Five Feet Apart

The story of Five Feet Apart is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the heartbreaking reality of living with cystic fibrosis (CF). The narrative revolves around two teenagers, Stella Grant and Will Newman, whose love blossoms within the sterile confines of a hospital — a love constrained by the life-threatening necessity of staying physically distant.

Stella Grant is a vibrant, optimistic teenager who meticulously manages her CF regimen. She documents her journey through vlogs, sharing her struggles and triumphs with the world. Her approach to her illness is one of control and structure, clinging to her routines as a way to wrestle back power from a disease that seeks to rob her of it. Stella’s relentless hope and determination are the forces that carry her through each day.

Then comes Will Newman, a rebellious and free-spirited CF patient who is undergoing experimental drug treatments. Unlike Stella, Will views his illness with a fatalistic lens, believing that his time is limited, so he may as well live without the shackles of strict treatment protocols. His nonchalant attitude toward his disease both frustrates and fascinates Stella, creating a dynamic tension between them.

Despite their differences, Stella and Will are drawn to one another. They connect over shared experiences of hospital life, the constant battle with their lungs, and the knowledge that their bodies are fragile. Their conversations, full of humor and raw honesty, become a lifeline. Yet, CF patients must remain at least six feet apart to prevent cross-infection, particularly from dangerous bacteria that could be fatal. This cruel reality hangs over their relationship, a constant reminder of the barriers their disease imposes.

As their bond deepens, Stella proposes a compromise — they steal back one foot. She draws an imaginary line on the floor, allowing them to stay five feet apart instead of six. This symbolic act becomes their rebellion against CF, a declaration that their love deserves space, even if it’s only one foot closer. It’s a small, defiant gesture, but it means everything to them.

The emotional core of Five Feet Apart lies in the moments they share within this restricted space. They celebrate birthdays in hospital rooms, share late-night talks through FaceTime, and go on an improvised date around the hospital, all while never breaking that five-foot barrier. Each interaction is charged with the ache of longing — the desire to touch, to hold, to comfort, all restrained by the invisible forcefield of their illness.

The climax of the story is as devastating as it is beautiful. Stella and Will sneak out of the hospital for one night to see the city lights and enjoy a taste of freedom. But Stella collapses, her lungs failing, and she needs an emergency transplant. Will, devastated, realizes that his presence poses a risk to her fragile immune system post-surgery. In an act of heartbreaking love, he decides to leave her life, knowing that his absence gives her a better chance at survival.

The final scene is a testament to the bittersweet nature of their love. Will watches Stella from afar, his heart breaking as he walks away. Stella, now with new lungs, looks out at the world with both sorrow and gratitude. She carries Will's love with her — a love that taught her to live fully, even within limitations.

Five Feet Apart is not just a romance; it is a story about the courage to love despite impossible circumstances. It sheds light on the struggles of living with a chronic illness, the emotional toll it takes, and the strength it requires to keep hoping. The film reminds viewers that love isn’t always about physical closeness — sometimes, love is the willingness to let go, to sacrifice, and to cherish every precious moment, even when they come with unbearable distance.