We Live in Time Ending Explained: Does Almut die in the Florence Pugh & Andrew Garfield Romance?

We Live in Time, the romantic drama starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, has officially arrived for streaming on Max, and if you’re in the mood for an emotional journey, this A24 film is guaranteed to deliver. 

Directed by John Crowley and written by Nick Payne, the non-linear love story of Almut (Pugh) and Tobias (Garfield) explores the beauty, pain, and fleeting nature of life. While it may not be a major awards-season contender, the film captivates with its raw performances and heartbreaking narrative.

But if you found yourself wondering about We Live in Time’s emotional ending, let’s break it down—what happens to Almut, and what does it all mean?

A love Story told Through time

We Live in Time follows Tobias and Almut’s relationship through key moments in their life, revealing their love story in fragments. Their first meeting is unconventional—Almut accidentally runs Tobias over with her car. What starts as an awkward encounter turns into something beautiful when Almut, a chef, invites Tobias to her restaurant for a meal.

Their relationship deepens, but a major hurdle arises when Almut expresses doubts about having children, while Tobias is certain he wants a family. Despite this, they stay together, and when Almut is later diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she faces a life-changing decision—whether to undergo a partial hysterectomy to preserve her chances of pregnancy or opt for a full hysterectomy to improve her odds of survival. She chooses the former, successfully goes into remission, and eventually gives birth to their daughter, Ella.

Almut’s Final Decision in We Live in Time

Years later, the cancer returns, and Almut is uncertain about undergoing treatment again. She tells Tobias she would rather have "six to eight amazing months" than endure painful treatments with little guarantee of survival. Tobias responds by proposing, and she accepts.

At the same time, Almut receives an invitation to compete in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or cooking competition. Though advised to step back from work, she secretly pursues it and reaches the finals—only to realize the competition falls on the same day as her wedding. When Tobias finds out, Almut expresses her fear of being remembered solely as “somebody’s dead mum.” She wants to be known for her own accomplishments.

Instead of the wedding, Tobias and Ella go to support Almut at the competition. After completing her final dish, she chooses to leave before hearing the results. She removes her chef’s hat, walks toward her family, and exits, signaling her decision to spend whatever time she has left with them.

A Poignant Ending

The final scene of We Live in Time mirrors the opening: Tobias and Ella collect eggs from the chicken coop, but this time, Almut is absent. Tobias teaches Ella how to crack an egg—a callback to the moment he fell in love with Almut, listening to her talk about the versatility of eggs. As they laugh together, it’s clear that Almut’s love and presence still live on in their shared memories.

Does Almut die in We Live in Time?

The film strongly implies that Almut has passed away, with Tobias now raising Ella alone. He even follows Almut’s advice and gets a dog, likely to help their daughter cope with loss. However, the final scene isn’t one of sorrow—it’s filled with warmth, love, and acceptance.