Five Feet Apart

Five Feet Apart (2019 poster)

Five Feet Apart is a 2019 American romantic drama film directed by Justin Baldoni and written by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis. The film stars Haley Lu Richardson as Stella Grant and Cole Sprouse as Will Newman, two young patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who try to have a relationship despite always being forced to stay a certain distance apart. It explores themes of love, independence, and the challenges of living with a chronic illness.

Plot

The story follows Stella Grant, a teenager who spends much of her time living in a hospital as a cystic fibrosis patient. Her life is full of routines and boundaries - until she meets Will Newman, another CF patient, who is waiting for a lung transplant. Will is rebellious and largely non-compliant with his treatment regimen, which contrasts with Stella's disciplined approach to her condition. Despite the hospital's rules and the inherent risks due to their illness, Stella and Will develop a close relationship. They are forced to maintain a physical distance of five feet apart at all times to reduce the risk of cross-infection, a common concern for CF patients. The title "Five Feet Apart" refers to this rule, which is a variation of the recommended six-foot distance to minimize the risk of cross-infection among CF patients.

Cast

• Haley Lu Richardson as Stella Grant
• Cole Sprouse as Will Newman
• Moises Arias as Poe, Stella's best friend and a fellow CF patient
• Kimberly Hebert Gregory as Nurse Barb
• Parminder Nagra as Dr. Noor Hamid
• Claire Forlani as Meredith Newman, Will's mother

Production

"Five Feet Apart" was directed by Justin Baldoni, known for his role on the television series Jane the Virgin. The film was inspired by real-life experiences of people living with cystic fibrosis. Baldoni aimed to raise awareness about CF and to tell a love story that transcends physical limitations. The screenplay was penned by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis.

Reception

Upon its release, "Five Feet Apart" received mixed reviews from critics. Many praised the performances of Richardson and Sprouse, as well as the film's emotional depth and its handling of the subject matter. However, some criticized it for playing into certain romantic drama clichés. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was a commercial success, resonating with audiences, particularly teenagers and young adults.

Themes

"Five Feet Apart" delves into several themes, including the challenges of living with a chronic illness, the human need for connection, and the ways in which love can manifest under restrictive circumstances. It also touches on themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and the importance of adhering to medical advice for the sake of one's health and the safety of others.

Impact

The film has had a significant impact in terms of raising awareness about cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs. It has sparked conversations about the realities of living with CF and the importance of research and funding to find a cure. Additionally, "Five Feet Apart" has contributed to a broader discussion about representation of chronic illness in media and the importance of accurate and respectful portrayals.