We Live in Time (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
We Live in Time (2024), directed by John Crowley, brings together two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. Known for his masterful direction in Brooklyn (2015), Crowley returns with another romance that promises depth and heartbreak. With its blend of love, loss, and time-skipping narrative, We Live in Time aims to be a tear-jerker. However, does it live up to its potential?
In this review, we’ll dive into the film’s core strengths and weaknesses, and discuss where and how you might be able to stream this highly anticipated movie once it leaves theaters. While We Live in Time is currently in theaters, we’ll explore possible streaming options for U.S. audiences.
Plot Overview
We Live in Time revolves around the love story of Almut (Pugh), an ambitious chef, and Tobias (Garfield), a man dealing with the remnants of a broken marriage. The film opens with Almut and Tobias living a seemingly idyllic life, only for tragedy to strike when Almut is diagnosed with cancer. The narrative is nonlinear, shifting between their initial meeting, their blossoming romance, and the struggles they face as a couple when Almut’s illness returns.
The time-jumping structure adds complexity but also proves to be the film’s Achilles heel. While the intention may have been to weave a deeper narrative, the execution feels disjointed. The love story between Almut and Tobias, which could have been emotionally engaging, is lost in the shuffle of time skips and lacks the necessary cohesion to truly resonate with the audience.
Performances: Pugh Shines, Garfield Struggles
Florence Pugh, as always, delivers a standout performance. Her portrayal of Almut, a woman torn between love, professional ambition, and the physical toll of cancer, is raw and heart-wrenching. Pugh’s ability to show both strength and vulnerability, often in the same scene, elevates the character beyond the limitations of the script.
Andrew Garfield’s performance, however, doesn’t reach the same heights. While Garfield is a talented actor, his character, Tobias, is underdeveloped. Tobias’ arc feels more like a supporting role rather than a fully fleshed-out partner in this romance. He exists mostly to react to Almut’s decisions rather than offer a strong narrative of his own.
The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, but the script undermines it by failing to give Garfield much to work with. This imbalance between the two characters weakens the film’s emotional impact.
Direction and Cinematography
John Crowley’s direction is technically proficient, but it falls short in evoking the kind of deep emotional connection one might expect from a romance with such a heavy focus on life, death, and love. The film’s pacing is inconsistent due to the time-skipping structure, which can make it difficult to stay emotionally invested in the story.
The cinematography is undoubtedly beautiful, particularly during scenes set in picturesque forests and quaint cottages. These visuals help create a serene backdrop to the couple’s love story, but even the beauty of these moments can’t compensate for the narrative’s lack of depth.
Time-Skipping Device: A Blessing or a Curse?
The decision to use a nonlinear structure in We Live in Time is ambitious but ultimately problematic. Instead of enhancing the narrative, the constant jumps between timelines detract from the emotional weight of the story. It’s hard to fully invest in the characters when the film keeps pulling the viewer out of one emotional arc and thrusting them into another.
For example, Almut’s battle with cancer should have been a focal point, allowing the audience to explore her internal struggles and the couple’s dynamic. Instead, the film spreads itself thin by trying to cover their entire relationship, including moments that feel trivial compared to the looming life-and-death scenario.
Where to Watch We Live in Time Online
As of now, We Live in Time is enjoying its theatrical release, and it is not yet available on streaming platforms. However, based on the distribution patterns of similar films and Crowley’s previous works, we can make educated guesses about when and where it might land.
Potential Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: John Crowley’s Brooklyn is available for streaming on Prime Video, making it a likely candidate for We Live in Time. Prime Video frequently acquires high-profile films for streaming and may offer rental and purchase options.
- Apple TV+: Apple has shown interest in acquiring exclusive rights to emotionally resonant films like Coda and The Tragedy of Macbeth. Given its increasing focus on securing critically acclaimed content, We Live in Time might become available here as a streaming exclusive.
- HBO Max: HBO Max is another strong possibility, particularly because the platform has a reputation for offering a blend of commercial and indie films. We Live in Time would fit right into their library of dramas, and it could also be offered as a digital rental.
- Disney+ (Hulu): For more mature audiences, Hulu often acquires films that might not align with Disney+’s family-friendly ethos. If We Live in Time doesn’t fit into Disney+’s lineup, it could land on Hulu in the U.S.
Estimated Streaming Availability:
- Early 2025: Given the film’s theatrical release in fall 2024, a streaming release is likely to follow after a typical 3-6 month window. Expect We Live in Time to be available for rental or purchase by early 2025, with streaming options becoming available shortly after that.
Conclusion: Worth the Watch?
We Live in Time had the potential to be a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and time. Unfortunately, despite the star power of Pugh and Garfield, the film falls short. Its fractured narrative structure diminishes emotional engagement, and while Pugh shines, Garfield’s character is underdeveloped.
That said, if you’re a fan of either lead or enjoy sentimental, weepy romances, We Live in Time may still hold some appeal. For those interested in streaming options, keep an eye on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and HBO Max in 2025.
