A touching exchange occurred between a fan and actress Florence Pugh after the fan penned an emotional message to her. Pugh responded warmly, offering comfort and appreciation.
The actress’s latest film, *We Live In Time*, was released in the US on Friday, October 18. In this movie, Pugh stars opposite Andrew Garfield, with both playing the principal characters, Almut and Tobias.
A24 provides the following synopsis for *We Live In Time*: “Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield) are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives.
“As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, they learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken, in filmmaker John Crowley’s decade-spanning, deeply moving romance.”
In the narrative, Almut is diagnosed with ovarian cancer and seeks treatment before having a child with Tobias.
Reflecting on the film’s themes, a fan shared her personal experience with Pugh on Instagram, discussing her mother’s battle with cancer and eventual passing.
“My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer when I was 2, given 6 months to live,” shared Sophie, one of Pugh’s Instagram followers.
“She stuck it out thru 4 years of chemo and drugs and treatment to give me a chance at remembering her, and she passed when I was 6 [sic].”
Sophie expressed admiration for Garfield and Pugh, noting them as her ‘favorite actors ever.’ Though drawn to *We Live In Time* because of this, she admitted feeling apprehensive about its cancer-related themes.
Nevertheless, Sophie took the plunge and saw the film on Friday, accompanied by her mom’s stuffed animal and a box of tissues. She was thankful she did.
“It is seriously one of the most beautiful, moving, exceptional movies I’ve ever seen,” Sophie’s comment continued.
“You captured every emotion my mom felt so beautifully. I only have a couple of journal entries left of her, so god, Florence, your performance is such a gift. I was so little, so sheltered, I didn’t understand what she was experiencing. Getting to witness it thru this film – I just can’t express my gratitude enough [sic].”
Sophie’s heartfelt post has garnered nearly 5,000 likes, and Pugh herself has taken the time to respond.
Pugh replied: “Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to write your heart here in the comments. It goes without saying that I am incredibly sorry for your loss, especially at such a young age. I can’t imagine the ways that it affects one’s life and the processing that inevitably comes for years after.”
The actress expressed her hope that her work ‘speaks to someone,’ and knowing how much *We Live In Time* means to Sophie is ‘not only a privilege to hear, but feels like a gift knowing that it’s helped in some way’.
Pugh added: “Thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate your time both in watching the movie and in writing me here. To hear that the work we made matters, genuinely gives me the energy needed to tackle these honest stories again and again. So, thank you.”
If these topics have affected you and you need someone to talk to confidentially, reach out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat feature, available around the clock every day of the year.