The Last Five Years (2014)
A film by Richard LaGravenese
Based on Tony winning-writer Jason Robert Brown's hit musical of the same name, The Last Five Years, tells the beginning and the downfall of Jamie and Cathy's marriage.
Told in a non-linear narrative, showing two sides of the story (Jamie and Cathy's POV), the film opened with a powerful, moving scene from Anna Kendrick. Beginning in the end, with only minutes, it easily captured the viewers of its heart-breaking conclusion. It was still and painful, and hit straight to the aorta. Then cut to a beautiful start of a love story -- you are chained.
Jamie, a young writer, falls in love with Cathy, a small town girl who dreams to become a Broadway actress. We witness how their love develops as they both strive to make it big in New York City. They seem to be the perfect match. However, conflicts arise when Jamie gets published, while Cathy continues to struggle with her acting career. Playing it back and forth, the film satisfyingly unravels how Jamie and Cathy eventually part ways.
Though predictable, feelings for the two leads are kept neutral, offering both the good and the bad side of each character, and giving it the right balance. You empathize with them. And you fall for them, still. Despite lacking focus on aesthetics, its brilliant music kept this piece strong for its whole running time. Kendrick (Cathy) and Jeremy Jordan (Jamie) perfectly encapsulated all the songs with outstanding performances. Kendrick's vocals made the heart-wrenching scenes a beautiful paradox. The melodies, lyrics further stick with you even with the absence of a great plot.
The musical is such a major success, it is not surprising it made it to the cinemas. Surely enough, LaGravenese did not disappoint as well. I'm in love with this.
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