DIRECTOR
John Crowley
The Goldfinch, Brooklyn, Boy A

STARS
Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield

I am going to reveal a personal fact that until now, I have only shared with very few.

Ordinarily, I struggle to follow films that are not told in chronological order. This does not mean I do not or cannot appreciate or enjoy movies made with a random timeline. In fact, I commend the ability of some to clearly detail a story told in this arguably more creative manner. It just often takes me more time than given to work with to identify where in the puzzle the piece I am viewing fits. We Live in Time frequently shifts back and forth in time. Its nonlinear narrative covers three different periods of time over the course of a decade. One of those periods spans several years, one covers about 6 months, and the other a single day.

I am now going to reveal an indisputable fact about We Live in Time.

Despite not being rendered in chronological order, the film is impeccably clear. Almost every scene can instantly be allocated to the one of three aforementioned periods of time. This accomplishment is to be lauded, as is so much else about this spellbinding romance that is absolutely right up there with the likes of The Notebook, Past Lives and Notting Hill. 

Before I get to that though, please allow me to reveal just one more fact. I promise you won’t regret reading and adhering to this antidote Moviedoc is prescribing! 

Her name is Florence Pugh. Honestly, I fell in love with Florence’s incredible talents (and even with her a little) when I first saw her in just her second feature-length film, 2016s Lady Macbeth. You can read in my Lady Macbeth review I labelled Florence’s performance a “breakout” one. As mega-popular and highly sought after an actress she now is, I must commend Pugh’s choice in film equally as much as I praise her performances. By way of comparison, I hold American Irish star Saoirse Ronan in equally high regard. At her best, Ronan is capable of anything and everything, and I consider her this generation’s Meryl Streep by way of immeasurable talent. Unfortunately, Saoirse’s choice of film of late (the underwhelming Blitz and very boring Foe) have let her down, whereas Florence’s (Dune: Part Two, A Good Person) enable her to excel time and time again. The antidote? When stuck with what to watch at home or at the movies, just pick something that stars Florence Pugh! A little more on Florence in We Live in Time soon, I must now talk to this terrific film. 

The most difficult thing about writing this review in my typically spoiler-free style is how relevant I feel it is to reveal specific details anywhere throughout the film to explain and justify why it has been done so well. The non-chronology of the storytelling adds greater challenge to this, for the beginning of the (I want to say epic) decade-long love story to unfold between accomplished Bavarian-fusion chef, Almut (Florence Pugh) and Breakfast cereal marketeer, Tobias (Andrew Garfield) is discovered some time later (and in the trailer!) of the film. How they meet is classic and took me by complete surprise, so if you haven’t seen the ad, then don’t! Allow yourself to also be surprised and smitten by this, and all else that takes place, while watching what is something very special indeed.

So, why pay to see We Live in Time at the cinema without knowing much more than what I have chosen to reveal about it? 

In our lives, we all experience momentous highs and crushing lows. Though our own personal highs and lows may be different (or not!) to those of Almut and Tobias’, the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by them are not so indifferent. We Live in Times’ rare ability to resonate through its authenticity, intimacy and tone from beginning to end is powerful. Like a strong current reeling in the water from a shoreline, We Live in Time continuously absorbs every ounce of our attention and emotion, firmly grounding us in its presence and present, irrespective of which timeline it seamlessly selects next. Another reason I can give you is another rare ability it possesses. Those aforementioned crushing lows are truly crushing and, at the very least, are omnipresent in the background all throughout. In most movies, and certainly in American ones, that would turn We Live in Time into a melodrama that fixates on those lows. Not in this one though. Not even for a minute. The levity on display is unexpected and outstanding. Humour, and there is a lot of it, is derived organically from its gorgeous characters, the situations they are in, and from the dialogue they engage in, thus making We Live in Time an absolute pleasure to watch. 



Subtlety is a star of the film, led by exemplary restraint from the editing department and the director’s chair. Time and time again, We Live in Time knows precisely when to cut from a scene that if left rolling for mere seconds longer, would heavily alter and impact the tone of the film. Such class. 

Speaking of stars and class, I shall provide one final reason to make this your next must-watch movie. 

The chemistry between Almut and Tobias is palpable and what Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield put into their respective characters is pure and simply beautiful. Their chemistry, I might add, is sizzling and has me wishing they were together off-screen! 

This near flawless film, which is sublimely written, absolutely deserves to be nominated for at least 4 Academy Awards ® that I am regrettably sure won’t come to fruition. Nevertheless, please ensure that you do not overlook what the Oscar jury likely will, for We Live in Time will stand the test of time to be one of the best films of 2025 and a romance for the ages.

We Live in Time is showing in cinemas across Australia from January 16th.

Moviedoc thanks Studiocanal and Annette Smith: Ned & Co for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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