Despite being a self-proclaimed theatre geek, I am admittedly late to hearing or seeing some of the awesome (though at times tear-jerking) classics in the Production arsenal. And though I’d heard of it before, “The Last Five Years” was never something I remember thinking “I have to see that!” It wasn’t until, scrolling through YouTube as I’m prone to do, I happened upon the trailer for the movie. Instantly I was mesmerized by both the concept, and the overall story. And after picking it up from my local library I am now convinced that it is one of the most gut-wrenching and thought-provoking stories ever written. (If by chance you have not been introduced to this intense musical yet and are just learning of it, just letting you know: some Spoilers Ahead).
From its alternative timeline to its powerful and lyrically centered songs, it pulls your heartstrings in the best and worst ways. The Last Five years follows the five-year relationship of Cathy and Jamie – Cathy as she goes backward in the relationship (beginning at its bitter end) and Jamie forward in it.
This approach was refreshingly different and pulls audiences so much that even when Jamie and Cathy intersect in their “narrative” positions (via their engagement/wedding) there is still a taste of sadness. After they sing together in that scene and Jamie’s songs descend while Cathy’s continue to climb, It portrays love as fleeting: only lasting a moment. For a brief time, two people in a relationship can be happy, singing, on the same page but that it doesn’t last. (Talk about sad right?)
What really makes this story tragic is how it echoes numerous issues and mental baggage evident in relationships. The way it was written and delivered shows how inner thoughts and struggles not addressed or dealt with can manifest themselves in detrimental ways.
I’ve seen a lot of varying opinions on whether Cathy (played by Anna Kendrick in the movie) or Jamie (Jeremy Jordan) is mainly to blame for the end of the marriage. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, I would say the most heartbreaking and poignant feature of the movie is that at its core it showcases a girl obsessed with not failing and a guy obsessed with success. And realizing that despite their initial love for each other, no one would be able to operate or love in the right way under those circumstances. Cathy highlights an internal torment many artists face when it comes when pursuing your dreams amidst repeated rejection (something the numbers “Summer in Ohio” and “Climbing Uphill” both displays. Arguably Cathy’s biggest flaw is encompassing a spirit of defeat. Even in Cathy’s upbeat numbers, the lyrics point out red flags such as her believing he will open her wings and give her the confidence she needs. Though initially not a bad thought it becomes a problem when he becomes more concerned with achieving his own dreams.
Don’t get me wrong, Jamie messes up. His infidelity and overconcern with fame equally drive pressure onto the situation. It’s concerning to hear his first number “Shiksa Goddess” and how he sings about all the things he likes that she isn’t, more than noting who she is – He essentially proclaims Cathy’s initial most appealing feature is her non-Jewishness. Even his line “I’ve been looking for someone like you” leaves the sense that if someone else came along that makes him feel similar but better (as someone does) he’d leave her for them (as he does).
More than anything this show stresses (on both sides) how without being mentally and emotionally mature by yourself, even a relationship filled with love can begin to crack and become toxic. Someone not truly aware, inconsiderate of someone else’s needs, or unfaithful (*cough* Jamie *cough*) will not be able to function with someone who is not truly self-sufficient, not confident, or not upfront about their fears (*cough* Cathy *cough*).
When watching a musical and analyzing how I relate/feel for the characters, I try to be an objective viewer. While this is a sad story, I see it as more than that. I see it as a music-driven piece of reality about two deeply flawed people exchanging baggage.