Five Feet Apart: A Breathless Romance or a Calculated Tearjerker?

Five Feet Apart, released in 2019, dives headfirst into the well-trodden territory of young adult (YA) romance, but with a twist: both protagonists suffer from cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that severely limits their lung function and necessitates strict adherence to medical protocols. The film, directed by Justin Baldoni, attempts to balance the inherent drama of living with a chronic illness with the universal yearning for connection and love. Does it succeed in its delicate balancing act, or does it succumb to the pitfalls of sentimentality and predictability? This review will delve into the various aspects of Five Feet Apart, examining its plot, characters, direction, cinematography, performances, themes, and its place within the broader landscape of similar films.

Plot: Boundaries and Breaking Points

The narrative centers around Stella Grant (Haley Lu Richardson), a meticulous and organized 17-year-old CF patient who diligently documents her life and medical journey through YouTube videos. Stella embodies control, meticulously adhering to her medication schedule and treatment plans in hopes of qualifying for a lung transplant. Her world revolves around her friends, Poe (Moises Arias), another CF patient, and her constant pursuit of maintaining a semblance of normalcy within the sterile confines of the hospital.

Enter Will Newman (Cole Sprouse), a rebellious and cynical CF patient who is participating in an experimental drug trial. Will, unlike Stella, has lost faith in the medical system and approaches his illness with a detached resignation. He is artistic and brooding, sketching morbid images in his notebook and counting down the days until he turns 18 and can legally discontinue his treatment. Will's presence immediately disrupts Stella's carefully constructed routine and challenges her unwavering optimism.

Due to the risk of cross-infection, CF patients must maintain a strict six-foot distance from one another. However, Stella and Will's connection is undeniable, and they begin to bend the rules, inching closer to each other both emotionally and physically. They negotiate the distance, eventually settling on "five feet apart" as a compromise, symbolizing their desire to bridge the gap between their physical limitations and their burgeoning feelings. Their relationship blossoms amidst the backdrop of hospital hallways, treatment rooms, and the constant threat of deterioration.

The plot thickens as Will's drug trial proves ineffective, and Stella's transplant prospects become increasingly precarious. A near-death experience forces Stella to confront her own mortality and to question the value of control versus embracing the present moment. The climax involves a dramatic rescue during a frozen lake incident, further solidifying their bond and highlighting the fragility of their lives. The film culminates in a bittersweet parting, with Stella choosing to focus on her health and Will embarking on a journey to see the world, knowing that their physical limitations prevent them from being together in the traditional sense.

Characters: Stereotypes or Sympathetic Souls?

Stella Grant (Haley Lu Richardson): Stella is presented as the quintessential "good girl" – optimistic, responsible, and determined. While Richardson delivers a heartfelt performance, Stella's character sometimes veers into the realm of being overly saccharine. Her obsessive organization and relentless positivity, while understandable given her circumstances, can feel somewhat contrived. However, Richardson manages to inject vulnerability and depth into the role, making Stella a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, especially as she grapples with the complexities of her illness and her growing feelings for Will.

Will Newman (Cole Sprouse): Will embodies the brooding, artistic, and rebellious archetype often found in YA romances. Sprouse brings a certain charisma and vulnerability to the role, portraying Will's cynicism as a defense mechanism against the pain and uncertainty of his condition. His artistic talent provides an outlet for his emotions, and his initial reluctance to engage with Stella adds an element of intrigue to their relationship. While his character arc is somewhat predictable – from detached cynic to devoted lover – Sprouse's performance is convincing and nuanced.

Poe (Moises Arias): Poe, Stella's best friend and fellow CF patient, provides much-needed comic relief and serves as a grounding force for Stella. He is gay and grappling with his own health challenges, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. Arias delivers a warm and authentic performance, portraying Poe as a loyal and supportive friend who provides emotional support and a much-needed dose of reality. Poe's character, however, feels somewhat underdeveloped and could have benefited from more screen time and a more fleshed-out backstory.

Supporting Characters: The supporting characters, including the nurses and doctors, are largely relegated to stereotypical roles. They serve primarily to advance the plot and provide medical context, lacking the depth and complexity of the main characters. This is a missed opportunity, as exploring the perspectives of the medical professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for CF patients could have added another dimension to the film.

Direction: Sentimentality vs. Authenticity

Justin Baldoni's direction in Five Feet Apart is competent but often leans towards sentimentality. He effectively utilizes close-ups and intimate moments to convey the emotional connection between Stella and Will, but at times, the film feels overly manipulative, relying on melodramatic music and predictable plot devices to elicit emotional responses from the audience. The pacing is generally well-maintained, but certain scenes feel rushed, particularly in the later half of the film.

Baldoni's efforts to portray the realities of living with CF are commendable, but the film occasionally simplifies the complexities of the disease. While the film accurately depicts the physical limitations and medical treatments associated with CF, it sometimes glosses over the psychological and emotional toll that the illness takes on patients and their families. The sanitized hospital environment, while visually appealing, doesn't fully capture the sterile and often isolating reality of long-term hospital stays.

One notable aspect of Baldoni's direction is his use of visual metaphors. The six-foot distance rule serves as a constant reminder of the barriers that separate Stella and Will, both physically and emotionally. The frozen lake scene, while somewhat contrived, effectively symbolizes the fragility of their lives and the risks they are willing to take for love. However, these visual metaphors are sometimes heavy-handed and lack subtlety.

Cinematography: Visual Storytelling

The cinematography in Five Feet Apart, handled by Frank G. DeMarco, is visually appealing and contributes to the film's overall emotional impact. The use of warm, inviting colors in the hospital setting creates a sense of comfort and familiarity, contrasting with the sterile and clinical reality of the environment. Close-ups are used extensively to capture the subtle nuances of the actors' performances, emphasizing their emotional connection and vulnerability. The lighting is soft and flattering, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

DeMarco effectively utilizes the visual space to emphasize the distance between Stella and Will. Wide shots are often used to highlight the physical separation between them, while close-ups are used to convey their emotional intimacy. The use of mirrors and reflections further emphasizes the theme of connection and separation, suggesting that even though they are physically apart, they are still connected on a deeper level.

The visual depiction of the frozen lake scene is particularly striking, with the stark white landscape creating a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The use of slow-motion during the rescue sequence heightens the drama and emphasizes the fragility of life. Overall, the cinematography in Five Feet Apart is visually engaging and effectively enhances the film's emotional impact.

Performances: Heartfelt and Engaging

The performances in Five Feet Apart are generally strong, with Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse delivering heartfelt and engaging portrayals of their respective characters. Richardson shines as Stella, conveying both her optimism and her vulnerability with equal conviction. She effectively captures the character's determination to maintain control in the face of her illness, as well as her growing desire to embrace life and love. Sprouse brings a brooding intensity to the role of Will, portraying his cynicism and detachment as a defense mechanism against the pain and uncertainty of his condition. His chemistry with Richardson is palpable, making their on-screen romance believable and engaging.

Moises Arias provides a welcome dose of comic relief and emotional support as Poe, Stella's best friend. Arias delivers a warm and authentic performance, portraying Poe as a loyal and supportive friend who provides a much-needed dose of reality. The supporting cast, while not as prominent, delivers competent performances, contributing to the overall believability of the film.

While the performances are generally strong, the actors are sometimes limited by the script's reliance on stereotypical characterizations. However, Richardson and Sprouse manage to inject enough nuance and depth into their roles to make their characters relatable and sympathetic.

Themes and Messages: Love, Loss, and Living in the Moment

Five Feet Apart explores several significant themes, including the power of love, the acceptance of loss, and the importance of living in the moment. The film emphasizes the transformative power of love, showing how Stella and Will's relationship helps them to confront their fears and embrace life, even in the face of death. It also explores the challenges of living with a chronic illness, highlighting the physical and emotional toll that it takes on patients and their families.

The film's message is ultimately one of hope and resilience. Despite the challenges they face, Stella and Will find strength in their connection and learn to appreciate the preciousness of life. The film encourages viewers to embrace the present moment and to find joy in the simple things, even in the face of adversity. It also raises awareness about cystic fibrosis and the importance of organ donation.

However, the film's themes are sometimes presented in a somewhat simplistic and sentimental manner. The focus on romance and melodrama can overshadow the more complex realities of living with CF. While the film's message of hope and resilience is admirable, it sometimes feels overly optimistic and unrealistic, particularly given the severity of the characters' conditions.

Comparison to Other Films: The Fault in Our Stars and Beyond

Five Feet Apart inevitably draws comparisons to other YA romance films that deal with illness and mortality, most notably The Fault in Our Stars (2014). Both films feature young protagonists grappling with serious illnesses who find love and connection in the face of adversity. However, Five Feet Apart distinguishes itself by focusing specifically on cystic fibrosis and by emphasizing the physical limitations that the disease imposes on the characters' relationship.

While The Fault in Our Stars explores broader themes of existentialism and the meaning of life, Five Feet Apart focuses more narrowly on the challenges of living with a chronic illness and the importance of human connection. The Fault in Our Stars arguably handles its subject matter with greater sensitivity and nuance, avoiding some of the more sentimental pitfalls of Five Feet Apart.

Other films that explore similar themes include Me Before You (2016) and Everything, Everything (2017). These films, like Five Feet Apart, often rely on melodramatic plot devices and sentimental storytelling to elicit emotional responses from the audience. While these films can be emotionally engaging, they sometimes lack the depth and complexity necessary to fully explore the realities of living with serious illness and disability.

Positive Aspects: Heartfelt Performances and Awareness

Five Feet Apart has several positive aspects. The heartfelt performances of Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse are a major strength, bringing authenticity and vulnerability to their respective roles. The film also effectively raises awareness about cystic fibrosis and the challenges faced by individuals living with the disease. The cinematography is visually appealing and contributes to the film's overall emotional impact. The film's message of hope and resilience is inspiring, even if it is sometimes presented in a somewhat simplistic manner.

The film also deserves credit for attempting to portray the realities of living with CF, even if it sometimes falls short. The depiction of the medical treatments, the physical limitations, and the constant threat of infection provides a glimpse into the daily lives of CF patients. The film also highlights the importance of organ donation and the impact that it can have on the lives of those waiting for a transplant.

Constructive Criticism: Sentimentality and Stereotypes

Despite its positive aspects, Five Feet Apart also has several shortcomings. The film sometimes relies too heavily on sentimentality and melodrama, sacrificing authenticity for emotional impact. The characters, while generally well-acted, sometimes fall into stereotypical roles, lacking the depth and complexity necessary to fully explore their experiences. The supporting characters are underdeveloped and lack agency, serving primarily to advance the plot. The film's message of hope and resilience, while admirable, sometimes feels overly optimistic and unrealistic.

The film could have benefited from a more nuanced and complex portrayal of cystic fibrosis. While the film accurately depicts the physical aspects of the disease, it sometimes glosses over the psychological and emotional toll that it takes on patients and their families. The sanitized hospital environment doesn't fully capture the sterile and often isolating reality of long-term hospital stays. The film could have also explored the perspectives of the medical professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for CF patients.

Conclusion and Rating

Five Feet Apart is a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed YA romance that attempts to balance the inherent drama of living with a chronic illness with the universal yearning for connection and love. While the film features heartfelt performances and raises awareness about cystic fibrosis, it sometimes succumbs to the pitfalls of sentimentality and predictability. The film's message of hope and resilience is inspiring, but it sometimes feels overly optimistic and unrealistic. Overall, Five Feet Apart is a watchable but not particularly memorable film that will likely appeal to fans of the YA romance genre.

Rating: 6.5/10