Love as a Distance: The Story Behind Five Feet Apart

Released in 2019, Five Feet Apart captured hearts around the world with its emotional story of love, illness, and the human need for connection. Directed by Justin Baldoni, and written by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis, the film follows two teens with cystic fibrosis who must stay apart – even as they fall in love.

The film features a talented cast who each had unique journeys before stepping into the spotlight:

Haley Lu Richardson (Stella) before becoming widely known, Richardson spent eight years as s competitive dancer in Phoenix, training intensely. At 16, she moved to Los Angeles to chase performing arts, landing early work on the Disney show Shake It Up. She also launched her own crochet business, “Hooked by Haley Lu.”

Cole Sprouse (will Newman) Sprouse began acting as a baby alongside his twin brother, appearing in projects like Big Daddy. He later stepped away from acting to attend New York University, where he studied archaeology and participated in excavations before returning to fame.

Moisés Arias (Poe Ramirez) Before his breakout role on Hannah Montana, Arias trained at a modeling and acting school in Atlanta and appeared on Everybody Hates Chris. He also co- founded a creative fashion collective.

Emily Baldoni (Julie) Originally from Sweden, Baldoni moved to the U.S. to pursue acting. She built her career through guess roles on shows like Bones and CSI: Miami, while also becoming an entrepreneur.

Parminder Nagra (Dr. Hamid) Nagra started as an usher in a local theater in the UK before joining a theater company. She later gained recognition in Bend It Like Beckham after years of stage and TV work.

Five Feet Apart was filmed in New Orleans during the summer of 2018. Hospitals scenes were created using studio sets designed to realistically portray medical environments

While not based on a single true story, the film was inspired by real experiences of people living with Cystic Fibrosis, including activist Claire Wineland. The story reflects real medical challenges, especially the need for distance to avoid dangerous infections.

Viewers connected deeply with the film several reasons:

•               Its emotional, romantic storyline that often leaves audiences in tears

•               A standout performance by Haley Lu Richardson, bringing depth and warmth to Stella

•               A unique “forbidden love” concept with real-life stakes

•               Raising awareness about cystic fibrosis and daily struggles patients face

•               Powerful themes about touch, life, and appreciating small moments

•               Faithfulness to the tone of the novel by Rachael Lippincott.

Despite its popularity, the film faced criticism:

•               Some in the CF community felt it portrayed unsafe behavior regarding distance between patients

•               Critics argued it romanticized serious illness for dramatic effect

•               Certain medical details were seen as inaccurate or oversimplified

•               Some viewers felt it followed predictable “sick-teen romance” tropes similar to The Fault in Our Stars

Five Feet Apart is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.