By: Arushi Aditi
Where not a single line of dialogue feels out of place, where you find yourself laughing, shedding a few tears by the end, and ultimately walking away with the feeling of having experienced something truly beautiful? That’s what this movie was for me. For a few hours, I was completely and utterly immersed in the story of Tobias and Almut, drawn in by the stunning cinematography and the mesmerizing performances of Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh.
At its core, it’s a simple love story: two Londoners who flirt, have fun, fall in love, have a child, and dream of a long, happy life together. But unfortunately, late-stage cancer complicates everything. What makes the film so special though, is its focus—not just on the disease and its impact, but on the journey Tobias and Almut share, the love they build, and the lessons they learn along the way. The nonlinear storytelling, shifting between past and present, emphasizes their relationship as a whole rather than just its tragic turn.
The signature charm of English humor allows us to focus on the good times in their story. This is further elevated by the undeniable chemistry between Garfield and Pugh. From their playful courtship to their passionate romance, from laughter and intimacy to heartbreak and resilience, every moment feels raw and real.
One of the most striking themes of the film is the beauty of companionship—the simple yet profound comfort of having someone to truly love, laugh with, and support you. It’s a reminder that while we may not control how much time we have, we do control how much love we give in the time we do have.
Yet, the film also raises an important question: is love enough? Through Almut’s character, we see the struggle between personal ambition and relationships, particularly as a woman. Her career as a chef becomes a source of inner conflict—does she want to spend her remaining years solely as a partner and mother, or does she want to leave behind something more? This contrast between love and legacy adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a love story.
Structurally, the film’s back-and-forth timeline is effective for the most part, though I felt the emotional weight of the final act could have been even stronger had the scenes been less scattered. Additionally, while Tobias is portrayed with authenticity in the early stages of their relationship by emphasizing some of his flaws, his character feels somewhat sidelined post-diagnosis. The film shifts its focus almost entirely to Almut, leaving Tobias’s personal journey underexplored. We see him as the devoted, loving husband, but we miss out on the emotional complexities of how he processes the weight of her illness.
What stayed with me most was the film’s simplicity—how a seemingly straightforward story could be elevated to something extraordinary through meticulous execution. The performances, the writing, the cinematography came together seamlessly.
