An up-and-coming chef and a recent divorcée find their lives forever changed when a chance encounter brings them together, in a decade-spanning, deeply moving romance.

I have a confession: I’m an absolute sucker for a romantic drama. But it has to be done right. Far too often, especially in the past decade when the genre has boomed on streaming platforms, romantic dramas feel shallow—aimed solely at a teen audience without any real heart or a compelling story to follow. Thankfully, with John Crowley at the helm—who directed Brooklyn, one of my favorite films from 2015—I was cautiously optimistic. We Live in Time isn’t just as good as Brooklyn; it’s even better!

Andrew Garfield (playing Tobias) and Florence Pugh (as Almut) are the lifeblood of this film. The entire narrative hinges on these two characters, and the movie requires its leads to deliver standout performances. They do exactly that, portraying the joy of falling in love and the inevitable hardships every relationship endures. Unlike other films in the genre, this one delves into raw, intense situations, exploring the realities we often keep hidden. It’s a credit to Garfield and Pugh that they manage to convey such depth and authenticity, making their love story feel genuine and emotionally resonant.

While I could praise Garfield and Pugh all day long, the script by Nick Payne deserves its own share of the spotlight. The film jumps back and forth in time, illustrating how relationships are filled with highs and lows, emphasizing the importance of holding onto the ups during the downs. This non-linear storytelling technique is handled with finesse and never feels like a gimmick to appear clever. Editor Justine Wright’s skillful work ensures that these time shifts feel seamless and intuitive, preventing any confusion and maintaining the emotional rhythm of the film.

John Crowley’s direction also shines. Despite the film’s frequent jumps in time, there are no overt time markers or flashbacks to guide the audience. Crowley’s task was to ensure that the performances felt true to each period while maintaining a cohesive narrative flow, and he succeeds in making the film feel consistent and immersive.

However, I do have a slight complaint. Garfield’s character, Tobias, feels less developed than Pugh’s Almut. While Almut’s character is layered with her job, her illness, and her nuanced personality, Tobias’s character feels somewhat bland in comparison. Garfield’s performance is strong, and he does have his moments, but the character isn’t given as much depth. While I understand that this could have been intentional—Tobias is initially portrayed as someone stuck in a mundane job, working for a cereal company and only coming out of his shell after meeting Almut—I still think a little more effort to flesh out his backstory would have elevated the film. It didn’t affect my experience while watching the film, but in hindsight, it could have enriched the overall story.

The ending is another aspect where the film stumbles. Without giving away any spoilers, the conclusion feels abrupt and unfulfilling. It leaves you thinking, “Oh, that’s it?” Judging by the audience’s reaction during my screening, I wasn’t the only one taken aback. It’s a shame because the journey up to that point is so worthwhile.

All in all, We Live in Time is a heartfelt, emotional exploration of love and how it evolves through time and circumstance. If you appreciate a story with genuine emotion and beautifully crafted performances, this one is a must-see.

**Rating: 8/10**