Andrew Garfield’s newest film, We Live in Time, is notably personal for the actor. Garfield stars as Tobias, who forms a relationship with Florence Pugh’s character, Almut. The plot takes a dramatic turn when Almut’s medical condition starts to impact their family, striking a chord with Garfield, who lost his mother Lynn to pancreatic cancer in 2019. The story closely mirrors his own experiences with grief.

At the film’s world premiere during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Garfield spoke about the role of art in healing. He shared that art provides him with a means to process his own grief while also offering a source of comfort to viewers. Garfield emphasized that storytellers need to address their own emotional wounds to effectively help others through their work.

Garfield also highlighted the importance of exploring deep emotional states in acting. He believes that for actors to create genuine connections with their audience, they must engage deeply with their own emotions and life experiences. This process is vital for making their portrayals resonate on a personal level with viewers.

The actor’s partnership with Florence Pugh is another focal point. Garfield praised Pugh not only for her exceptional acting skills but also for their strong personal rapport. This mutual trust was crucial for tackling the film’s sensitive and intimate moments, allowing them to portray the complex emotions required by their roles.

Director John Crowley provided insights into Garfield’s performance, noting his intense emotional investment in the role. Crowley believed that Garfield’s ability to channel both his personal grief and moments of joy into his character was essential for the film. We Live in Time will have a limited release starting October 11, 2024.