Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving, sexy, nonlinear romance stresses trust and teamwork.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
We Live in Time
What's the Story?
WE LIVE IN TIME tells the love story of sweet, newly divorced Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and vivacious young chef Almut (Florence Pugh). Told in a nonlinear fashion, the movie begins with Almut getting the devastating news that her ovarian cancer is back; it then moves backward and forward in time. Viewers see how, years earlier, Almut met Tobias after accidentally hitting him with her car. The two strike up a congenial conversation in the emergency room that leads to a diner, pie, and an invitation for Tobias to attend Almut's restaurant opening. Once it's clear that Tobias and Almut are both single, their chemistry turns into a powerful love affair with tremendous ups (a beautiful daughter) and downs (Almut's diagnoses).
Is It Any Good?
This is a touching, unconventional romance about love, loss, and the magic of two very different people falling hard for each other. Garfield and Pugh (both excellent, exciting actors) have a 13-year age difference in real life, but in We Live in Time, they meet in the middle as a couple in their mid-30s who have little in common but, through trust and vulnerability, forge a beautiful life together. They're incredibly well cast as the kind, observant Tobias and the ambitious, larger-than-life Almut. Working from a screenplay by Nick Payne, director John Crowley (who also helmed the historical drama Brooklyn, which also dealt with love and loss) crafts an emotionally honest film that doesn't shy away from the trickier parts of a long-term relationship, even as it elevates the transcendent aspects of Almut and Tobias' romantic partnership.
The actors have talked publicly about the emotional complexity of shooting the movie's intense birth and hair-shaving scenes (Garfield was really shaving Pugh's hair in the latter sequence), but those two moments are beautifully raw because of the stars' performances. Among the supporting cast, newcomer Lee Braithwaite stands out as Pugh's younger, admiring sous chef, who shaves their own head in solidarity. Veteran Douglas Hodge impresses as Tobias' loving father, as does tiny Grace Delaney as Almut and Tobias' little girl. So, while it's not quite a two-hander, We Live in Time still sparkles best when it focuses on Almut and Tobias' banter and the small, mundane joys that make up their life together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sex and romance in We Live in Time. How do the love scenes advance the story?
Talk about the movie's nonlinear storytelling. Does it work for you? What did or didn't you like about it?
Do you consider either main character a role model? What character strengths do they demonstrate?
Talk about Almut and Tobias' personality differences. What makes them a good couple?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 11, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 22, 2024
- Cast : Andrew Garfield , Florence Pugh , Lee Braithwaite
- Director : John Crowley
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Cooking , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Gratitude , Perseverance
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, sexuality and nudity
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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