Five Feet Apart, directed by Justin Baldoni, is a poignant and heart-wrenching romantic drama that explores the delicate balance between love, illness, and the desire for connection. With a story that tugs at the heartstrings, the film aims to portray the emotional and physical challenges faced by two teenagers battling cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. At its core, Five Feet Apart is a meditation on how proximity and distance in relationships take on new meaning when facing life-threatening conditions.

Plot Overview

The film centers on Stella Grant (Cole Sprouse), a 17-year-old cystic fibrosis patient who has learned to live with the strict rules and isolation that come with her condition. She meets Will Newman (Haley Lu Richardson), another cystic fibrosis patient, during one of her many hospital visits. Will, rebellious and cynical, refuses to follow the same strict regimen that Stella does. Despite the constant risk of cross-contamination between CF patients, the two form a deep connection—one that challenges both their understanding of life, love, and the limitations their conditions place on them.

Stella’s strict adherence to hospital rules contrasts with Will’s disregard for them. The title Five Feet Apart refers to the physical distance they must maintain at all times to prevent the transmission of dangerous bacteria between them. As their connection deepens, the film explores themes of longing, separation, and the struggle to live a full life despite illness.

Direction and Cinematography

Baldoni’s direction is sensitive and earnest, though at times it can feel overly sentimental. The pacing is steady, but the film occasionally leans too heavily on its emotional beats, particularly in the third act. Still, the visual style is clean and effective, with cinematographer Frank G. DeMarco capturing both the sterile, clinical world of the hospital and the more intimate moments between the two protagonists. The use of close-ups emphasizes the emotions of the characters, drawing viewers into their experiences of isolation and connection.

The hospital setting, though not visually groundbreaking, is used effectively to underscore the limitations and confinement Stella and Will face. The symbolic act of remaining “five feet apart” is subtly reflected in the mise-en-scène, with the characters often framed in a way that emphasizes their physical and emotional distance from each other.

Performances

The chemistry between the two leads, Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson, is one of the film’s strongest points. Sprouse brings depth to the character of Will, balancing his cynicism with vulnerability, while Richardson’s portrayal of Stella is tender, grounded, and full of quiet determination. Together, they create a believable and heartfelt bond that drives the film’s emotional impact.

The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative as well, particularly Moises Arias, who plays Will’s best friend, Poe. Poe, another CF patient, is both a source of comic relief and a poignant reminder of the harsh realities that CF patients face. His relationship with Will provides a bittersweet counterpoint to the romantic storyline.

Themes and Symbolism

At its core, Five Feet Apart is about love in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The title and the rule of maintaining physical distance symbolize the barriers that illness places between people, even as they yearn for closeness. The film asks whether it’s possible to fully connect with another person while still being separated by fear and medical restrictions.

There is also an exploration of mortality and the desire to live a life beyond the constraints of disease. Stella’s drive to control her illness contrasts with Will’s desire to take risks and live more freely. This dynamic creates emotional tension, as their differing approaches to their shared condition provide both conflict and an opportunity for growth.

The film doesn’t shy away from showing the emotional toll that chronic illness takes on individuals, relationships, and families. It emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and finding joy in the face of hardship, though it does so with a somewhat idealized view of illness and youth.

Critique

While Five Feet Apart is heartfelt and genuine, it occasionally veers into melodrama, with some plot developments feeling predictable or overly sentimental. The romantic story, while touching, may feel familiar to viewers who have seen other young adult dramas in similar settings. The central conflict—the inability to physically be with someone you love—feels emotionally powerful, but the film sometimes sacrifices complexity for emotional payoff.

The portrayal of cystic fibrosis, though well-intentioned, can feel overly simplified at times, as the nuances and realities of living with the disease are sometimes glossed over in favor of the romantic storyline. However, the film does bring awareness to the condition and highlights the challenges faced by those living with CF.

Conclusion

Five Feet Apart is a sweet, emotionally charged romance that offers a sensitive portrayal of life with cystic fibrosis. While it occasionally falls into melodramatic territory, the performances of the lead actors and the film’s exploration of love and isolation make it a moving experience. It’s a film that reminds audiences of the importance of human connection, even when it’s complicated by physical or emotional barriers.