Five Feet Apart
"When life keeps you apart, fight for every inch."
Overview
"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.
Core Meaning
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.
Thematic DNA
Love and Sacrifice
The central theme of the film is the powerful and often painful relationship between love and sacrifice. Stella and Will's love for each other is constantly tested by the life-threatening nature of their illness. As their feelings grow, they are forced to make increasingly difficult sacrifices. Stella, initially a staunch rule-follower, risks her health to spend time with Will. Conversely, Will, who starts as a rebel, learns to care for Stella's well-being to the point of sacrificing his own happiness to protect her. The ultimate act of love in the film is not a grand romantic gesture, but a painful separation born out of the desire for the other person to live a full and healthy life.
Living Versus Surviving
"Five Feet Apart" delves into the critical distinction between merely surviving and truly living. Stella's initial focus is on survival, meticulously following her treatment regimen in hopes of a longer life. Will, on the other hand, questions the value of a life spent in hospitals, yearning for real-world experiences. Their relationship forces both to re-evaluate their perspectives. Stella learns from Will that there is more to life than just her treatments, while Will is inspired by Stella to fight for a life worth living. The film suggests that a life without connection, passion, and a willingness to take risks is a life half-lived.
The Human Need for Touch and Connection
The film powerfully illustrates the fundamental human need for physical touch and connection. For Stella and Will, the inability to touch is a constant and painful reminder of their isolation. Their longing for a simple hug or to hold hands underscores how integral touch is to human relationships. The film's title itself is a testament to their struggle against this barrier. Their creative attempts to bridge the physical gap between them highlight the ingenuity of the human spirit in seeking connection, even when faced with insurmountable obstacles.
Rebellion and Control
The theme of rebellion versus control is explored through the contrasting personalities of Stella and Will. Stella seeks to control every aspect of her life and her illness as a coping mechanism. Will's rebellion, on the other hand, is a response to a life he feels he has no control over. Their relationship represents a meeting of these two extremes, and they ultimately find a balance. Stella learns to let go of some of her control and embrace spontaneity, while Will learns the importance of responsibility and taking control of his health for the sake of someone he loves.
Character Analysis
Stella Grant
Haley Lu Richardson
Motivation
Initially, Stella's primary motivation is to stay healthy enough to receive a lung transplant, driven by a sense of responsibility towards her grieving parents. As she falls in love with Will, her motivation shifts to wanting to experience a full life with him, leading her to challenge the rules she once held sacred.
Character Arc
Stella begins the film as a highly organized and rule-abiding individual, using control over her treatment regimen as a way to cope with her illness and the guilt she feels over her sister's death. Her motivation is largely to stay alive for her parents. Meeting Will challenges her rigid worldview and forces her to confront her fear of living. She evolves from someone who is 'living for her treatments' to someone who is 'doing her treatments so she can live'. Her arc is one of self-discovery and learning to embrace life and love, even when it's messy and uncontrollable.
Will Newman
Cole Sprouse
Motivation
Will's initial motivation is to experience as much of the world as he can before he dies, leading to his disregard for his treatment. His motivation shifts dramatically as he falls for Stella; he becomes motivated by a desire to protect her and see her live a full life, even if it means he can't be a part of it.
Character Arc
Will is introduced as a cynical and rebellious teenager who has given up hope for his future due to his B. cepacia infection, which makes him ineligible for a lung transplant. He initially resists Stella's attempts to help him with his treatments. However, through his relationship with Stella, he rediscovers a reason to live and fight. He transforms from someone who is recklessly courting death to someone who is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the person he loves, demonstrating profound growth in maturity and selflessness. His arc is about finding hope and purpose through connection.
Poe Ramirez
Moisés Arias
Motivation
Poe is motivated by a desire to live a normal life as much as possible, finding joy in cooking and his friendships. He is also motivated by a fear of hurting those he loves, which leads him to push people away. He ultimately wants to find love and connection but is afraid of the consequences of his illness.
Character Arc
Poe is Stella's lifelong best friend, also a CF patient. He provides comic relief and emotional support for Stella. His character arc is more subtle but equally poignant. He has a fear of intimacy, pushing away his boyfriend Michael because he doesn't want to be a burden. His sudden death serves as a catalyst for Stella, pushing her to seize the moment and embrace life more fully. Poe's story highlights the devastating and unpredictable nature of cystic fibrosis and the emotional toll it takes on relationships.
Nurse Barb
Kimberly Hébert Gregory
Motivation
Barb's primary motivation is to protect her patients and ensure their safety. She is driven by the guilt and trauma of a past incident, which makes her uncompromising about the hospital's rules. She ultimately wants what is best for Stella, even if it means being the 'bad guy'.
Character Arc
Nurse Barb is a strict but caring nurse who is deeply protective of her patients, especially Stella. Her character is shaped by a past tragedy where two CF patients in her care died after falling in love and breaking the six-foot rule. This experience makes her initially an antagonist to Stella and Will's relationship. However, her actions are always rooted in a fierce love and a desire to prevent history from repeating itself. Her arc is one of a guardian trying to balance compassion with the harsh realities of the medical rules she must enforce.
Symbols & Motifs
The Pool Cue
The pool cue symbolizes both the barrier between Stella and Will and their creative defiance against it. It is a tangible representation of the five feet they must maintain between them. However, it also becomes a tool for connection, allowing them to share 'walks' and a sense of togetherness. It represents their ability to find intimacy and connection within the strict rules that govern their lives.
Stella introduces the pool cue as a way for them to spend time together while ensuring they maintain a safe distance. They use it on their dates around the hospital, most notably at the hospital's swimming pool where they have a poignant and emotionally charged encounter.
Abby's Drawings
The drawings made by Stella's late sister, Abby, particularly the one of lungs filled with flowers, symbolize hope, life, and Stella's connection to her sister. They are a constant reminder of what she is fighting for and the love that surrounds her, even in the sterile hospital environment.
Stella decorates her hospital room with Abby's drawings at the beginning of the film. They are a prominent feature of her personal space and a source of comfort and motivation for her throughout her hospital stay.
The City Lights
The distant city lights that Stella can see from the hospital represent the life and experiences she and Will are missing out on. They symbolize freedom, normalcy, and the world outside the confines of their illness. For Stella, seeing them up close becomes a deeply held wish. At the end of the film, Will brings the lights to her, symbolizing his selfless love and his desire for her to experience the beauty of life, even without him.
Stella often looks at the city lights from the hospital roof. Her desire to see them up close is a recurring motif. The film culminates in a powerful scene where Will creates a display of lights for Stella outside her hospital room after her lung transplant.
Patches the Panda
Patches, the stuffed panda, symbolizes Stella's childhood innocence and her enduring connection to her sister, Abby, who gave it to her. It represents a time before her illness and her sister's death completely defined her life. The loss of Patches during a critical moment signifies a loss of innocence and a transition into a more profound understanding of love and loss.
Stella is seen with Patches in her hospital room. She takes the stuffed animal with her when she and Will sneak out of the hospital. Patches floats away when Stella falls through the ice, a pivotal and traumatic event in the film.
Memorable Quotes
If I'm going to die, I'd like to actually live first.
— Will Newman
Context:
Will says this to Stella early in their relationship, explaining his rebellious attitude towards his treatments. It highlights the fundamental difference in their approaches to their illness at the beginning of the film.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates Will's core philosophy for much of the film. It expresses his frustration with a life confined by illness and his deep desire to experience the world beyond the hospital walls. It's a powerful statement about choosing the quality of life over the mere quantity of it.
We need that touch from the one we love, almost as much as we need air to breathe. But I never understood the importance of touch. His touch. Until I couldn't have it.
— Stella Grant
Context:
Stella's voiceover says this at the beginning of the film and again at the end, as she reflects on her relationship with Will. It frames the entire narrative and provides the emotional core of the story.
Meaning:
This quote, which both opens and closes the film, articulates one of its central themes: the profound human need for physical connection. It speaks to the idea that some of the most fundamental aspects of being human are often taken for granted until they are lost. For Stella, the inability to touch Will makes her realize the true weight and significance of this simple act.
I'm tired of living without really living.
— Will Newman
Context:
Will says this during a moment of vulnerability with Stella, expressing his emotional exhaustion and his desire for a more meaningful existence.
Meaning:
Similar to his other quote, this line expresses a deep sense of existential fatigue with a life that feels like a mere shadow of what it could be. It's a cry for authenticity and a rejection of a life defined solely by medical routines and limitations.
You make me want a life I can't have.
— Will Newman
Context:
Will says this to Stella during an emotionally charged moment, revealing the depth of his feelings for her and the pain it causes him.
Meaning:
This quote reveals the painful paradox of Will's love for Stella. She inspires him to want more from life, to hope for a future, but the very nature of their illnesses means that a future together is impossible. It highlights the bittersweet and tragic nature of their relationship.
Philosophical Questions
What is the true meaning of 'living' when faced with a terminal illness?
The film explores this question through the contrasting perspectives of Stella and Will. Stella initially believes that 'living' means meticulously following her medical regimen to extend her life for as long as possible. Will, on the other hand, believes that 'living' means experiencing the world and taking risks, even if it shortens his lifespan. Their relationship forces them to find a middle ground, suggesting that true living involves a balance of self-care and a willingness to embrace the present moment and form meaningful connections.
Is it possible to have true intimacy without physical touch?
"Five Feet Apart" delves into the nature of intimacy by placing its protagonists in a situation where physical touch is forbidden. The film argues that intimacy can exist and flourish even without physical contact. Stella and Will build a deep emotional and intellectual connection through conversations, shared experiences, and mutual vulnerability. Their love story challenges the conventional understanding of intimacy and suggests that it is not solely defined by physical proximity.
When does the pursuit of safety and longevity begin to compromise the quality of life?
The film raises questions about the balance between safety and quality of life, a common dilemma for individuals with chronic illnesses. Stella's strict adherence to the rules is a pursuit of safety and a longer life, but it also isolates her and prevents her from experiencing many of the joys of being a teenager. Will's rebellion is a rejection of these limitations in favor of a higher quality of life, even at the risk of his safety. The film does not offer an easy answer but encourages a thoughtful consideration of what makes life worth living.
Alternative Interpretations
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.
Cultural Impact
"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
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.
Interesting Facts
- The film was inspired by the life of Claire Wineland, a YouTuber and activist who documented her life with cystic fibrosis. She served as a consultant on the film but sadly passed away from complications following a lung transplant before the film's release.
- Director Justin Baldoni, known for his role as Rafael in "Jane the Virgin," has a personal connection to the subject. He directed the documentary series "My Last Days," which featured individuals with terminal illnesses, including Claire Wineland.
- The film's title, "Five Feet Apart," is a deliberate deviation from the real-life "six-foot rule" that cystic fibrosis patients are advised to follow to avoid cross-infection. The characters' decision to "steal one foot back" symbolizes their rebellion against their disease.
- The main actors, Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse, did extensive research to prepare for their roles, including consulting with medical professionals and individuals with cystic fibrosis to ensure an authentic portrayal.
- Cole Sprouse's brother, Dylan Sprouse, reportedly cried while watching the film.
- There is a Disney Channel connection among the cast. Cole Sprouse ("The Suite Life of Zack & Cody"), Haley Lu Richardson (guest-starred on "Shake It Up"), and Moisés Arias ("Hannah Montana") all have roots in Disney productions.
- The screenplay for "Five Feet Apart" was written before the novel. The novelization by Rachael Lippincott was released shortly before the film.
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