Five Feet Apart

2019 • Drama, Romance • PG-13

Seventeen-year-old Stella spends most of her time in the hospital as a cystic fibrosis patient. Her life is full of routines, boundaries and self-control — all of which get put to the test when she meets Will, an impossibly charming teen who has the same illness. There's an instant flirtation, though restrictions dictate that they must maintain a safe distance between them. As their connection intensifies, so does the temptation to throw the rules out the window and embrace that attraction.

Runtime: 1h 56m

Why you shoud read the novel

If you enjoyed the poignant romance of Five Feet Apart on screen, you’ll find the original novel even more immersive and emotionally resonant. The book delves deeper into the characters’ struggles with cystic fibrosis, offering readers a more detailed perspective of Stella and Will’s inner thoughts and emotional journeys. By reading the source novel, you’ll gain intimate access to their hopes, fears, and dreams, enriching your understanding of their connection. Unlike the movie, the book allows for a slower pace, granting time to savor the tension and longing that defines Stella and Will’s relationship. Through beautifully crafted prose, you’ll experience the gravity of each decision and the significance of every moment they share—each word and gesture layered with meaning against the backdrop of their illness. Moreover, reading the book gives you the chance to appreciate the original intentions of the authors, seeing how they explored the theme of boundaries, love, and the human desire for connection. Dive into the heartfelt novel for a richer, more nuanced experience that resonates well beyond the ending.

Adaptation differences

One major difference between the Five Feet Apart adaptation and the book is the depth of characterization. The novel spends more time developing the backstories and internal monologues of both Stella and Will, which provides readers with a better understanding of their personal struggles and motivations. The movie, constrained by runtime, condenses or omits some of these nuances, focusing more on visual storytelling. Another significant variation is the portrayal of key plot events and side characters. Some supporting characters, like Poe, receive more substantial arcs in the novel, with detailed relationships and emotional resonance. While the film does highlight these characters, it often streamlines their stories to maintain the focus on the lead couple, sometimes at the expense of depth. The pacing and structure of the story also differ. The book provides a more gradual build-up to the climax, giving time to fully develop the anticipation and longing between the protagonists. In contrast, the movie accelerates certain events and simplifies complex dynamics to fit within its duration, which can alter the emotional impact for the audience. Finally, the ending of the story diverges in tone and detail between the two formats. The book offers additional insights and reflections from the characters, allowing for a more contemplative and nuanced conclusion. The film’s ending, while still emotional, opts for a visually driven resolution that may feel more abrupt or stylized compared to the layered aftermath presented in the novel.