This year’s version of ‘A Fault In Our Stars’, is a film centred on two teenagers suffering from cystic fibrosis. The film’s leads, played respectively by Haley Lu Richardson (Stella) and Riverdale’s Cole Sprouse (Will), fall in love during a hospital stay while undergoing treatment of their disease.
Plot twist: suffers of cystic fibrosis must stay six feet apart from others who carry the disease to avoid catching each other’s potentially fatal bacteria. With this bombshell the two begin a Romeo and Juliet style romance, rebelling against the harsh rules thrust upon them. As the romance ensues the two star-crossed lovers begin to steal more time together, taking a sneaky dip in the hospital pool, attending a surprise birthday dinner and participating in a scavenger hunt. As you can imagine the relationship doesn’t last long as the risk of killing each other eventually tears Stella and Will apart.
I do not doubt that the film will please the scores of teenage girls who will flock to see this film – “because of course, love is worth dying for.” But alas for me, I found it over the top and at some points just uncomfortable. The entire park scene is unnecessary, and the dead sister card probably didn’t need to be played.
The best thing about this film is the fact that we get to see two ex-Disney channel alumni on the same screen again.
