5 Flights Up

In the 2014 movie 5 Flights Up, Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman play Ruth and Alex Carver, an elderly couple living in Brooklyn. The film follows their journey as they contemplate selling their beloved apartment and moving to a new home.

The film begins with Ruth and Alex receiving an offer on their apartment, which is located on the fifth floor of a walk-up building. Initially, the couple is hesitant to sell, as they have lived in the apartment for over 40 years and it holds many memories for them. However, as they begin to consider the offer more seriously, Ruth and Alex must confront a number of challenges that threaten to derail their plans.

One of the main challenges the couple faces is the issue of accessibility. Alex has recently had a knee replacement and struggles to climb the stairs to their apartment, while Ruth is beginning to experience memory loss and fears becoming a burden on her husband. As they explore new apartments and neighborhoods, they must also consider factors such as distance to medical care and the needs of their aging dog, Dorothy.

Throughout the film, we see flashbacks to Ruth and Alex's early years together, including the story of how they first met and fell in love. These flashbacks provide insight into their relationship and help us understand why they are so attached to their current home.

As Ruth and Alex navigate the challenges of their search, they are also forced to confront larger issues such as gentrification, racism, and aging in a society that often ignores or marginalizes seniors. Despite their struggles, the couple remains fiercely independent and committed to each other, and we see the depth of their love and the ways in which they support each other through difficult times.

Ultimately, the film is a poignant and heartwarming exploration of love, aging, and the importance of home. Keaton and Freeman have an undeniable chemistry on screen, and their performances are nuanced and authentic. Cynthia Nixon also delivers a powerful performance as their real estate agent, adding depth and complexity to a character that could have easily been a one-dimensional caricature.

Overall, 5 Flights Up is a beautiful and moving film that will resonate with viewers of all ages. It offers a realistic and compassionate portrayal of aging, while also celebrating the enduring power of love and the importance of home.