Five Feet Apart

Five Feet Apart is a captivating 2019 American romantic drama film directed by Justin Baldoni. The movie features screen sweetheart, Haley Lu Richardson, heartthrob Cole Sprouse, and effervescent character actor Moises Arias. The plot captivatingly explores a unique aspect of teenage love, layered with the grim reality of life-threatening illnesses, giving it an uncommon perspective that sets it apart from many teenage romance films.

Haley Lu Richardson gives a powerful performance as Stella Grant, a spunky, driven, and vibrant 17-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis – an incurable genetic condition that causes persistent lung infections and progressively limits the ability to breathe. Stella's life revolves around the discipline: taking her medicine, adhering to her treatment regimen, and maintaining strict hygienic rules to keep her disease in check, all while living in a hospital.

On the other hand, Cole Sprouse stars as Will Newman, also a cystic fibrosis patient, but with a much different approach to his condition. Will is the realist, burdened not just with cystic fibrosis but also a dangerous bacterial infection on top, and sees life from a cynical lens. Unlike Stella, he refuses to let his life be consumed by the drudgery of treatment protocols.

When Stella and Will cross paths in the hospital, sparks ignite, and two contradictory worlds collide. They discover a mutual attraction, but their health conditions mean they must always maintain a distance of at least 6-feet from each other to avoid cross-infection—a cruel irony that tinges their budding romance with frustration and longing. This is where the metaphorical title, Five Feet Apart originates, symbolizing their disobedience toward this life-altering rule for the sake of love.

Quite refreshingly, Moises Arias plays the role of Poe, Stella’s best friend and fellow cystic fibrosis patient. He provides the necessary comic relief and also a character of depth, acting as the sounding board to Stella, providing wisdom and friendship in this controlled environment.

The film is a poignant exploration of love against the odds. It emphasizes the human-left longing for touch, for closeness—for proximity—with those we love. The story revolves around the heart-wrenching romantic journey of Stella and Will, as they try to navigate the system, their feelings, and the frustration of their circumstances.

Additionally, the film gives audiences a look into the harsh realities of living with a disease like cystic fibrosis. Justin Baldoni takes an empathetic approach, ensuring viewers do not just sympathize with the characters but also profoundly understand their journey. It educates about the illness while deftly weaving it into the narrative to make for an engaging and emotive cinematic experience.

The emotion-loaded narrative is complemented by compelling performances by the lead actors. Richardson excels as the hopeful and spirited Stella, and Sprouse effectively captures the disillusionment and brittleness of Will. Their on-screen chemistry is vibrant, charged with yearning and a plethora of unsaid emotions.

The character of Poe, portrayed by Arias, beautifully embodies the essence of life and friendship in the face of mortality. The film’s supporting cast includes Kimberly Hebert Gregory as the strict but loving Nurse Barb, and Parminder Nagra as Dr. Hamid who adds depth to the story and contribute to its intertwining themes of love, loss, and the celebration of life.

Five Feet Apart is a beautifully woven tale of romance brimming with deeply felt emotions and powerful performances that can captivate its audience. It is not just a story about falling in love but is an invigorating reminder of life's beauty, fragility, and the human spirit's resilience. It’s a heart-wrenching cinematic experience that explores the sheer power of love and connection in the face of adversity, making it a must-watch for both the young and the old. This movie is sure to leave you drenched in feelings, contemplating the magic of love and the sanctity of life—making it more than your average teen drama.