Two Perspectives, One Love Story: A Review of ‘The Last Five Years’ Film
The Last Five Years, directed by Richard LaGravenese and based on Jason Robert Brown’s beloved musical, is a poignant and intimate exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships. With a non-linear narrative structure, the film adapts the Broadway show for the screen, starring Anna Kendrick as Cathy Hiatt and Jeremy Jordan as Jamie Wellerstein. While the film is a faithful adaptation of its stage counterpart, it also adds fresh layers of emotional depth, enhancing the musical’s raw, personal nature.
[Warning: Spoilers from The Last Five Years are below!]
A nonlinear love story provides a unique perspective in The Last Five Years
The plot centers on the five-year relationship between Cathy and Jamie. However, unlike most romantic films, The Last Five Years presents its story nonlinearly. Cathy’s songs unfold in reverse chronological order, starting with the end of their marriage and gradually working backward to the beginning of their relationship. Conversely, Jamie’s songs follow a straightforward timeline, beginning at the start of their romance and moving forward to the divorce. This approach not only provides a unique narrative structure but also allows the audience to witness the growth and demise of their love from two distinct perspectives.
Anna Kendrick’s portrayal of Cathy is one of the film’s highlights. Known for her versatility, Kendrick infuses Cathy with vulnerability, charm, and emotional depth. As the disillusioned and heartbroken wife, Kendrick’s performance in songs like “Still Hurting” and “I Can Do Better Than That” beautifully conveys Cathy’s inner turmoil and her struggle to find herself after the unraveling of her marriage. Kendrick’s voice is both tender and powerful, capturing the raw emotion of the character’s journey with an authenticity that resonates throughout the film.
On the other hand, Jeremy Jordan’s Jamie is portrayed as the ambitious, rising star who gradually loses touch with the woman who loved him. Jordan brings a compelling energy to Jamie, especially in the character’s more triumphant moments, like “Shiksa Goddess” and “Moving Too Fast,” where his cocky, charming persona is in full display. However, as Jamie’s character starts to reveal his flaws and selfishness, Jordan also does an excellent job at showing the darker, more regretful side of his character. The contrast between Jamie’s optimism at the start of the relationship and his eventual abandonment of Cathy adds depth to the story, creating a layered, emotionally nuanced portrayal.
Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick capture Broadway magic on film
The musical’s unique structure—where Cathy and Jamie rarely appear together on screen—further emphasizes the disconnect between the characters as their relationship deteriorates. LaGravenese makes a key decision in this adaptation, allowing the characters to occasionally interact during some songs, adding emotional depth that the stage version could not fully explore. For instance, their duet “The Next Ten Minutes” is a beautiful, fleeting moment of shared hope, and the interaction offers a rare, heartwarming glimpse into their chemistry before things begin to fall apart.
Visually, The Last Five Years takes full advantage of its cinematic format. The film shifts between intimate close-ups of the characters during their solo numbers and broader shots that place them in various settings, from bustling New York streets to more personal, confined spaces. This juxtaposition mirrors the emotional arc of the story—at once expansive and isolating. The transition from stage to screen is handled deftly, with many sequences taking place in locations that deepen the emotional stakes, such as Cathy’s apartment or Jamie’s book tour.
The music, composed by Jason Robert Brown, remains one of the film’s strongest elements. The score blends elements of contemporary musical theater with heartfelt ballads, catchy pop-like melodies, and jazzy influences. Songs like “A Miracle Would Happen/When You Come Home to Me” and “If I Didn’t Believe in You” are infused with longing, hope, and the painful realization of love fading. The music serves as the emotional heartbeat of the film, with each number offering a window into the characters’ inner lives. Brown’s lyrics are witty, poignant, and deeply personal, allowing the audience to feel the weight of every word.
The adaptation succeeds in making the emotional weight of the story more immediate and intimate than a stage production could. The ability to use film techniques—like varying camera angles, lighting, and close-ups—adds layers of nuance to the performances. The choreography, while minimalist, works within the narrative’s constraints and enhances the storytelling rather than detracting from it.
However, the film’s non-linear structure might be challenging for some viewers. The alternating timelines can initially feel disorienting, as the audience must follow Cathy’s backward journey while Jamie’s story moves forward. While this narrative style is central to the musical’s theme of love’s impermanence, it may take some viewers time to adjust to the back-and-forth rhythm.
The Last Five Years is a beautiful and emotionally charged film that captures the essence of Jason Robert Brown’s musical. Anchored by two stellar performances from Kendrick and Jordan, it offers a raw, heartfelt exploration of the complexities of relationships, love, and personal growth. While the non-linear structure might not appeal to everyone, its unique narrative and stunning musical numbers make it an unforgettable viewing experience for fans of the stage show and musical lovers alike. The film expertly blends intimate performances with a compelling, poignant storyline, making it an enriching cinematic experience.
The Last Five Years is streaming on Tubi! Have you seen this film before? What did you think about it? Let us know @BoxSeatBabes your thoughts about the film!
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