Five Feet Apart

"Five Feet Apart" is a romantic drama film released in 2019, starring Haley Lu Richardson and a Disney Channel favorite, Cole Sprouse. The film depicts the story of two teenagers, Stella and Will, both whom are suffering from cystic fibrosis. This genetic disorder emits challenges with breathing and digestion, and because of this, they are forced to maintain a distance of at least six feet between them to avoid cross-contamination. However, as they grow closer, they struggle with the boundaries of their illness and the possibility of being together, of truly living. They become curious to test these limits, all for the sake of love, or what they think it could be.They believe that it’s worth it. They want to experience what true love, genuine connection and most importantly touch, are like before it’s too late, but what if it already is? They know the risks, and so do we as viewers. The film is a tearjerker, and a heartfelt portrayal of the challenges of living with a chronic illness, and the toll it can take on young people trying to discover the world beyond the four walls of a hospital. The actors are authentic, capturing not only their characters' raw emotions but their physical limits. As a viewer, this film allowed me to view life and my blessings as not only a healthy teenager but one who is lucky to experience the beauty of young love and allow me to realize I should never take things for granted. For anyone who hasn’t already seen this beautiful film, I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of age or genre preferences.