The Last Five Years

Radius-TWC

Based on a 2001 Off-Broadway musical of the same name, "The Last Five Years" is, as its name implies, about a relationship between a couple who has their highs and lows. Weaving between the past and present this story follows the exploits of a novelist (Jordan) and would-be Broadway dancer (Kendrick) as they try to balance their professional exploits with their personal lives. Even at its happiest there's something offsetting and strange about their contented composures, and so most of this film is a depressing thrall (in a good way).

 Kendrick is flawless, as has been demonstrated many times before ("Pitch Perfect," "Into the Woods," etc.). Her paramour is played by Jeremy Jordan, who has a background on Broadway as well. Both have the voices for this film, and the music is full of sarcastic fits of belting, but also an aching hurt, demonstrated well in early 00's musical theater. The plot sometimes makes it difficult for the songs to have an emotional impact because there's not always a clear build. The first scene is the end of their relationship, which has an amazing performance from Kendrick, and a great song, but it isn't exactly clear how we as the audience should feel. The ending doesn't really clear this up either, which is the start of everything. It seems like these two were always doomed.

 While I liked most of this film, I didn't see much chemistry between the two leads. Most of the film they're apart either due to their work, the constraints of the novelist's fame, or the actress taking a job in Ohio. The only scene where they truly connect is "The Schmuel Song" which is a nonsensical, annoying footnote in the discography for this film. Though I found the depressing nature of the plot engrossing, the plot was uneven throughout and therefore this film is obviously flawed.