We Live in Time has a clear message—live in the moment. But even if you get what it’s trying to say, actually sitting through this movie might test your patience. With Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield leading the cast, I thought there’d be more to look forward to, but honestly, if they weren’t in it, I doubt anyone would bother watching. I even debated leaving the theater halfway through because it was just…boring. But I stuck it out, and here’s what I think.
Table of Contents
Plot Overview We Live in Time
The story bounces around a lot. One moment we’re watching the past, when Almut and Tobias first meet and go through all these relationship ups and downs, and the next, we’re back in the present, where Almut is dealing with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Almut , a chef, is trying to carve out her own legacy. She doesn’t want to just be remembered as her daughter’s “dead mom,” so she decides to enter a cooking competition. That’s her whole thing—she’s a chef. Meanwhile, Tobias’s job? Beats me. I seriously can’t remember what he does because it’s barely mentioned, which feels odd considering he’s a major character.
The film does try to cover a lot: love, family, the reality of facing cancer, and how people cope. It has all the makings of a deep story, but it drags so much that it’s easy to lose focus. There’s not much of a build-up or “big” moment, just a slow, steady pace that, while realistic, made it hard to stay engaged.
Acting and Chemistry
Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield are the best thing about this movie. Their chemistry is on point, and they made those small, intimate moments feel real. Watching them together felt like a masterclass in conveying emotions—vulnerability, love, patience, and even fear. If it weren’t for them, I don’t think I would’ve finished the movie. They were captivating, and their talent really shines here. The acting was truly top-notch, and it’s clear they put everything into their roles. These two know how to bring characters to life, and they’re why I’d consider recommending the movie, despite everything else.
The Pacing and Structure
Here’s where the movie lost me. The story constantly switches between the past and present, and not in a smooth way. It jumps back and forth so much that it’s hard to keep track of what’s happening. Honestly, the only way I could tell which time period we were in was by Emula’s hairstyle—when it was short, we were in the present, and when it was longer, we were back in the past. The structure made it feel jumbled, and it interrupted the emotional flow of the story. This back-and-forth pacing got confusing, and if they had just stuck to a more straightforward timeline, it would’ve been way easier to follow.
Also, let’s talk about the slow pace. I get it—life isn’t always fast-paced, and the slow moments make it “realistic,” but this movie took that to the extreme. The story felt so drawn out that I found myself wishing for something—anything—to break the monotony. A little more drama or tension could have helped keep the audience engaged. Instead, it felt like the movie was inching along, with moments of silence that seemed to drag on forever.
Humor and Real Moments
Not everything was a drag, though. There were a few genuinely funny and touching moments that added some much-needed lightness. For example, Almut giving birth at a gas station was both hilarious and memorable. It’s one of those scenes that sticks with you. Their first interaction, when Almut accidentally hits Tobias with her car, was also a fun, unexpected start to their relationship. These little moments broke up the seriousness and were a breath of fresh air. They made the characters feel more relatable and showed some of the humor and chaos of real life.
Final Thoughts on We Live in Time
The movie’s message—focus on the here and now, live in the present, and don’t obsess over the future—is clear. It even gets spelled out in a scene, just in case you miss it. And while that’s a nice sentiment, We Live in Time just doesn’t have the excitement or energy to make it feel impactful. If you’re watching purely for Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, you might enjoy their acting. They absolutely bring their A-game, and that’s the movie’s biggest strength. But otherwise? It’s not something I’d rush to rewatch anytime soon. Maybe I’ll give it another try in a few years, but for now, I think one viewing is enough.
Overall, We Live in Time tries to be a profound exploration of life and love, but it’s held back by slow pacing, a confusing structure, and a lack of memorable moments. It’s definitely not for everyone, and if you’re hoping for a little drama or a fast-paced story, this might not be the film for you. But if you’re into slow-burn dramas and enjoy watching two great actors perform, it’s worth a try—just keep your expectations in check. have you watched we live in time? did you like it ?
