“I think that there are two forces on Earth you never want to be fighting. One is Mother Nature; the other is love.” Words that can cement or destroy a relationship, particularly in the film 5 to 7.
The film features a young writer (Anton Yelchin) who begins an affair with an older French woman (Berenice Marlohe), whose open marriage to a diplomat (Lambert Wilson) dictates that they can only meet for two hours each evening (from 5 to 7), but their growing passion leads them to want more than just a fleeting romance.
It could be easy to dismiss this film as simply another rom-com, but it’s not, it’s so much more. We witness the couple’s first meeting and the trials and tribulations of building a relationship when they can only see each other briefly each day.
Brian is 24, naive and attracted by the maturity both in body and mind of Arielle. He is torn by or smitten with love, and seemingly out of his depth. How he deals with this forms the crux of the film. Yelchin captures Brian’s self-doubt and love perfectly. He is totally believable and the viewer can sympathise with him as his love grows but finds he cannot take the relationship in the direction he would like.
Marlohe is the perfect older woman: beautiful, wise and, at first, seemingly happy with her life. She enjoys her relationship with a younger man while being happily married to her husband. Her character really develops when she is forced to choose between the two men she loves.
Yelchin and Marlohe’s performances are equaled by a strong supporting cast. Frank Langella and Glenn Close play Brian’s parents with depth and understanding. Their scenes allow them to demonstrate their immense experience without overpowering the leading actors.
Directed and written by Victor Levin, 5 to 7 is a film that will have you teary-eyed but satisfied.
Reviewed by Barry Hill
Twitter: @kinesguy
Rating out of 10: 10
5 to 7 will be release for digital download on 23 March 2016 and on DVD on 6 April.
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