Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield tug at your heartstrings, rendering extraordinary performances in their shared love, loss, and pliability. Together, they raise the question of how do you want to be remembered after you are gone? Pugh is a famous chef named Almut, a character whose profession symbolizes her passion for life and her desire to leave a lasting impression. Tobias, on the other hand, works for Weetabix, the cereal company in south London, in the Herne Hill neighborhood. His job at a local company reflects his grounded nature and his commitment to his community. It’s a less glamorous part of London, breaking away from romantic genre conventions. The director wanted to create a realistic London where the audience could focus on the couple’s experiences instead of the iconic images of the central city. Having traveled to London many times, I agree that the film has a ‘Notting Hill’ tone in presenting the set design, which I appreciated.
Director John Crowley, known for his work on ‘Brooklyn’ (2015), a film that also delves into the complexities of human relationships, particularly in the context of migration and adaptation, brings a similar sensitivity to this narrative. His collaboration with screenwriter Nick Payne results in a film that presents a slice of life that is both tender and challenging. Having a sister who battled cancer, I know the story too well, although I appreciated the exceptional visuals Crowley utilized to bring tenderness while facing a difficult journey. The mentioning that these two actors and their unrelenting chemistry is key, as it continues in all scenes, whether it’s passionate romance scene or a heartfelt moment after the birth of their daughter. The two actors are well-paired, making the sensitive aspects of the film work exceptionally well. Newcomer Grace Delaney also does a fabulous job of playing their adorable young daughter.
There are also flashbacks, which I found okay; they lighten the mood and show us normalizing. The line that will stay with you is when Almut asks Tobias, “How do you want to live your life, and how do you want to be remembered? “What’s presented is how you want to live your life if you are ill, as in, do you take that trip to Europe, or do you climb a mountain to its highest peak?”
As the film unfolds, it prompts introspection about our own lives and priorities. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to spark deep, personal reflection. The emotional journey of the characters is so compelling that it’s hard not to be deeply moved. A word of caution: You may find yourself reaching for the tissues. Yes, the film is that moving, that thought-provoking, and that good.
Playing now in theaters.
Sarah Knight Adamson© October 30, 2024
Studio: A24 Films