The Last Five Years, film review: Grating musical has some charm but the music isn't distinctive

(12A) Richard LaGravenese, 94 mins Starring: Anna Kendrick, Jeremy Jordan, Natalie Knepp, Nic Novicki, Alan Simpson, Meg Hudson

Geoffrey Macnab
Thursday 16 April 2015 22:31 BST
Comments
Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan in The Last Five Years
Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan in The Last Five Years (Press image)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

This grating musical explores the break-up of a love affair between two young New Yorkers. Jamie (Jordan) is a smug, young novelist (compared at one stage to Jonathan Franzen) who hits success early. Cathy (Kendrick) is a struggling young actress.

Kendrick puts across her songs with toothsome charm and conviction but the flashback structure is cumbersome, the music isn't distinctive and Jamie is such a preening narcissist that you can't help but think Cathy is well rid of him.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in