This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. To keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

We live in time is the latest film from John Crowley, director of Brooklyn And The goldfinch. The story is about Tobias (Garfield) and Almut (Pugh), two people who meet in unexpected ways and would soon fall in love. However, when Almut is suddenly diagnosed with cancer, their remaining time together becomes fleeting. To make the most of the time they have left, the couple decides to think positively and enjoy the moments they have together instead of being afraid of what was to come.

A delightful film, some might say We live in time It treads familiar ground in terms of the tragic romance subgenre, which it certainly does, but the film still finds surprising ways to make this love story feel fresh. The story is told in a non-linear format and features three continuous timelines, illustrating the way we as an audience perceive time. When you look back on a past life, you hardly do so in a linear fashion, but rather just take in the highlights, be they the happy moments, the difficult moments, or the confusing moments. This choice of narrative made the film all the more impactful because by choosing the moments to focus on, it feels like you are reliving your own memories as the film plays.

Garfield and Pugh are absolutely wonderful as Tobias and Almut. They have such wonderful chemistry and their collective range allows them to portray the film’s humorous and dramatic moments so convincingly. It is now an excellent job of juxtaposing these two emotions. What could easily have been tedious, seeing two characters living in the midst of grief and knowing their time is limited. Ultimately, the film’s central message is to appreciate and embrace the time you have left with your partner. That being said, while there are certainly sad moments here, there are also many moments of joy and hope. One of the funniest films of the year so far, a witty script and great banter between Garfield and Pugh make for plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

A big key to the film’s success is its great direction. What showed true craftsmanship behind the camera was rescued by filmmakers who knew what they were doing and worked tirelessly to find everything so that it felt cinematic in scope and scale while telling an intimate and personal story.

At the end of the day, We live in time is a stirring and beautifully acted love story that will have no trouble finding an audience. This film is one of the more accessible films that A24 has in its catalog and is well on its way to becoming a surefire hit not only with critics but with audiences as well.

still courtesy of A24/Sphere Films

---

If you liked this, please read our other reviews here and don’t forget to keep following us Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook.