Because of their weakened immune systems, CF patients are required to stay at least to avoid cross-infection—a distance Stella eventually "shortens" to five feet (roughly one meter) as an act of rebellion against the disease that has already taken so much from them. Key Themes & Reception

Reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes highlighted Haley Lu Richardson’s "heartfelt" performance, though some critics felt the film relied heavily on teen-romance tropes similar to The Fault in Our Stars .

The film explores the human need for physical connection and the emotional toll of being unable to touch the person you love.

While praised by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for raising awareness, the film also faced criticism for potentially romanticizing a terminal illness and depicting medically risky behaviors.

Produced on a modest budget of $7 million, the film was a commercial hit, grossing over $80 million worldwide. Haley Lu Richardson as Stella Grant Cole Sprouse as Will Newman Moises Arias as Poe De La Cruz (Stella's best friend) AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more