Those plans come to an abrupt stop when Violet wins a dream job at the University of Michigan. Tom figures two years there won't be too much of a problem and he can ply his trade as a chef anywhere.
But it is not that simple.
Slowly but surely his life in the cold north starts to crumble around him. He is no longer the man he once was.
When two years becomes four, Tom's resentment at his situation begins to gnaw away at the couple's relationship.
Early on, their love helps them survive. Soon that isn't enough. Forced apart by circumstance, they go their separate ways but keep in touch occasionally.
Time apart helps both rebuild their lives and realise what is really important to them and what is actually just a facade.
Back home in San Francisco, Tom returns to the person he was while Violet enjoys life as the person she has become.
But, when fate gives them a second chance, are they both able to bury the past and live only for the future?
The Five-Year Engagement is a delightfully funny, endearing rom-com. It is not laugh-out-loud material but you are constantly left smiling by the quirky characters and excellent script.
