Five Feet Apart

"Five Feet Apart" tells the poignant story of seventeen-year-old Stella Grant (Haley Lu Richardson), a bright and determined cystic fibrosis (CF) patient who finds her meticulously controlled world upended by the arrival of Will Newman (Cole Sprouse), another teen with the same genetic disorder. Stella is a rule-follower, diligently adhering to her treatment regimen with the hope of receiving a lung transplant. In stark contrast, Will is a rebellious and cynical artist who has grown weary of the constant medical interventions, especially since he has a more severe bacterial infection, B. cepacia, which makes him ineligible for a transplant.

Their initial encounters are marked by friction, as Stella's orderly nature clashes with Will's disregard for the rules. However, an undeniable connection blossoms between them. They begin to share their fears, dreams, and the daily realities of living with CF. Their budding romance is, however, fraught with a life-threatening obstacle: to prevent cross-infection, CF patients must maintain a strict six-foot distance from each other. As their feelings deepen, the temptation to defy this rule and experience the intimacy of touch becomes almost unbearable. Stella, in a moment of defiance, decides to reclaim one foot from the disease that has taken so much from them, and they begin to navigate their relationship from a distance of five feet.

The film explores their struggle to find connection and meaning in a life defined by limitations. They must find creative ways to be together, from video calls to dates on opposite sides of the hospital's swimming pool. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of mortality.

The core meaning of "Five Feet Apart" revolves around the profound human need for connection and the exploration of what it truly means to live when faced with mortality. Director Justin Baldoni aimed to shed light on the realities of cystic fibrosis while telling a universal story about love and sacrifice. The film posits that life is not merely about survival, but about the quality of that life and the relationships that give it meaning. It challenges the audience to consider the importance of human touch, a fundamental aspect of connection that is often taken for granted. The film's message is to embrace life and love fully, even in the face of immense challenges and limitations. It encourages empathy and understanding for those living with chronic illnesses, while also serving as a reminder to the healthy to cherish their ability to connect with others without barriers.

The ending of "Five Feet Apart" is intentionally ambiguous, leading to various interpretations among viewers. The final scene shows Stella, healthy after her lung transplant, creating a YouTube video about her experience with Will. It's implied that Will has either passed away or that they have gone their separate ways to protect Stella's health. However, actor Cole Sprouse and director Justin Baldoni have stated that the ending was deliberately left open to interpretation. One interpretation is that Will has died, and Stella's video is a tribute to his memory and the lessons he taught her about life. Another interpretation is that Will is still alive, and his absence from her life is the ultimate act of his love and sacrifice. Several alternate endings were filmed, including a happier one where Stella and Will meet again, which suggests that the filmmakers considered different possibilities for their story. This ambiguity allows the audience to choose the ending that resonates most with them, whether it be one of tragic loss or hopeful, albeit separate, futures.

"Five Feet Apart" had a significant cultural impact, primarily in raising mainstream awareness of cystic fibrosis. For many viewers, the film was their first introduction to the realities of living with the genetic disorder. The film's release led to a notable increase in online searches for cystic fibrosis, indicating a piqued public interest. The movie also sparked important conversations within the cystic fibrosis community itself. While some praised the film for its emotional resonance and for bringing their struggles to a wider audience, others criticized it for romanticizing a life-threatening illness and for certain medical inaccuracies. This debate highlighted the complexities of representing disability and chronic illness in popular culture. The film also resonated with audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, as its themes of social distancing and the longing for human connection became universally relatable.

Audience reception for "Five Feet Apart" was generally positive, with many viewers praising its emotional depth, the performances of Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse, and its ability to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis. Many found the film to be a powerful and moving love story that brought them to tears. However, the film also received criticism from some viewers and members of the cystic fibrosis community. Some felt that the film romanticized a serious illness and took liberties with medical accuracy for the sake of the plot. The central premise of the two teenagers breaking the six-foot rule was a point of contention, with some finding it irresponsible and unrealistic. Despite these criticisms, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $92 million worldwide against a $7 million budget.