Al HazanPlayed by Allie Hazan. While it adds complexity to the story, making it feel like a series of fragmented memories or dreamlike flashbacks, it comes at the expense of emotional connection. The constant jumping between different moments in the relationship prevents the audience from fully immersing themselves in key events.
What sacrifices has she made to get where she is?
As a result, some pivotal moments feel rushed, and we miss the opportunity to truly absorb the emotions and consequences of certain scenes. A more linear approach might have allowed for a deeper connection. Almut’s Career: A Missed Opportunity One of the things I found missing from We Live in Time was a deeper dive into Almut’s career as a chef. We’re told that cooking is her passion, but the film doesn’t spend much time exploring why it’s so important to her.
Product Placement: A Mouthful of Distraction Let’s talk about the Weetabix moments
What role does cooking play in her identity, and how does it conflict with her personal struggles? By not focusing more on this aspect, the film misses an opportunity to add depth to her character. It would have helped not only connect the viewer more to her journey, but also make her inner conflict about balancing career and family more urgent and relevant. When the product literally becomes part of the conversation, it feels like the film has just taken a quick break to sell us breakfast.
Their chemistry alone makes the film worth watching
It’s the kind of moment that makes you wonder, “How much did Weetabix pay for that?” It didn’t ruin the movie, but I could have definitely done without the snack advertise in the middle of the film. Solid performances that hold up Despite its flaws, We Live in Time is held together by the incredible performances of Garfield and Pugh. Both actors manage to convey raw emotion with depth, carrying the weight of the film’s emotional core. Conclusion Ultimately, We Live in Time isn’t a groundbreaking film, but it is a heartfelt one.
If you’re a fan of character-driven romances and strong performances, this film is worth watching
It’s a deeply personal story of love, time and loss, and while it doesn’t always hit every emotional note, it still offers moments of real beauty. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival, and more.
