Exploring Filming Locations of We Live in Time: Where Was It Shot?

Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh star in the emotional drama We Live in Time, which had its restricted premiere in selected US theaters on October 11, 2024, before being released more broadly on October 18.

This new film from A24 explores the intricate love journey of characters Tobias (played by Garfield) and Almut (portrayed by Pugh), a relationship that famously kicks off when she accidentally hits him with her car. The audience experiences their whirlwind romance unfold as they spend over ten years together, navigating both heartwarming milestones and significant challenges, including a battle with cancer.

Presented in a non-linear narrative, the film beautifully chronicles Tobias and Almut’s relationship against the stunning backdrops of England’s urban landscapes and countryside. We Live in Time was filmed primarily in Herne Hill, a neighborhood in Greater London, as well as in Surrey County.

Directed by John Crowley, known for works like The Goldfinch and Brooklyn, and with a screenplay crafted by Nick Payne, who wrote The Last Letter from Your Lover, the film features a talented cast including Grace Delaney, Lee Braithwaite, Aoife Hinds, and Niamh Cusack alongside Garfield and Pugh.

England: The Setting for an Enduring Romance

The film utilizes the diverse scenery of England to depict the decades-long love story of Garfield and Pugh’s characters. Most of the scenes were captured in less commercialized areas of London and the picturesque British countryside, including the area where Garfield spent his childhood.

Exploring Herne Hill, London

Although the story is presented out of sequence, it begins in London, marking the setting for Tobias and Almut’s first encounter. The lush Herne Hill neighborhood serves as a charming backdrop for their budding romance, located conveniently between Brixton and Dulwich. This area is often described as a semi-rural retreat within Greater London, boasting a variety of shops, cafes, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

In a thoughtful statement shared with interior design magazine House Beautiful, Crowley elaborated on the decision to film in Herne Hill:

“We specifically set the story in Herne Hill because it lacks glamour. This authenticity felt crucial for relatability and allowed us to diverge from typical romantic film clichés.”

Several key landmarks from Herne Hill are featured throughout We Live in Time. One memorable scene includes Tobias exiting Herne Hill station during a date with Almut, as well as the expansive Brockwell Park, situated south of Brixton, where the couple strolls amidst the park’s meadows the morning after their date.

Living in the Countryside of Surrey

As Tobias and Almut’s relationship develops, they transition from the relaxed atmosphere of Herne Hill to the serene British countryside. This segment of the narrative was filmed in Surrey County, England.

Garfield, who hails from this area in South East England, appreciates this depiction of Britain as devoid of tourist traps. He remarked:

“I love that the film showcases an unpretentious side of Britain where an ordinary couple, who you might pass in the street, are experiencing something truly extraordinary in their lives.”

The couple’s countryside home later in the film is situated in Hascombe, a picturesque village within the Surrey Hills, celebrated for its historic charm and stunning natural landscapes.

Be sure to catch A24’s We Live in Time in theaters across the nation; however, a streaming release date has yet to be revealed.

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