Actor Andrew Garfield has shared how his own personal experiences of loss influenced his emotional performance in the upcoming drama We Live in Time, co-starring Florence Pugh. The film, directed by John Crowley, premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6 and is set to hit theaters on October 11.
During a post-screening discussion at TIFF, Garfield, 41, reflected on the depth he brought to the film, drawing from significant moments in his life. “A collection of experience that one goes through in one’s life — personal experience, personal loss, personal love,” Garfield said, referencing the guidance of Crowley in shaping the film. He emphasized how both he and Pugh were able to channel their real-life emotions into their characters in a way that was both therapeutic for themselves and, hopefully, for the audience.
We Live in Time follows Garfield’s character Tobias and Pugh’s character Almut as they meet, fall in love, and support each other through life’s trials, including personal tragedies and the formation of a family. Garfield praised the natural dynamic between himself and Pugh, highlighting the unpredictability they embraced during filming. “You kind of don’t want to know what the scene will be,” he explained. “And that can only happen if you have a scene partner who you can just pay attention to and tune into and listen to.”
This role marks Garfield’s return to feature films after a two-year break, his last major appearance being in 2021 when he reprised his role as Spider-Man in No Way Home and portrayed composer Jonathan Larson in tick, tick… BOOM!. In We Live in Time, Garfield’s portrayal of Tobias reflects a vulnerable, heartfelt performance. The actor also expressed how the film’s themes of love and loss resonated deeply with him, especially during the premiere. “There were moments tonight that moved me in a way that I hadn’t been moved before,” he said.
We Live in Time will be released in theaters on October 11.