5 to 7

In '5 to 7', a poignant and nuanced exploration of love, loss, and the constraints of societal expectations, a young American writer embarks on a whirlwind romance with a charming, enigmatic Frenchwoman, named Margot (Bérénice Bejo). Unbeknownst to our protagonist, Danny (Anton Yelchin), Margot is married to a diplomat, Victor (Frédéric Pierrot), a man well-established in diplomatic circles and accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that comes with it. Their chance meeting is anything but accidental, as Margot is drawn to Danny's free-spirited nature and youthful exuberance, while Danny is captivated by Margot's elegance, intelligence, and mystique. As the narrative unfolds, we come to understand that Margot's marriage, though open, has become predictable and passionless. The thrill of an illicit affair, albeit confined to a specific time frame, offers her a taste of freedom and excitement she so desperately craves. Their clandestine trysts, however, are constrained by the peculiar parameters of Margot's extramarital arrangement. Due to Victor's diplomatic obligations, the couple is only permitted to meet between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – an arbitrary, yet fascinating, window of time that sets the pulse of '5 to 7' and propels the narrative forward. Through these fragmented, stolen moments, we witness the complex dance of passion, desire, and vulnerability as Danny and Margot navigate the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Despite the constraints of time and the societal pressures that govern Margot's life, the connection between them deepens with each passing meeting. Their conversations are laced with a delicate balance of intimacy and detachment, as they simultaneously confess their desires and maintain an air of mystery. As the clock ticks closer to 7 p.m., the stakes grow higher, and the tension between them becomes almost palpable. Their clandestine trysts, though intense, are often fleeting, leaving both participants with a lingering sense of longing and uncertainty. As a result, we, the audience, are left to ponder the very nature of this forbidden love and the human capacity for connection in the face of adversity. Throughout '5 to 7', writer-director Victor Levin weaves a nuanced tapestry that not only explores the intricacies of love but also the intricate web of relationships that bind us together. His thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of Margot's marital situation – where desire is piqued, yet stifled by convention – allows for a deeper understanding of the complexities that govern our choices and the choices we make. Meanwhile, Anton Yelchin, in a posthumously released performance, conveys the quiet desperation and uncertainty that defines Danny's world. His portrayal of the young writer's struggle to balance his own desires with the constraints imposed upon him serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human connection. '5 to 7' is, on one level, a captivating love story that challenges us to reexamine our own perceptions of passion, love, and the human condition. On another, it serves as a poignant reminder that, despite our best intentions, we are often subject to the limitations and constraints of our own making. As the film hurtles towards its bittersweet conclusion, it's hard not to be moved by the quiet beauty and tragic fragility of this doomed love affair, a relationship doomed to exist solely within the confines of a single, arbitrary time frame – 5 to 7. Ultimately, '5 to 7' is a testament to the power of love in all its forms, even those that are forced to exist in the shadows. Through its subtle portrayal of the complexities of love and relationships, the film leaves us with a profound appreciation for the beauty that exists amidst the fragments of our lives, no matter how fleeting or ephemeral they may be.