5 to 7 movie review (trailer)

It takes us through his journey of discovery in which two cultures clash. Anton Yelchin portrays Brian, an earnest, naive young man who is hoping to become a writer. He papers the walls of his New York apartment with rejection letters from literary magazines. But he finally finds something to write about when he meets an elegant beauty, Arielle (Bérénice Marlohe), who is looking for love on the Manhattan streets. She is married to a rich diplomat (Lambert Wilson) and can only see the besotted Brian between the hours of 5 and 7.

What unfolds is an intriguing slice of cinematic fluff with appealing performances from its two leads, witty dialogue exchanges – which are devoid of the customary Hollywood television punch lines – and two nicely realised cameos from Glenn Close and Frank Langella as Brian’s disapproving, but modern, adaptable parents. These are mildly eccentric parents, who squabble amiably over their son’s questionable life choices.

Brian’s beautiful belle, Arielle, who is nine years older, introduces him to a sophisticated world filled with fine wine and sparkling conversation. But the callow idealist has a hard time playing by her rules and wants a lot more. This eventually proves to be his undoing.

First-time director Victor Levin, making a feature-film debut, has written for TV’s Mad Men. His transition to the big screen is quite a feat and he manages it with a modicum of style.

Overall, 5 to 7 is a refreshingly sentimental drama in an age ruled by biting irony – and the obvious fact that this romance is doomed from the start doesn’t make the film any less enjoyable.