How ‘We Live In Time’ Redefines Dignity Amidst Illness and Heartbreak

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Caution: This article reveals significant details about the ending of “We Live in Time” movie. If you haven’t seen it yet, beware and approach with care.

Similar to many of my coworkers, I found the movie “We Live in Time” (2024) to be among the finest films of that year, and one that left me shedding tears on several occasions before its conclusion. This moving film, featuring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield as a pair navigating both exhilarating peaks and devastating valleys within their relationship, is now available for streaming to those with a Max subscription. Ever since I watched it a few months back, I’ve found myself pondering its themes quite frequently.

What really stands out for me about this deeply moving romantic drama is not just its distinctive storytelling style, captivating lead performances, or John Crowley’s skillful direction – though all those elements are certainly remarkable. Instead, what truly resonates with me is the way it portrays dignity and courage in the face of illness and mortality. Let me elaborate…

We Live In Time Was One Of The Most Emotional Movies I Watched Last Year

Among movies that invariably evoke tears, “We Live in Time” ranks high on my list. This remarkable film by A24 was one of the most emotionally impactful cinematic experiences I’ve had this year. Although it’s often categorized as a romantic comedy, it is essentially a dramatic piece that elicited a torrent of emotions from me, eventually tearing at my heartstrings and leaving me feeling drained, shattered, and hollow by the film’s end.

The struggles and hardships experienced by characters Almut from Pugh’s series and Tobias from Garfield’s work, prior to Almut’s cancer diagnosis, are both moving and sad, vividly portraying the complex emotions that surface once the initial excitement of a relationship fades. However, when Almut’s illness becomes the central focus, I found myself shedding tears numerous times, most poignantly during conversations about her young daughter growing up in a world without her mother. Truly heart-wrenching. Completely heart-wrenching.

The Way The Movie Handles Illness And How It Impacts Relationships Is So Raw And Powerful

Over the years, numerous films have portrayed illness and death sensitively. Among these are timeless masterpieces such as “Terms of Endearment” and “Philadelphia”, and more recent jewels like “50/50” and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”. I firmly believe that “We Live in Time” is on par with them, particularly in its depiction of how Almut’s cancer diagnosis affects her relationship with Tobias.

Watching Almut struggle to maintain her life, relationship with Tobias, and care for their daughter amidst the harsh reality of her terminal illness is a stark and intense experience. Unlike many films that soften the blow of such conditions or offer some semblance of hope, this story takes an unapologetic approach. From the moment I heard about Almut’s diagnosis, I sensed where the narrative was going. However, what I didn’t expect was how raw and unflinching its portrayal would be.

Frankly speaking, it was genuinely invigorating to encounter such a depiction in a film. While films are typically enjoyed for their escapist qualities, experiencing narratives that seem drawn from reality serves as an enriching educational tool and a method of dealing with life’s complexities.

The Scene Where The Doctor Tells Almut ‘It’s Okay Not To Be Okay’ Was Heartbreaking Yet So Reassuring

Towards the close of the film (although this event occurs earlier due to its non-linear structure), there’s a scene where Almut and Tobias discover that Almut’s chemotherapy treatments have failed, and the cancer has advanced throughout her body. This revelation is incredibly moving. Upon hearing the news, Almut reassures everyone by saying “I’m alright,” but the doctor gently responds with “It’s okay to not be alright,” which was when I found myself shedding tears.

In a moment heavy with sincerity and compassion, the doctor, who yearns to heal Almut from her affliction but also grapples with the severity of her condition, shared both truth and empathy. However, the atmosphere shifted significantly later on when this same doctor recognized Almut’s hunger and offered her a sweet treat from her desk. The three of them, processing the news, found solace in shared silence as they savored chocolate together.

But I Can’t Stop Thinking About Almut’s Decision To Live The Rest Of Her Life With Dignity Instead Of In A Hospital Bed

In the spirit of Florence Pugh’s brave choice to shave her head for the film We Live in Time, I found a strong connection with Almut’s determination to live life on her own terms. Just as Almut chose to participate in a culinary competition and pursue her passion, so that her daughter could view her as a hero rather than someone who surrendered to fate, spending her final days confined in a hospital bed.

Reflecting on the movie, I found myself contemplating: If I were in her place, would it be more meaningful for my children to have a keepsake of me, or for their last memories of me to be of a person fighting against time with hope for a miraculous cure at the last minute? Although I can’t say what the right choice is, I appreciate that the movie We Live in Time raised this thought-provoking question about illness and how one might wish to spend their final moments before passing.

The Way The Movie Handles Grief (Both Before And After Almut’s Death) Is So Moving

Initially, when I learned about “We Live in Time“, I assumed it would be a typical romantic comedy with steamy moments and humor. However, the film turned out to be a profound exploration of love, loss, and grief, rather than just a romance. The way the movie portrays grief is incredibly poignant, powerful, truthful, and relatable. In the final scene with his daughter after Almut’s passing, Tobias’ pain and strength were palpable, leaving me deeply moved.

Just like earlier scenes in the movie didn’t flinch from depicting illness and difficult choices when faced with death, the ending of We Live in Time doesn’t portray grief as something negative but rather a universal experience that we all may encounter, and hopefully, we can face it with the same grace, courage, and resilience displayed by Tobias and his daughter.

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2025-02-14 02:07