Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh filmed a movie with schoolchildren and here’s what we know

A24’s new romantic drama We Live in Time, starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, has been gaining momentum at the box office since its limited release on October 11. Alongside their cinematic endeavors, Garfield and Pugh recently participated in a delightful initiative called Celebrity Substitute, hosted by Julian Shapiro-Barnum from Recess Therapy. In this YouTube series, celebrities step into the role of substitute teachers, and in a fun twist, Garfield and Pugh took charge of an elementary drama class at S.T.A.R. Academy P.S. 63.

The experience was a heartwarming mix of celebrity interaction and creativity, as the stars encouraged young students to produce short films. Interestingly, many of the children were too young to fully grasp their fame, but excitement soared when Pugh mentioned her role as Goldilocks in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

The first project, Creature of the Night, directed by Garfield, was a suspenseful thriller featuring Pugh alongside student Destiny. The film plays on Hitchcockian themes, with Pugh’s character grappling with fear as strange noises echo outside, despite Destiny’s attempts to reassure her. Shapiro-Barnum appears as “The Neighbor,” although reports suggest some behind-the-scenes drama may lead to a recast.

Next up was Fired!, featuring Garfield, Shapiro-Barnum, and student Paige, who’s already generating buzz for her performance as Garfield’s volatile former boss. The narrative centers around Garfield’s character being let go after 30 years of dedication, setting the stage for Pugh’s critique of capitalist structures.

Following that, Lady Loan tells the quirky tale of Pugh as a loan shark who agrees to lend money to two characters, played by Asher and Lemon, under the condition that they host a birthday party for her unborn daughter. This comedic premise showcases the students’ creativity while highlighting the fun of the filmmaking process.

Capping off their cinematic efforts was Uninvited, a drama where Garfield stars alongside Jeremiah as estranged friends. The film explores themes of friendship and conflict, particularly when one friend keeps the other from attending his birthday party. A cameo from the original teacher, Ms. Laird, hints at potential future developments in this whimsical universe.

In a touching post-credits scene, it was revealed that S.T.A.R. Academy P.S. 63 would receive a donation of school supplies and resources from Amazon. This gesture aims to enrich the arts education of these budding young filmmakers, resonating with critics who noted that it was a standout moment in the project.

Garfield and Pugh’s involvement in Celebrity Substitute not only showcased their playful sides but also emphasized the importance of arts education and mentorship. With We Live in Time continuing to draw attention, fans are eager to see how this charming initiative further develops and what Garfield and Pugh will do next.