Me before you 2016

movieslovers
October 12, 2024

Plot Overview

The story follows Louisa Clark, a cheerful and slightly eccentric woman living in a small English town. After losing her job at a local café, she is hired as a caretaker for Will Traynor, a wealthy and formerly active young man who is now quadriplegic due to a motorcycle accident. Will, who used to live an adventurous life, is now bitter and cynical about his future, feeling trapped by his condition. He has made up his mind to pursue assisted suicide in Switzerland, which he has planned for six months. Lou, however, is unaware of this and is determined to brighten his world and change his perspective.

As the story unfolds, Lou gradually breaks through Will’s hardened exterior, and the two form a deep bond. Lou introduces Will to the joys of life in small ways, while Will pushes Lou to pursue her dreams, recognizing that she’s capable of much more than she believes. Despite their growing feelings for each other, the film navigates the emotional challenges of Will’s decision regarding his future.

Acting and Performances

Emilia Clarke shines as Lou, delivering a performance filled with charm, innocence, and warmth. Clarke’s portrayal brings to life the quirky and colorful nature of her character. Lou’s eccentric fashion choices and her bubbly personality are perfectly captured, making her endearing to the audience. Sam Claflin, on the other hand, gives a subtle yet powerful performance as Will, conveying the complex emotions of a man dealing with the loss of his old life and his physical abilities. Despite the limitations of his role, Claflin manages to express a wide range of emotions, from anger and frustration to moments of vulnerability and tenderness.

The chemistry between Clarke and Claflin is a key strength of the film. Their interactions evolve naturally from awkwardness to genuine affection, making the romance believable and heartfelt. The supporting cast, including Charles Dance as Will’s father and Janet McTeer as his mother, also deliver strong performances, adding depth to the story.

Themes

Me Before You explores themes of love, choice, and quality of life. One of the central questions of the film is the right to die with dignity, which is a controversial and emotionally charged topic. Will’s decision to end his life despite his love for Lou challenges viewers to think about personal autonomy and what it means to live a full life.

The film also deals with themes of personal growth and self-discovery. Lou, who initially sees herself as limited by her small-town life and family responsibilities, begins to dream bigger through her relationship with Will. He encourages her to step outside her comfort zone and embrace new experiences, leading to her own emotional evolution.

The film also touches on the idea of accepting the limitations that life can impose, both for Will and for those who love him. While Lou wants to show Will that life can still be beautiful despite his condition, the film doesn’t shy away from the fact that Will’s reality is full of pain and frustration. This tension creates an emotional conflict that underpins the entire movie.

Cinematography and Music

The film’s visual appeal lies in its picturesque English setting, with charming rural landscapes and stately homes that add to the film’s romantic and whimsical tone. The cinematography enhances the emotions of the story, with warm lighting and intimate close-ups that draw the viewer into the characters’ emotional world.

The soundtrack, featuring songs by artists like Ed Sheeran and Imagine Dragons, complements the film’s mood perfectly, adding emotional weight to key moments. Music plays a significant role in setting the tone for the romantic and bittersweet scenes, especially in the film’s most moving moments.

Criticism and Controversy

While Me Before You was praised for its performances and emotional depth, it also faced criticism for its portrayal of disability. Some advocacy groups argued that the film perpetuates negative stereotypes about people with disabilities, particularly the idea that life with a disability is not worth living. Will’s decision to pursue assisted suicide, despite having a loving family and finding happiness with Lou, was seen by some as sending a harmful message about the value of life for disabled individuals.

Despite this controversy, many viewers found the film emotionally resonant, particularly for its focus on love and personal choice. The film raises important questions about autonomy, quality of life, and the right to make decisions about one’s own body, even when those decisions are difficult for loved ones to accept.

Conclusion

Me Before You is a tear-jerking romantic drama that blends humor, heartache, and important moral dilemmas. With excellent performances from Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin, the film captures the complexity of a relationship that challenges both characters to grow in different ways. While the film’s ending is emotionally challenging and controversial, it succeeds in making the audience think deeply about life, love, and personal choices.

For fans of romantic dramas, Me Before You delivers an engaging story of love and loss, filled with moments of both joy and sadness. However, its handling of disability and euthanasia will likely prompt mixed reactions, depending on the viewer’s perspective on those sensitive topics. Regardless, it is a movie that leaves a lasting emotional impact.