We Live in Time 2024
Directed by
John Crowley
Made by
StudioCanal
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of We Live in Time (2024). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Tobias Durand, portrayed by Andrew Garfield, is at a pivotal point in his life as he juggles the challenges of looming divorce. The mundane act of purchasing pens spirals into chaos when an accident occurs, resulting in him being struck by a car. This fateful incident leads him to the hospital, where he crosses paths with Almut Bruhl, skillfully embodied by Florence Pugh. Almut, the driver who inadvertently changed his life, is overwhelmed with guilt and invites Tobias to dinner as an attempt to seek redemption.
During their heartfelt dinner conversation, Tobias is captivated by Almut’s culinary talent, knowing her as a chef who runs her own restaurant. Although he conceals details about his marital troubles, their chemistry deepens after Tobias admits the truth about his divorce during an enchanting evening that culminates in a passionate connection at her home. The intimacy grows further when Almut shares her bittersweet past with Adrienne Duvall, portrayed by Marama Corlett, revealing a relationship marked by a clash of priorities—Almut’s hesitation to start a family standing in stark contrast to Adrienne’s dream of motherhood, much like Tobias’s own experience with his estranged wife opting for career pursuits abroad.
What begins as an uncertain relationship blossoms into a profound bond, leading Tobias to meet Almut’s family, where he learns of her past achievements as a figure skater. Yet the romance faces turbulence when Tobias expresses his desire for a family, only to encounter Almut’s firm resistance, creating a poignant moment in which he must navigate the complexities of love and differing aspirations.
Their destinies are further entwined during a baby shower where Tobias’s heartfelt acknowledgment of wanting a family reignites their affection. However, joy turns to despair when Almut is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, prompting a tough decision regarding a hysterectomy. Even amidst her battle, Tobias remains a steadfast support, fully respecting her choices during treatment until she reaches remission, opening the door to their hopes of parenthood.
Their dreams seem within reach when Almut finally discovers she’s pregnant, and Tobias stands by her side as they anticipate the arrival of their child. However, amidst a routine stop for snacks, Almut’s premature labor introduces chaos, leading to a heartwarming delivery at a petrol station assisted by Sanjaya, played by Nikhil Parmar, and Jane, portrayed by Kerry Godliman, resulting in a beautiful baby girl named Ella, brought to life by Grace Delaney.
In the months that follow, life shifts dramatically, with Almut thriving in her role as head chef while simultaneously battling a recurring health crisis. A devastating hospital visit reveals her cancer has advanced to stage 3, necessitating urgent chemotherapy while they grapple with how to share this news with their daughter, Ella. Together, they contemplate a gentle approach to convey the gravity of the situation, leaning towards placing their hopes in familial comfort.
In a moment of vulnerability, Tobias proposes to Almut, prompting an emotional preparation for her chemotherapy, marked by Ella’s enthusiastic participation in shaving Almut’s head. Amidst the turmoil, Almut receives a life-changing opportunity from her colleague Simon Maxson, played by Adam James, to compete in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition. However, the rigorous demands of training clash with her health, leading to a poignant conflict between her ambitions and wellbeing.
The heated exchanges ignite when Tobias discovers Almut’s decision to skip treatments for the competition, leading to a heart-wrenching confrontation. Yet on the day of the Bocuse d’Or, Tobias and Ella show up to offer unwavering support. Almut’s determination shines through, despite her weakness, as she entrusts Jade, portrayed by Lee Braithwaite, to help complete their dish as the competition concludes.
As they embrace the bittersweet memories created amidst her illness, they draw the curtain on Almut’s life. Following the funeral, Tobias and Ella find a sliver of joy in the form of a new puppy. In the warm embraces of routine and shared cooking lessons, Tobias honors Almut’s legacy, skillfully cracking eggs on a flat surface just as she once taught him, blending moments of sorrow and solace as they forge a path forward together.
Timeline
Track the key events of We Live in Time (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Tobias's Life Challenges
Tobias Durand is navigating a tumultuous phase in his life, facing the impending doom of a divorce. This period of uncertainty sets the stage for the changes that will soon unfold in his life, hinting at the emotional journey he will embark upon.
The Accident
While innocently attempting to buy pens, Tobias's life takes a drastic turn when he is struck by a car. This accident sends him to the hospital, marking the beginning of a series of life-altering encounters.
Meeting Almut
At the hospital, Tobias meets Almut Bruhl, the driver responsible for his accident. Overwhelmed by guilt, she reaches out to him, inviting him for dinner in an attempt to find redemption and ease her conscience.
Dinner and Chemistry
During their dinner, Tobias is enchanted by Almut’s culinary skills and charm, though he keeps his personal troubles hidden. Their conversation leads to a deeper connection, ultimately culminating in a passionate night at Almut’s home.
Almut's Past
Almut reveals her complicated history with Adrienne Duvall, exposing emotional scars related to family and personal aspirations. This candid exchange echoes Tobias's own struggles, drawing them even closer despite their individual fears.
Family Introduction
As their relationship deepens, Tobias meets Almut’s family and discovers her past as a champion figure skater. This encounter not only enriches his understanding of her but also highlights Almut's rich tapestry of experiences.
Desire for Family
Tobias expresses his longing for a family, which starkly contrasts Almut's reluctance to settle down. This moment creates emotional turmoil, forcing them to confront the realities of their differing aspirations within their growing relationship.
Cancer Diagnosis
Their lives take another tragic turn when Almut is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, throwing their future into uncertainty. This diagnosis necessitates difficult decisions, including the prospects of surgery and family planning amid her treatment.
Remission and Hope
As Almut transitions into remission, their hopes for parenthood begin to blossom. The couple tightly rallies around each other, navigating the complexities of their situation as they reimagine their dreams.
The Baby's Arrival
Amidst excitement, Almut discovers she is pregnant. However, during a casual errand, she goes into premature labor, leading to a chaotic yet heartwarming birth supported by strangers at a petrol station.
Parenthood Struggles
After Ella’s birth, Almut flourishes as a chef, but the shadow of her advanced cancer looms. Hospital visits and chemotherapy become a new reality, testing their resilience as a family.
Proposal Amidst Illness
In a touching moment, Tobias proposes to Almut, symbolizing their unwavering love during her health struggles. Their daughter, Ella, joins in an emotional ritual of shaving Almut's hair in solidarity before her chemotherapy.
Bocuse d'Or Competition
Almut receives an opportunity to compete in the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious culinary contest, but this ambition conflicts with her health mandates. This internal battle adds a layer of emotional complexity to their relationship.
Heart-Wrenching Confrontation
Tobias and Almut have a heated confrontation when he learns she is skipping treatments to focus on the competition. Their debate underscores the larger conflict between love, ambition, and the harsh realities of her illness.
Almut's Final Moments
As Almut's health deteriorates, they cherish bittersweet memories together, culminating in her passing. Following her funeral, Tobias and Ella find solace in acquiring a new puppy, striving to honor Almut's legacy while rebuilding their lives.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring We Live in Time (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Tobias Durand (Andrew Garfield)
Tobias is depicted as a man at a crossroads, struggling with his impending divorce while finding unexpected love in Almut. His journey shows a multifaceted character willing to confront his vulnerabilities and embrace his desire for family, highlighting his emotional depth. Throughout the film, he emerges as a source of support and strength for Almut.
Almut Bruhl (Florence Pugh)
Almut is portrayed as a talented chef grappling with guilt and ambition. Her character reveals layers of complexity as she navigates her conflicting desires for a career and family, particularly in light of her health challenges. She embodies resilience, passionately pursuing her culinary dreams while facing the realities of her illness.
Adrienne Duvall (Marama Corlett)
Adrienne serves as a poignant figure in Almut's past, representing the struggle of balancing personal ambitions with family expectations. Her desire for motherhood contrasts sharply with Almut's hesitation, adding depth to the narrative surrounding family dynamics and future aspirations. She symbolizes the sacrifices made for the sake of dreams.
Sanjaya (Nikhil Parmar)
Sanjaya is a supportive figure who plays a critical role during Almut's unexpected childbirth experience. His character represents the importance of community and assistance during challenging moments. His presence highlights the theme of shared experiences in navigating life's unpredictable events.
Jane (Kerry Godliman)
Jane plays a practical role during the chaotic moments of Almut's labor, emphasizing the need for guidance and care in life's unpredictable scenarios. Her character brings warmth and reinforces the themes of support and family during trying times.
Setting
Uncover the settings of We Live in Time (2024), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie traverses modern-day challenges, focusing on personal relationships amidst the complexities of life, health struggles, and the pursuit of dreams. It portrays contemporary themes of love, ambition, and resilience, reflecting the trials many face in today's world.
Location
Tobias's home, Almut's restaurant, hospital, petrol station
The story unfolds in multiple significant locations, primarily in Tobias's home and Almut's restaurant, which showcases her culinary skills. The hospital serves as a backdrop for pivotal moments, particularly during Almut's health struggles. A petrol station becomes the unexpected setting for a heartwarming delivery, symbolizing the chaos of their lives.
Themes
Explore the core themes of We Live in Time (2024). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love & Loss
At the heart of the narrative is the exploration of love intertwined with loss, as Tobias and Almut navigate their tumultuous journey together. Their deepening bond is challenged by personal tragedies, highlighting the fragility of love in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the theme serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love even amidst sorrow.
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Ambition
Ambition plays a crucial role, especially through Almut's dreams of becoming a renowned chef. Her aspirations drive the narrative forward, pushing her to compete in the Bocuse d'Or competition despite her health struggles. This theme acknowledges the sacrifices individuals make in pursuit of their goals, often testing their relationships along the way.
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Hope & Resilience
Hope and resilience are recurrent motifs, particularly as Almut battles cancer and strives for normalcy in her family life. The couple's journey showcases their unwavering support for each other, demonstrating the strength of human spirit in facing life's trials. Their joint efforts to maintain a semblance of family amid chaos encapsulate the theme beautifully.
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