Review of “Love in the present”, life, love

Director John Crowley reunites Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in a new comedy-drama. Overflowing with romanticism, “Love in the Present” (“We Live in Time” in original version) manages as best it can to make us forget the flatness of its story thanks to an invested cast and particularly effective humor.

Just divorced, Tobias (Andrew Garfield) meets Almut (Florence Pugh). It was the beginning of an intense and close relationship that spanned several years. Together, and always with humor, they face the difficulties of life. But when the specter of illness looms over them once again, they will have to consider all eventualities.

For several years now, A24 has been at the origin of numerous quality, internationally recognized film projects. From “Everything Everywhere all at once” to “Civil War”, via “Talk to Me”, this variety of genres has made it possible to attract a large audience. Using the Irish filmmaker John Corwley (“Brooklyn”, 2015) and the screenwriter Nick Payne (“The Last Letter from Your Lover”, 2021), the production company presents “We Live in Time”, a feature film with overflowing romanticism, but without much originality.

Indeed, from the first minutes, it becomes clear that the story presented reeks of déjà vu. A man on the verge of depression meets a “Manic Pixie Girl”? Check! Non-linear construction to reveal the different stages of the relationship? Check! The fight against illness? Check again! The course of history then becomes desperately obvious, and no surprise or twist of events will disturb it.

But, very fortunately, the pen of Nick Payne infuses a particularly delectable humor and succeeds in generating sincere laughter, all perfectly supported by the couple’s interpretation Florence Pugh et Andrew Garfield. Thanks to “We Live in Time”, the entire range of their talent finds its place on screen. Laughter, tears, anger, joy, emotions flow and are painted with sincerity on their faces.

So, yes, it is certain that this new feature film does not succeed in reaching the level of quality specific to A24. However, there emanates a palpable humanity, gently accompanied by the photography of Stuart Bentley. Thus, despite its lack of singularity, “We Live in Time” will find its way into the video stores of all romantics.

“We Live in Time” can be discovered from January 1, 2025.

Trailer for “Love in the Present”

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