The Last Five Years Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A writer and an actress have a five-year romance told in reverse and forward at the same time, resulting in a confusing musical where they only sing together once because relationships are hard, man.

🍿 The Last Five Years: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Cathy’s Heartbreak and Jamie’s Joyful Beginning

The film opens with Cathy, a struggling actress, lamenting the end of her five-year relationship with Jamie. Her song, “Still Hurting,” encapsulates her pain and confusion. Simultaneously, the story introduces Jamie, a rising novelist, at the start of their relationship, filled with optimism and excitement about finding love with Cathy. His song, “Shiksa Goddess,” expresses his initial infatuation and the novelty of dating outside his Jewish heritage. This contrasting start sets the stage for the film’s unique narrative structure.

Diverging Paths and Growing Resentment

As Jamie’s career flourishes, Cathy struggles to find success as an actress, leading to growing resentment and distance. Cathy’s songs reflect her loneliness and frustration while working in Ohio, feeling disconnected from Jamie’s glamorous life in New York. Jamie, on the other hand, faces temptations and pressures as his success increases, hinted at in songs like “A Miracle Would Happen.” Their diverging paths and unfulfilled dreams create a rift that slowly widens over time.

The Illusion of Happiness and the Inevitable End

Despite moments of apparent happiness, such as their engagement and wedding, the underlying tensions continue to mount. Cathy’s increasing disillusionment with her career and Jamie’s growing infidelity cast a shadow over their relationship. The film masterfully interweaves their stories, highlighting the contrast between their initial hopes and the eventual reality. The audience knows from the outset that their relationship is doomed, adding a layer of tragedy to their journey.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cathy Hiatt (Anna Kendrick): A struggling actress whose story is told in reverse, from the end of her marriage to its beginning, highlighting her career frustrations.
• Jamie Wellerstein (Jeremy Jordan): A talented, up-and-coming novelist whose story progresses chronologically, depicting his rising success and evolving feelings.
• Danica Schwartz (Tamara Mintz): Cathy’s supportive friend who offers a listening ear and occasional advice regarding her career and relationship.
• Erica Weiss (Cassandra Inman): Another of Cathy’s friends, providing camaraderie and shared experiences in the competitive world of acting.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cathy: “Jamie is over and Jamie is gone.” – The opening line, sung by Cathy, immediately establishes the end of the relationship and her heartbreak.
• Jamie: “I will not fail so you can be comfortable, Cathy. I will not lose because you can’t win.” – Jamie confronts Cathy about his success versus hers, highlighting their growing resentment and distance.
• Cathy: “I can do better than that.” – Cathy sings with hope as she first meets Jamie, signaling the excitement of new love and possibilities.
• Jamie: “See, I found you, and yes, I love you, but I cannot save you, and that’s not my job now.” – Jamie expresses his frustration at not being able to help Cathy, acknowledging the limitations of their relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3.5M
• Domestic Gross: $145.4K
• Worldwide Gross: $292.1K

💥 The Last Five Years Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I’m a sucker for musicals, and this one messed me up! Anna Kendrick is amazing, and the way the story unfolds in different directions is just so clever. ‘The Schmuel Song’ made me cry, and the ending…ugh, don’t even get me started. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it felt real, which is why I loved it, and had to watch it again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of musical theatre”
  • “Anna Kendrick fans”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional storytelling”
  • “People who enjoy relationship dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Emotional distress”
  • “Some sexual content”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While ‘The Last Five Years’ boasts strong vocal performances from Kendrick and Jordan, its gimmicky narrative structure and almost constant singing can become tiring. It’s best appreciated by fans of the stage musical.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The film adaptation respects the musical’s material to the letter, though it seems as though the weight is not evenly distributed between Jamie and Cathy, with Jamie having more priority – perhaps a reflection of the musical’s creator Jason Robert Brown’s own self-important egocentrism. The Last Five Years wa wants to be this intimate examination of a tempestuous relationship. The film version, however, only manages to superficially gloss over at best without thorough knowledge of the origin source, never pausing long enough to succeed.
• The New York Times: “Although the constant shifts in time can be disorienting, Anna Kendrick’s radiant presence and Jeremy Jordan’s strong vocals make ‘The Last Five Years’ a worthwhile experience for musical theater enthusiasts.

Audience Reactions

Anna Kendrick’s voice and acting brought Cathy to life in a way that resonated with many viewers.: The unique storytelling structure, while sometimes confusing, was praised for its originality and emotional impact.

Fans of the stage show were happy to see a faithful adaptation, but some felt it lost something in translation.: Jeremy Jordan’s performance and powerful vocals were a highlight for many viewers.

Overall Consensus: A well-sung, but sometimes emotionally detached adaptation of the stage musical, appreciated by fans of the genre but less accessible to a general audience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan sang 11 of the 14 songs live, in multiple takes, due to camera set ups, which is rare for movie musicals.”
• “The movie is based on the off-Broadway musical of the same name by Jason Robert Brown, who also wrote the music and lyrics for the film.”
• “The unique narrative structure, with Cathy’s story moving backward in time and Jamie’s moving forward, was a key element of the original stage production that the film aimed to preserve.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Last Five Years?

The Last Five Years is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Last Five Years, you might like these similar films:

• La La Land (2016): Both films explore the challenges of balancing love and career aspirations in creative fields, with a strong emphasis on music and emotional storytelling.
• Blue Valentine (2010): Features a non-linear narrative structure to depict the rise and fall of a relationship, similar to how ‘The Last Five Years’ contrasts the beginning and end.
• Once (2007): Also a musical, this movie showcases a deep, emotional connection through music between two people facing personal struggles.
• Begin Again (2013): Focuses on the power of music to connect people and heal emotional wounds, featuring themes of artistic collaboration and personal growth amidst relationship challenges.

🛒 The Last Five Years Related Products

• The Last Five Years [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: The complete soundtrack featuring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan, perfect for reliving the movie’s emotional journey. Includes all 14 original songs.
• The Last Five Years: Vocal Selections: Sheet music and vocal selections from the musical, allowing musicians to perform their favorite songs from the movie. Includes piano and vocal arrangements.
• Anna Kendrick Signed Photo: A rare autographed photo of Anna Kendrick as Cathy Hiatt. Comes with a certificate of authenticity. A limited-edition item.
• Broadway Musicals: A Complete History: A detailed exploration of Broadway musical history. Explore ‘The Last Five Years’ within its historical context.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Last Five Years features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Still Hurting” – performed by Anna Kendrick
• “Shiksa Goddess” – performed by Jeremy Jordan
• “The Schmuel Song” – performed by Jeremy Jordan
• “Goodbye Until Tomorrow / I Could Never Rescue You” – performed by Anna Kendrick & Jeremy Jordan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jonathan Bailey Singing – Last Five Years Audition – If I Didn’t Believe in You

Ever wondered how Jonathan Bailey landed the role? Check out his audition tape! It’s amazing to see his unique take on ‘If I Didn’t Believe in You,’ which helped him snag the part. I honestly think he did a fantastic job in the role.

Jonathan Bailey and Samantha Barks in The Last Five Years | Rehearsals video

Want a sneak peek at Jonathan Bailey and Samantha Barks rehearsing for ‘The Last Five Years’? This video gives you a glimpse into their creative process. I’m impressed with the raw emotion and dedication they bring even in rehearsals!

Go Behind The Last Five Years’ “If I Didn’t Believe in You” With Jason Robert Brown

Curious about the inspiration behind ‘The Last Five Years’? Jason Robert Brown himself spills the beans in this video! I found it super interesting to hear his personal story and the meaning behind ‘If I Didn’t Believe in You.’ Really brings a new perspective.

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