Florence Pugh, Andrew Garfield, and John Crowley, the stars and director of “We Live in Time,” premiered their film at the Toronto International Film Festival to emotional reactions from the audience. Pugh discussed a challenging scene where her character gives birth in a gas station bathroom, revealing that the intense moment took multiple takes and left her exhausted. Garfield, who lost his mother to cancer in 2019, spoke about the precision of the script and how it helped him prepare for his role as a character dealing with a loved one’s illness. The film follows the relationship between Almut (Pugh) and Tobias (Garfield) as they navigate her cancer diagnosis.
The chemistry between Pugh and Garfield, both Oscar nominees, was a topic of discussion during the Q&A. Pugh revealed that they had two weeks of rehearsal time before filming, allowing them to discuss and understand their characters’ emotions and dynamics. Crowley, who employed a nonlinear story structure to tell the couple’s love story, praised Garfield’s evolution as an actor since their previous collaboration in “Boy A.” He commended Garfield’s ability to capture the emotional complexity of his character and bring humor to the role without making it overly quirky.
“We Live in Time” is set to receive a limited theatrical release in the United States in October. The film is expected to resonate with audiences familiar with the difficult decisions that come with a cancer diagnosis. Pugh expressed her enjoyment of working with Crowley and Garfield on the project, despite the emotional challenges of the material. She described the experience as rewarding and highlighted the collaborative effort involved in bringing the characters and story to life.
The film’s themes of love, loss, and facing mortality were further explored by the cast and director during the Q&A. Pugh and Garfield’s on-screen chemistry, particularly in the intimate and emotional scenes, was praised by the audience. The film’s nonlinear narrative structure allows for a deeper exploration of the characters’ relationship and the impact of Almut’s illness on their lives. Crowley’s direction and the actors’ performances were lauded for their authenticity and emotional depth.
As the premiere of “We Live in Time” draws to a close, the cast and director reflect on the challenging but rewarding experience of bringing this emotional story to the screen. Pugh, Garfield, and Crowley discuss the film’s themes of love, loss, and resilience, as well as the importance of authenticity in storytelling. The film’s limited release in the United States offers audiences a chance to experience the poignant and heartfelt journey of Almut and Tobias as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and illness.
