Review of Five Feet Apart (2019)

General Information

• Director: Justin Baldoni
• Main Cast:
  • Haley Lu Richardson (Stella Grant)
  • Cole Sprouse (Will Newman)
  • Moises Arias (Poe)
  • Kimberly Hebert Gregory (Nurse Barb)
• Genre: Romance, Drama
• Runtime: 116 minutes

Plot

Five Feet Apart is a romantic drama about two teenagers, Stella Grant and Will Newman, who suffer from cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that limits their ability to be near each other due to the risk of cross-infection. Despite the strict “six-foot rule” enforced in hospitals to protect CF patients, Stella and Will form a deep emotional connection. As their bond grows stronger, they decide to reclaim some control over their lives and their relationship by reducing the gap between them to just five feet, risking their health to be closer to each other.

Highlights

1. Haley Lu Richardson as Stella
   • Haley Lu Richardson delivers a heartfelt and nuanced performance as Stella, portraying her as a determined and optimistic young woman despite the limitations imposed by her illness. Her ability to show vulnerability while exuding strength and positivity anchors the emotional weight of the film.
2. Cole Sprouse as Will
   • Cole Sprouse brings depth to Will’s character, a free-spirited and somewhat rebellious teen who contrasts Stella’s meticulous personality. His charm and quiet sadness make his character relatable and add complexity to the romantic dynamic.
3. Authenticity in Representing Illness
   • The film handles cystic fibrosis with a level of sensitivity and care, shedding light on the daily challenges faced by individuals with the condition. It emphasizes the emotional and physical toll of the disease while respecting the experiences of those who live with it.
4. Emotional Depth
   • Five Feet Apart excels in portraying the bittersweet nature of love in the face of insurmountable challenges. The film explores themes of longing, sacrifice, and the human need for connection, making it both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
5. Strong Supporting Cast
   • Moises Arias as Poe, Stella’s best friend, adds depth and emotional resonance to the story. His subplot, dealing with his own struggles with CF and personal relationships, is touching and well-executed. Nurse Barb (Kimberly Hebert Gregory) provides a grounding presence, reinforcing the stakes and realities of living with a life-threatening illness.
6. Direction and Visual Style
   • Justin Baldoni brings an intimate touch to the film, using close-up shots and muted color palettes to emphasize the physical and emotional distance between the characters. The hospital setting feels both restrictive and safe, reflecting the paradox of the characters’ lives.
7. Themes of Control and Freedom
   • The film’s exploration of control—whether through Stella’s meticulous routines or Will’s defiance—adds depth to the story. It highlights the characters’ desire to reclaim agency over their lives in a situation where so much is beyond their control.

Criticisms

1. Predictable Plot
   • The story follows familiar tropes of young adult romance dramas, with a structure and emotional beats reminiscent of films like The Fault in Our Stars. While well-executed, it doesn’t offer much originality in its narrative.
2. Romanticization of Illness
   • While the film aims to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis, some critics feel it romanticizes the condition to serve the love story, potentially overshadowing the harsh realities of the disease.
3. Exaggerated Drama
   • Certain moments, especially toward the climax, lean into melodrama, which may feel overly contrived for some viewers.

Verdict

Five Feet Apart is an emotionally charged romance that sensitively portrays the challenges of living with cystic fibrosis while exploring the universal desire for connection and intimacy. Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse’s performances elevate the film, making it a touching and relatable experience, even if it adheres to familiar young adult drama formulas.

Rating: 8.5/10