It’s remarkable how perfectly timed and placed this story feels, but what about the people involved? Was this inspired by an existing novel? The answer is no. It's a completely original cinematic work, written and directed by someone making their debut. This is one of the most unique independent films of 2015, deserving of wider recognition. Those who choose to watch it should come with an open mind, as some might interpret it as anti-religious propaganda. However, I believe its meaning depends entirely on your individual perspective. It shares similarities with the British film 'The 7.39', both being quite different except for the timeframe where most of their stories unfold, as indicated in their titles. Yes, 5 to 7 refers to the dusk hours when two people meet. The story begins when a young writer named Brian, in his early twenties, encounters Arielle, a woman in her thirties, on a roadside and they quickly become friends. It feels almost like fate brought them together. After their initial meeting, they begin seeing each other every day at the same time. Their connection isn’t rooted in millennia of human history, but something beyond that—a mutual understanding. When boundaries are crossed, cracks start to appear, and the story concludes after a series of unexpected turns; the ending is predictable, yet fitting and conventional. > "Life is a collection of moments. > The idea is to have as many good ones as you can." Like many films, this one begins with narration setting up the protagonist’s situation. Within the first 15 minutes, there are several unexpected developments and new characters introduced, while maintaining focus on a single relationship and creating a specific atmosphere. If you don't subscribe to religious beliefs, this might not be for you or anyone who shares your views. The subject matter is quite sensitive, even for non-believers. It has elements of hippie culture, particularly concerning the concept of “One life—One wife.” In some ways, it seems to explore a clash of cultures, although I don't believe that’s entirely accurate, especially considering the story takes place in NYC from a French perspective. The film is open to debate, but its premise isn't so far removed from 'Hall Pass'. I've heard stories about rural China, where brothers sometimes marry the same woman due to an imbalance of genders following the one-child policy implemented by the communist party. So, it’s not entirely unheard of for some people. This film might initially be accepted only by a certain audience segment but will likely gain broader acceptance over time. I'm unsure about its implications regarding infidelity, but it certainly challenges conventional marriage norms. > "I think that there are two forces on earth you never want to be fighting. > One is mother nature. The other is love." The movie features many memorable lines—I often pause to jot down the ones I like. It evokes a strong emotional response, not necessarily tears, but a deep feeling within your heart. While romantically appealing, its themes are somewhat unsettling in today's social environment. The film isn’t about right and wrong, but about honoring commitments made, even when you make mistakes and hurt yourself. But again, it’s more about respecting an individual’s desire for what makes them happy. If you disregard religious rules, the film might resonate with you. I suspect that future generations will view this as a significant work reflecting the lifestyle of its time. Perhaps this is Anton Yelchin's finest performance. He delivers a phenomenal portrayal alongside the French actress, who is strikingly beautiful—her smiling expressions particularly set the mood. There are also some enjoyable cameos from established actors. I wish Alivia Thirlby had a larger role, but she appeared as another supporting character. It was good to see her again, even though 'Dredd' came out just a few years prior. As I mentioned earlier, viewers will interpret it based on their beliefs. Regardless of your personal convictions, this is a wonderful film—please set aside any preconceived notions and watch it. Younger audiences may be more receptive than older ones, as cultural lifestyles have undergone significant changes in the last 50 years with increased freedom of expression. There’s no problem considering it simple, atypical entertainment like countless others. Remember, it's also a dark comedy, so there are often humorous scenes. I felt it was almost a masterpiece, but that’s because it deviates from traditional romantic dramas. Nevertheless, it is a must-see film and I won’t deny that. 9/10

Source on TMDB