Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield have debuted their emotionally charged film “We Live in Time” at the Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by John Crowley, the movie explores the life of a couple, portrayed by Pugh and Garfield, from their initial meeting and falling in love to facing challenges like cancer. The narrative unfolds non-chronologically but captures poignant moments of existence with exceptional performances by the lead actors.
Despite the profound themes of the film, what caught the public’s attention was an unexpected viral meme of a horse featured briefly in the movie. The image of a yellow carousel steed with large, bug-eyed expressions below Pugh and Garfield on a merry-go-round became an internet sensation, with numerous online iterations and even a segment on Stephen Colbert’s late-night show.
During interviews following the premiere, Pugh and Garfield lightheartedly discussed the unexpected fame of the meme. Pugh initially expressed relief that the horse did not play a prominent role in the film, while Garfield insisted it did appear briefly. Their banter about the meme and its impact on their cherished scenes from the movie showcased their humor and camaraderie.
Garfield shared his surprise at the widespread recognition of the horse meme, noting his initial reaction to seeing the image before going on a technology-detox retreat. The actors’ playful exchange, combined with their reflections on the meme’s popularity, provided a humorous contrast to the film’s serious subject matter.
The duo’s dynamic during the interview, including some cheeky comments that drew reactions from their publicists, added a touch of light-heartedness to discussions about their poignant film. Garfield and Pugh’s ability to balance humor with the emotional depth of their work highlighted the versatility and camaraderie between them, both on and off the screen.
