Florence Pugh's response to fan who lost her mom to cancer at a young age is a lesson in compassion

Sometimes, a movie, a book or another form of art might touch a person on a profound level. It may feel as if the story of their life has been portrayed on the big screen, with the director unaware of their experiences. In a special way, it can even seem like the movie was made just for them. A similar thing happened when "We Live in Time," starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, was released. The movie follows the lives of a couple, Tobias and Almut, who meet unexpectedly and fall in love, have a daughter named Ella, and then grapple with Almut's ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Pugh, posted a series of behind-the-scenes photos on her Instagram (where she goes by @florencepugh) to celebrate the movie. The lead actress wrote in the caption, "I’ve been desperate for a role like this for a few years. A woman who is current and relatable and going through all of the conversations modern women are going through daily. Not only am I constantly proud of the outcome, but I am just so aware of how many incredible masterminds came together to make it and then crew that made it possible. Every. Single. Direction. There was this unbelievably insane talent to the left and right." The movie deeply touched a fan who had lost her mom to cancer at an early age, prompting her to share her story in the comments.

The fan, @sophietemple21, wrote, "My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer when I was two, given six months to live. She stuck it out through four years of chemo and drugs and treatment to give me a chance at remembering her and she passed when I was six." She added, "You and Andrew are two of my favorite actors ever, point blank. I saw lots of promo for the film because I love you both, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to watch it due to the direct parallels to my trauma—I went on my day off on Friday, watched it in a fully empty theater with my mom’s stuffed animal and a box of tissues and God, I’m so glad I did."

"It is seriously one of the most beautiful, moving, exceptional movies I’ve ever seen. 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 through this film- I just can’t express my gratitude enough," the woman added. "Thank you, thank you all, for bringing my experience to life. I can’t express how much this film means to me. I will be holding it close for the rest of my life. So much love, xoxo, the real-life 24-year-old Ella (named Sophie)." In response to the fan's heartwarming message, Pugh wrote a beautiful reply.

"Hello, Sophie. Florence here. Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to write your heart here in the comments. 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. It’s always the wish that my work speaks to someone, somewhere, feeling the same thing," the actress expressed. "To read just how much it meant to you is not only a privilege to hear but feels like a gift, knowing that it’s helped in some way. 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 did matters genuinely gives me the energy needed to tackle these honest stories again and again. So, thank you. Love FP X." 

The fan was left emotional by Pugh's compassionate response and penned a thank you note to the actress. "Wow, I’m sitting here in complete shock. Thank you for your time and for your kind words," she wrote. "My mom’s name was Lori—most days it feels like there are very few left who remember her. I would be honored if you remembered her, too. I’m so happy you know what a gift this movie is to me." The grieving woman ended her note by promising to follow Pugh's work for the rest of her life.