Courtesy of Peter Mountain/A24

Spoilers ahead!

“We Live in Time,” one of the most highly anticipated romance movies of the year, officially hit theaters on Oct. 18. The film follows the story of renowned chef Almut Bruhl (Florence Pugh) and Weetabix businessman Tobias Durand (Andrew Garfield), as they face every trial life has to offer them, all while falling in love. A seamless blend of comedy and drama, their narrative certainly pulls at the viewers’ heartstrings and reminds them to savor every moment of their relationships.

One of the best aspects of this film was how incredibly detail-oriented it was. It was apparent that every single moment held significance in some way, leaving audiences captivated and glued to the screen. One of these details occurred towards the very beginning of the film, where Durand is seen attempting to fill out some divorce forms. The camera quickly focused in on an ink stain on Durand’s shirt pocket, his only pen had completely bled out. Although this might have seemed like a quick fix and insignificant detail, it ultimately led to his unconventional meet cute with Almut. The pens, and many other details throughout, were an emphasis on how small moments or details can have large effects on one’s life.

Due to the nonlinear nature of the movie, this scene also makes the audience question if the divorce papers he is signing are to end his marriage with Bruhl. Since their relationship had been established from the very beginning of the film, a lot of the initial scenes felt purposefully blurry, as if to show the audience how quickly things can change. Although nonlinear storytelling is not always successful in movies, it certainly amplified the themes of this one by jolting the audience through the highs and lows of a successful partnership.

The constant back and forth between the happy and sad moments of the different parts of their lives was the perfect balance between jarring and smooth. Watching the couple go from a gentle and romantic proposal while trying not to wake their sleeping daughter transition into a scene from a couple of weeks into their relationship where Durand accidentally crashes a baby shower Bruhl is throwing presents a contrast between the beginning and middle of their relationship. Having the established context that Bruhl did not particularly want kids in the future, to a very emotional proposal scene in which the couple discussed their future and current situation was devastatingly beautiful. Paired with the contrast of the baby shower right after and Durand’s embarrassing yet meaningful declaration of devotion to her, it was a true display of how loving someone can impact your life. There will be embarrassing moments and tender ones, all of which build stronger, more meaningful relationships — as exemplified by Bruhl and Durand.

While early on into their relationship Bruhl was convinced she would never want kids, her development as a character was heartbreakingly beautiful. After developing severe ovarian cancer that could have taken her life, she made the decision to keep one of her ovaries rather than removing both, just to preserve the chance at having a child with Durand. Their love for one another was so strong to not only have shifted her opinion on kids, but to put her own health on the line for their future. Rather than making the “selfish” decision, she takes into consideration the risk of her own health for something she never thought she would have wanted. To see someone make such a courageous sacrifice in the name of love was breathtaking and devastating.

Courtesy of A24

Bruhl’s story and conflict with motherhood and cancer dominates the plot line and leaves a lasting emotional impact on audiences. The most iconic scene of the entire movie occurs when she gives birth in a gas station bathroom after being stuck in New Year’s traffic that kept the couple from reaching the hospital. A blend of humorous and heartwarming, this scene is the most fundamental display of human connection. With the help of a doctor on the phone and two gas station employees, Durand delivers their baby in a less than ideal circumstance. The triumph of the group, combined with the pure joy of new life and the contrastingly laughable environment brings such intense emotions and reflections of how humans interact with and help each other in times of need.

Potentially the most heart wrenching conflict of all involves Bruhl’s experiences navigating motherhood and her relationship with Durand all while struggling to accept her cancer recurrence. Although she was excited to be a mom and connect with Durand on another level, the realization of life’s temporality added a new layer of conflict. While a marriage and treatment for his wife’s cancer was on Durand’s mind, Bruhl was left wondering how she could be more than just a mother to their daughter and live despite her diagnosis, rather than succumbing to the fatigue of treatment. When Bruhl ultimately decides she wants to compete in a national cooking competition, there is a clear choice being made of choosing to live her life presently.

Later, when she is in the hospital receiving chemotherapy treatment and notices an older woman with a wig slipping off of her head going through the same treatment, there seems to be an acknowledgement that her choice was the right one. At this moment, it feels as though there is a recognition that Bruhl does not want to age and continue letting this illness ruin the rest of her life but rather would want to take the time she does have left and make something meaningful out of it.

The end of the movie wrapped up in arguably one of the most impactful moments of recent film. After having reconnected with her childhood passion of ice skating and winning the international European championship in a cooking competition, Bruhl brings Durand and their daughter to an ice rink. She teaches her daughter how to skate and the three of them play around together before Bruhl eventually separates from them and they wave at each other from opposite ends of the rink. Although this moment may just seem like a sweet connection between family members, it represents so much more. As the next and final scene time skips time to life back in their home with Durand and his daughter cooking together in their home, it’s clear to see this moment was a full circle emotional goodbye. Bruhl was able to leave her daughter with more than just the title of her mother, she left her with the memory of a woman who was strong and could accomplish anything she wanted despite a despairing diagnosis.

Overall, the nonlinear storytelling of “We Live in Time” reminds the audience to savor every moment they have with their loved ones. Struggling with illness within oneself or a loved one is a struggle many people have to face on a daily basis and this movie captures the nuances in an incredibly emotional way. There is a constant struggle between focusing on health versus focusing on living life to its fullest, which Bruhl shows viewers there may never be a correct answer, but will vary person to person. Durand’s line earlier on in the film, “I was looking ahead, instead of right in front of me at you,” serves as a reminder to focus on the present rather than dwell on the negative “what ifs” of the future or the past.

Rating: 9/10