"When life keeps you apart, fight for every inch."
Five Feet Apart - Symbolism & Philosophy
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.
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.
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.