Florence Pugh’s experience of shaving her head for her role in the upcoming film We Live in Time is one filled with emotional and physical intricacies. The 28-year-old British actress, known for her previous impressive performances, opened up about this unique challenge in various interviews leading up to the film's release this October.
During filming, Pugh portrayed Almut, whose life takes unexpected turns following personal and medical challenges. Her character's deep emotional landscapes required Pugh to undergo significant physical changes, one of which involved shaving her head. Co-star Andrew Garfield took on the momentous task of shaving her head, which he approached with both reverence and anxiety. “What if I somehow destroyed the head of one of the best actors of her generation?” he admitted, recalling his nervousness about the intimate scene.
Pugh described her experience of losing her hair as “really bizarre,” noting how it transported her body through unexpected sensations of trauma. "My head was so sensitive,” she recalled. “So many people were trying to touch it, and it was so alive. My body went out of control from it. I was cold all the time.” This reflects how deeply our physical appearances are tied to our identity and how abrupt changes can trigger strong emotional responses.
The act of shaving her hair wasn’t just about the role; it was wrapped up in Pugh’s own life experiences and transformations. She revealed how, during this period, she was also making various aesthetic choices and facing major life decisions. “I was like, ‘Cool, well I don’t look like me. I’m changed. I’m changing.’ Looking back on the summer, I was growing to be something new,” Pugh shared, reflecting on her transformative process beyond the film.
This role requires Pugh to demonstrate deep emotional range as Almut is thrust through romantic highs and lows, including personal illness and the effort to build family. The narrative tracks their life together through the ups and downs, touching on poignant themes of love, responsibility, and the fleeting nature of time.
Among the emotional weight of her character’s arc, Pugh emphasized the significance of this transformation. “For any actor taking on a role like this, it is completely important to see her head and for us to see her shaving it — it was always going to be necessary,” she explained. It's this commitment to authenticity and character support she’s known for throughout her career.
Garfield's sentiments echoed this depth of intimacy and vulnerability, as he felt honored to participate so closely. “It was terrifying, but it ended up being very beautiful and intimate,” he expressed, grateful for the trust and professionalism they shared during such vulnerable moments.
While shedding her hair, Pugh also felt the impact stretching beyond her film role. She articulated her realization of how intertwined personal and professional identities could be, stating, “I hate how much of my life I’ve missed.” This insightful reflection indicates the sacrifices and decisions actors often make and the toll they can take, marking the line between on-screen personas and personal lives.
Since filming wrapped up, Pugh has been spotted sporting her shorter hair during promotional events, progressively regrowing her locks. By the time she debuted her new look at the Oppenheimer premiere, the public was already eager to see how her next steps would evolve.
The film We Live in Time, directed by John Crowley, is set to gain traction after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and upcoming release. Critics have already lauded its depiction of real-life struggles interwoven with love and human connection. With Pugh carrying such emotional baggage and clarity through her character, it's clear this film will resonate with audiences long after they leave the theater.
With the film's opening approaching and the discussions surrounding her transformation, Pugh continues to inspire conversations about identity, vulnerability, and the beautiful messiness involved with growth. Not shying away from emotional truths, Pugh insists, “Yes, I want to have my career forever, but that's not going to happen if I don't take care of my life.” This statement highlights her newfound awareness of balance.
Overall, We Live in Time promises to be not just another romantic drama but rather an exploration of the interconnectedness of love— not just between partners but toward oneself. By fearing loss and embracing change, Pugh and Garfield invite viewers to reflect on what it means to live deeply and authentically.
