5 to 7 - A Movie Review

We have our reasons for the choices we make.

5 to 7 is a 2014 film. Brian, a young aspiring writer, becomes entangled in a love affair with a woman named Arielle. Set in New York City, they begin an unconventional relationship where they only meet between 5 and 7.

Every romance film needs to enforce new and different elements. What if couples could only meet at specific hours of the day? 5 to 7 introduces several creative ideas, demonstrating that we have reasons for our choices, especially romance.

I miss Anton Yelchin so much! The world lost a talented actor too soon. Yelchin plays Brian, a young man trying to figure out love. Brian was raised with different ideas about romance, which he needs to tolerate better.

Playing Arielle, a wise and enigmatic woman, Bernice Marlohe exudes charm and sophistication while subtly revealing layers of emotional depth beneath her confident exterior. Arielle is an ambiguous woman and she should have stayed that way. Showing Arielle’s family and home was unnecessary, ruining her character’s mysterious nature.

Yelchin and Marlohe created a riveting dynamic. Their on-screen chemistry made for a captivating forbidden romance. The pair share several interesting conversations and intimate moments during their two hours each day. Conversations derive around the usual topics of romance, culture, and even The Little Mermaid!

No matter what, everyone in a supporting cast plays an important role. Actors play family and friends to the main characters. Their characters are a window into the minds of how our main characters think.

Glenn Close and Frank Langella play Brian’s parents. I am a big fan of Close and was so excited to see her! Brian’s parents have different viewpoints and get on one another’s nerves. For example, Brian’s mother prefers standing rather than sitting in a restaurant - until there’s big news. Love is difficult and takes work to keep together.

Olivia Thirlby plays Brian’s friend, Jane. She deserved more to do as Brian’s friend instead of being the voice of reason. More credits include Lambert Wilson, Eric Stoltz, and Jocelyn DeBoer.

Do you ever feel like you’re eavesdropping on other conversations? I noticed that the conversations were always filmed at a distance. That’s how the cinematography is implemented. One shot is set up in a long continuous take with the characters walking towards the screen in conversation. The soundtrack by Saunder Jurriaans and Daniel Bensi is enriching.

Victor Levin's direction accentuates the film's romantic essence with a blend of intimate moments and sweeping cityscapes. Characters use the location to their advantage, stopping at an art museum, hotels, and lavish restaurants.

5 to 7 is a simple story with more layers than that. The writing for the film is strong, creating natural dialogue sequences. Victor Levin keeps the story moving with different segments, and characters and keeps things entertaining with the conversations.

It would be a boring movie If we didn’t have any action or surprises. The screenplay delves into themes of identity, cultural differences, and the sacrifices one makes for love and ambition. We all have different love stories. The audience is allowed to immerse in the character's lives and watch their evolving dynamic.

What does time mean? Sometimes you only have a couple of hours with someone. Make it worth the time. Love is a complicated world. Many people have varied opinions about it. Give romance a chance but don’t let things get overly difficult.

Take a look at 5 to 7. For anyone interested in romance, this film is a different take on the formula.