Why Florence Pugh Shaved Her Head in A24’s We Live in Time

Why Florence Pugh Shaved Her Head in A24's We Live in Time

As a movie enthusiast who has had the misfortune of losing loved ones to cancer, I can’t help but be moved by Florence Pugh’s dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to honoring those who have battled this disease. Her decision to shave her head for the role in “We Live in Time” is a testament to her respect for the authenticity of storytelling, and it’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, art imitates life in ways we never expected.


In their upcoming movie, “We Live in Time,” Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield portray a couple whose lives are dramatically altered when the wife is diagnosed with cancer. This heart-wrenching film promises to be a tear-jerker. To authentically depict this struggle, Florence Pugh refused any assistance from the hair and makeup teams, bravely shaving her head for the role. The story unfolds as Almut (Pugh) and Tobias (Garfield), after a serendipitous meeting, fall in love, establish a life together, and eventually start a family.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, I, Florence Pugh, explained why I chose to shave my head for the role. Any use of wigs or bald caps would feel dishonest and disrespectful towards those who’ve bravely battled cancer in reality.

I interrupted him before he could finish speaking and said, ‘John, there’s no actor who can embody such a character in a film like this without carrying out the necessary actions.’ If you’re not willing to do it, I think you shouldn’t be involved in a storyline like this.

We Live in Time Shows a Decades-Long, Honest Relationship

Why Florence Pugh Shaved Her Head in A24's We Live in TimeWhy Florence Pugh Shaved Her Head in A24's We Live in TimeWhy Florence Pugh Shaved Her Head in A24's We Live in Time

The narrative additionally includes fresh, unique images capturing the poignant romance between Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in the film “We Live in Time.” This A24 production, written by Nick Payne, offers a raw depiction of life and love. As described by director John Crowley, the movie traverses multiple years, portraying the highs and lows of Almut and Tobias’s relationship as they grow together, only for their love to be tragically interrupted. In his words, this multidimensional perspective is akin to a “cubist painting” – a term he elaborated on by saying:

Exploring the various aspects of that relationship – its strengths, weaknesses, and neutral points – was reminiscent of viewing a Cubist artwork for me. Instead of following a single, grand storyline, it felt like I was observing multiple viewpoints at once.

The first trailer for We Live in Time already promises that audiences will leave theaters weepy-eyed. The movie puts a fresh and somewhat morbid spin on the quirky British romcom. During the interview, Pugh explained why audiences love these types of stories, especially those based across the pond. The actress immediately thought of timeless romcoms like Notting Hill and Love Actually when she initially read the script.

Growing up British, we’re surrounded by unique and enchanting love tales that seem timeless. It feels like ages since we’ve experienced such a story. Reading this particular one stirred within me a longing to be part of a cinematic romance that resonates deeply with many and endures through the years. What drew me in was its simplicity – it’s all about being present, a conviction I hold firmly: we exist primarily to give and receive love.

The movie titled “We Live in Time” will make its debut at the Toronto Film Festival and hit theaters on October 11, 2024.

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2024-09-06 22:36