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5 to 7

5 to 7 is a 2014 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Victor Levin in his feature directorial debut. The story centers on an aspiring novelist who embarks on an affair with a married woman, with their confined to the unconventional window of 5 to 7 p.m. each day due to the terms of her to a . Starring as the young writer Brian, as his lover Arielle, and featuring supporting performances from as Arielle's husband, as Brian's ex-girlfriend, as his father, and as his mother, the film explores themes of love, cultural differences, and personal growth in a setting. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 19, 2014, and received a in the United States on April 3, 2015, distributed by . With a runtime of 95 minutes, 5 to 7 blends witty dialogue and emotional depth, drawing comparisons to Woody Allen's style for its intellectual take on romance and . It was produced on a modest and grossed $162,685 at the domestic and $674,579 worldwide. Critically, 5 to 7 holds a 70% approval rating from 56 reviews on , with praise for its charming performances and clever script, though some noted its predictable elements. On IMDb, it maintains a 7.1 out of 10 rating based on over 22,000 user votes, reflecting appreciation for Yelchin's lead role and the film's lighthearted exploration of forbidden love. The movie has since become available on streaming platforms like , contributing to its cult following among fans of indie romance films.

Synopsis

Plot summary

Brian (), a 24-year-old aspiring novelist struggling with rejections in , encounters Arielle (), a 33-year-old ex-model in an with her husband Valéry (), outside the St. Regis Hotel on . Their initial flirtation, marked by Brian's attempts at and shared banter about life, quickly evolves into a passionate romance. Arielle explains the cultural norms of her marriage, revealing an agreement with Valéry that allows extramarital affairs strictly between 5 and 7 p.m. on weekdays, a tradition known as "cinq à sept" in . Brian, initially hesitant, agrees to the terms and meets her daily during those hours for walks in , visits to the , intimate conversations, and romantic encounters at the hotel. Their relationship deepens, with Arielle introducing Brian to customs like , while he shares American perspectives, highlighting subtle cultural differences in views on love and commitment. As the affair progresses, grapples with internal conflicts shaped by his American upbringing's emphasis on monogamous exclusivity, leading him to question the arrangement's sustainability. He confides in his parents, (Glenn Close) and (Frank Langella), during family discussions where they express concern over his career and , urging him toward stability like . Seeking more, Brian pushes boundaries by attending a dinner at Arielle's home, where he meets her two young children and witnesses the harmonious open dynamic with Valéry and even Valéry's mistress, (). Deeply in love, Brian proposes to Arielle, offering a ring and envisioning a future together beyond the time constraints. Arielle, torn but committed to her family, rejects the proposal, affirming her love for Valéry and the life they share, effectively ending the affair. In the epilogue, years later, a successful —now a published —walks with his wife Jane through streets when they unexpectedly encounter Arielle and Valéry. The brief reunion culminates in a poignant moment where Arielle discreetly shows Brian she still wears the , hinting at lingering what-ifs, before they part ways.

Themes

The film 5 to 7 delves into the concept of open marriages as a viable arrangement, drawing from director Victor Levin's real-life observation of a couple in the who maintained extramarital relationships with established boundaries and mutual respect. This setup, confined to the hours of 5 to 7 p.m., underscores a choreography of sophistication that Levin found both intriguing and culturally specific. Levin portrays such relationships not as moral failings but as honest expressions of , where partners like Arielle and her husband Valéry prioritize fidelity to their primary bond while allowing limited external connections. Central to the narrative is in romance, contrasting norms of with ideals of exclusivity. Arielle embodies a European openness to love's fluidity, viewing extramarital affairs as a normalized practice that strengthens rather than threatens , a perspective that baffles the Brian's more traditional sensibilities. Levin, inspired by his encounter with a couple while traveling in , uses this clash to explore how cultural backgrounds shape perceptions of commitment, with Brian's initial shock evolving into a tentative appreciation of these "civilized" dynamics. The film subtly critiques puritanism by presenting the model as elegant and functional, though not without tensions arising from misunderstandings. The 5 to 7 p.m. window serves as a for fleeting passion and the age and maturity gaps in relationships, symbolizing a brief, intense interlude outside everyday responsibilities. With a nine-year difference between the 24-year-old and the 33-year-old Arielle, the examines how such disparities amplify the affair's allure and challenges, positioning Arielle as a worldly mentor figure akin to a "nouveau ." This temporal and generational constraint highlights the impermanence of youthful infatuation, forcing characters to confront mismatched expectations of longevity in love. Themes of and personal growth are embodied in Brian's from a naive aspiring to a more reflective adult, catalyzed by the affair's emotional demands. The acts as a muse, agitating his and prompting on love's complexities, ultimately changing him "forever" through lessons in and . Levin emphasizes Brian's maturation without villains, allowing the to navigate rule-breaking and adherence in equal measure, fostering a nuanced sense of self. Stylistic choices reinforce these ideas, with voiceover narration providing Brian's introspective lens on romance and as a vibrant backdrop for chance encounters. Set primarily in the , the film's cinematography—employing widescreen and long takes—emphasizes intimacy within the constrained timeframe, creating a painterly realism that mirrors the affair's elegance. This approach evokes a nostalgic, Woody Allen-inspired , free from modern distractions, to heighten the focus on interpersonal dynamics. The story offers subtle critiques of , dynamics, and the immigrant experience through Arielle's perspective, portraying open arrangements as potentially harmonious yet fraught with heartbreak. scenes reveal unconventional integrations, such as children accepting lovers as extended kin, challenging traditional structures while highlighting immigrant adaptability in navigating cultural norms. Brian's Jewish-American , with its emphasis on enduring , contrasts Arielle's viewpoint, underscoring how influences relational philosophies and the quiet negotiations of belonging.

Cast

Principal cast

Anton Yelchin leads the film as , a 24-year-old aspiring in who grapples with idealism, ambition, and the boundaries of romantic love after entering an affair with a married woman. His character embodies youthful sensitivity and intellectual curiosity, evolving through experiences that challenge his conventional views on relationships. plays Arielle Pierpont, a glamorous and worldly 33-year-old woman whose allows her discreet encounters, including a passionate liaison confined to the hours between 5 and 7 p.m. She represents sophistication and emotional depth, serving as a muse who introduces Brian to alternative perspectives on fidelity and desire. Lambert Wilson portrays Valéry Pierpont, Arielle's aristocratic French diplomat husband, who maintains a sophisticated equilibrium in their non-monogamous arrangement while pursuing his own extramarital interests. His role highlights grace, cultural poise, and a pragmatic acceptance of modern relationship dynamics. Olivia Thirlby stars as Jane Hastings, Brian's ex-girlfriend and a 25-year-old editor who is also Valéry's lover, offering supportive companionship amid his romantic turmoil. Her character underscores themes of mutual respect and shared creative aspirations in complex relationships.

Supporting cast

Glenn Close portrays Arlene Bloom, Brian's mother, who injects comic relief into family scenes through her witty banter and bickering with her husband while dispensing generational advice on love and marriage. Frank Langella plays Sam Bloom, Brian's father, delivering pragmatic perspectives on relationships that underscore the stability of long-term commitment amid his son's romantic turmoil. The ensemble extends to minor roles that highlight themes of and , such as Amina Robinson as the governess in the Pierpont household, who adds layers to the domestic life of Arielle and Valéry, and as Jim the Doorman, facilitating key encounters that propel the narrative. briefly appears as Jonathan Galassi, a literary figure offering context to Brian's aspirations as a . These supporting performances contribute to the film's intimate dialogue-driven scenes, emphasizing relational support networks without overshadowing the central romance.

Production

Development

The development of 5 to 7 originated from writer-director Victor Levin's personal experience in 1987, when he traveled with his then-girlfriend and stayed with in a Paris suburb who maintained an limited to the hours between 5 and 7 p.m. each weekday. This encounter, which Levin described as a "very sophisticated" involving mutual respect and clear boundaries, provided the core inspiration for the film's premise of a time-bound . Levin completed the first draft of the screenplay in 2007 as a , envisioning himself as both writer and director to capture the story's delicate nuances. The project faced initial challenges in securing funding, as it was an independent endeavor requiring actors with sufficient box-office draw to attract investors, leading to delays in . Over the subsequent years, Levin refined the script in collaboration with producer Julie Lynn, incorporating revisions to strike a balance between comedic elements and dramatic tension while preserving the tender, rule-bound nature of the central relationship. The timeline spanned approximately six years from the script's completion, marked by efforts to align and financing amid scheduling conflicts. As a low-budget , 5 to 7 operated under financial constraints that necessitated efficient creative choices, including a focus on City's Upper East Side as the primary setting to highlight cultural contrasts between American individualism and French relational norms. This location selection emphasized the film's exploration of pedestrian urban life and the expatriate French community, enhancing the narrative's authenticity. Central to the script's evolution was the 5 to 7 p.m. concept, developed as a structural device that confined the protagonists' romance to those hours, mirroring the inspirational encounter and imposing a rhythmic on the storytelling to underscore themes of impermanence and ethical boundaries.

Filming

for 5 to 7 began in May 2013 and lasted approximately five weeks, primarily in with a focus on the of . Key locations included (such as the model boat pond and baseball fields), , , the Guggenheim Museum, the St. Regis Hotel, Le Charlot restaurant, Crawford Doyle Booksellers, the , , 42nd Street, and a brief sequence in during a tropical storm. The production navigated the challenges of urban filming, including securing permits for street and hotel shoots, frequent interruptions from pedestrians, bicycles, ambulances, and buses, and adapting to unpredictable weather like rain that disrupted outdoor scenes. One notable on-set incident involved an elderly woman on a crossing through a on , while a bystander once snapped a photo mid-scene, requiring multiple retakes to capture the constrained 5-to-7 p.m. authentically without modern distractions overpowering the intimate atmosphere. The film was shot on the digital camera in a 2.35:1 to achieve intimate, naturalistic visuals that emphasized New York's everyday rhythms. Arnaud Potier, selected for his prior work on films like Les Adoptés, employed long takes and master shots—such as a seven-minute walk-and-talk on and an extended monologue at the —to maintain a painterly quality, adapting lighting to natural conditions like dappled sunlight through trees (involving up to 18 varying setups) and the to evoke the story's temporal limits. In post-production, editor Matt Maddox focused on preserving the romantic comedy's pacing through a light touch, trimming excess from scene beginnings and ends or removing entire sequences while retaining long takes for emotional flow; for instance, the baseball scene was assembled from limited angles, and a bench plaque reveal was added during this phase after being filmed on the final day. The score, composed by Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans, featured a classical style with two primary themes and tailored instrumental solos to underscore the film's whimsical tone, blending elegance with the narrative's playful constraints.

Release

Premiere and distribution

The world premiere of 5 to 7 took place at the on April 19, 2014, in . The film received subsequent screenings at the 2014 , where it was programmed as part of the American films lineup. IFC Films handled the U.S. theatrical release, which began on April 3, 2015, in a limited number of theaters. The film had international distribution, including theatrical releases in on April 17, 2015, and on April 24, 2015. availability commenced on April 10, 2015, through platforms such as . Marketing efforts emphasized the film's unique premise of a time-bound and the appeal of its , with official trailers released in January 2015 showcasing Anton Yelchin's aspiring novelist character and Bérénice Marlohe's enigmatic French diplomat's wife. In the 2020s, following Anton Yelchin's death in 2017, the film experienced renewed visibility on streaming services, becoming available on platforms like Paramount+ and AMC+.

Box office and home media

5 to 7 earned $674,579 at the worldwide box office, with $162,685 coming from its limited release in the United States and . The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 18, 2015, distributed by . This physical home media release was followed by availability for digital purchase and rental on platforms including Amazon Video and . As of November 2025, 5 to 7 is available for streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, AMC+, Sundance Now, , and , among other services. The film's post-theatrical performance has been sustained through video-on-demand rentals, digital sales, and licensing deals, demonstrating the long-tail revenue potential for independent productions in the streaming era.

Reception

Critical reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. On , it holds a 70% approval rating based on 56 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10; the site's consensus states that "5 to 7 too often settles for rom-com clichés, but they're offset by its charming stars, sensitive direction, and a deceptively smart screenplay." On , the film has a score of 52 out of 100 based on 20 critics, reflecting "mixed or average reviews." Critics frequently praised the chemistry between leads and , which brought emotional depth to their culturally contrasting romance between an aspiring American writer and a married diplomat's wife. Writer-director Victor Levin's dialogue was highlighted for its articulate and witty exploration of love's complexities, often drawing comparisons to Woody Allen's style while offering fresh insights into French-American relational norms. Additionally, the by Anne Misawa received acclaim for its elegant widescreen framing of , capturing intimate moments with restraint and allowing the central relationship to unfold naturally. Common criticisms centered on the film's reliance on romantic clichés and predictable plotting, with reviewer awarding it 1 out of 4 stars for indulging in overly familiar tropes about blocked writers and forbidden affairs. Several reviewers noted underdeveloped supporting characters, such as Brian's family members played by and , who served more as than fully realized figures. The heavy use of narration to convey Brian's inner thoughts was also faulted for feeling contrived and distancing viewers from authentic emotional engagement. Following Yelchin's death in , the film's reception evolved in subsequent years, with reevaluations emphasizing his charismatic and vulnerable as a highlight amid the mixed initial response; for instance, retrospectives have positioned 5 to 7 as one of his standout romantic leads, underscoring his ability to convey youthful idealism and heartbreak.

Accolades

5 to 7 received the Audience Award for Best American Film at the 2014 . It was also nominated for the Audience Award at the in the same year. The film earned recognition in smaller independent circuits for its screenplay and performances by and , though it did not receive nominations for major awards such as the or . Following Anton Yelchin's untimely death in 2016, 5 to 7 has been included in retrospectives of his career, underscoring his nuanced portrayal of the aspiring writer and contributing to tributes in film compilations honoring his work. The film's exploration of non-traditional relationships has positioned it as a notable entry in romantic comedies addressing cultural differences in love and commitment. In terms of cultural resonance, 5 to 7 has prompted discussions on open marriages and varying societal norms around , particularly through its depiction of "cinq à sept" traditions contrasting American ideals. This has led to its examination in media analyses of relational dynamics, including reevaluations in light of evolving conversations on and partnership post-2014.

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