At the heart of the central arc toWe Live In Time’s character drama is Almut’s illness.
Their romance develops into a sweet home, professional success, and bittersweet acceptance of an unpredictable world.
This plays into the film’s subtle approach to loss, keeping the focus on Almut and Tobias.
However, there are some clues in the film that strongly hint at the unsaid final fate of Almut.
Here is why it’s important that Almut’s fate not be seen, but remain quietly obvious.
A key emotional throughline of the film is Almut’s ovarian cancer.
Although her doctor suggests a hysterectomy, Almut is hesitant because it would make conceiving children difficult.
This makes the presence of a dog inWe Live In Time’s last scene all the more telling.
This makes the ending of the non-linear movie the actual conclusion of the story.
Image via A24
When Did Almut Die In We Live In Time?
The Bocuse d’Or is a real global chef’s championship held bi-annually in Lyon, France.
Almut’s presence in the movie ends with her spending quality time with her family.
Image via A24
The next scene is the final sequence of the film.
This means there is a possibility, however remote, that Almut did not die.
However, just because her death isn’t shown doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
This is likely why Almut didn’t actually die on screen, and didn’t have death overtly confirmed.
Tobias and Almut’s entire romance survives because of taking agency and acting on their feelings.
Tobias and Almut’s near-breakup over discussion of kids is solved by Tobias actively making amends.
This is why Almut’s apparent death is a powerful element inWe Live In Time.
The entire film is snapshots of two lives, the choices they make in the face of mortality.
It gives her life meaning, regardless of how tragic and unfair her death may be.
