Me before you
“Me Before You” is a 2016 romantic drama film directed by Thea Sharrock and based on the novel with the same name. This film has captivated audiences worldwide with its emotional storytelling. This tear-jerking film reached into themes of love, hardship, disability, and choice. It has left a lasting impact on viewers around the world.
The story begins with its two main characters, Louisa “Lou” Clarke, and Will Traynor. Lou is played by the beautiful and talented Emilia Clarke. Lou is quirky, and vivacious. She is from a small English town. She loses her job at a local café and is directed toward caregiving. She is desperate for a job and takes on the role of caregiving for Will. She doesn’t realize how much this job is about to change her life forever. Will Traynor is played by Sam Claflin. Will is a handsome and wealthy banker who is paralyzed from the neck down after a tragic motorcycle accident. He lived an adventurous and exciting life before his accident. When he meets Lou, his family has just been shocked with the news that he wants to end his life through assisted suicide.
Central Theme
The central theme of the film revolves around the choices we make, how those choices impact those around us, and the importance of living life to the fullest. This film touches on the hardships of disability and the mental battle that these victims go through every day. It faces the harsh and sad reality that these people would rather be dead than continue to live the way they do. It also shows how hard it is for Will’s family and friends to watch him suffer and wish his life away.
The actors
One of the most striking aspects of the movie is the pure chemistry between the actors Emilia and Sam. Their performances are truly compelling. They make their viewers believe that the love between them is real and genuine. They embody themselves in their characters and convinced us of their story. Emilia Clarke did a beautiful job of playing Lou. She turned an ordinary girl from a small town into a woman who finds her strength and the true meaning of love. Sam Claflin portrayed Will brilliantly. He captured the idea of a man who lived a once full and happy life, to a man who is depressed and confined to a wheelchair. He brings life to his character through his facial expressions and body language. This gives the film a whole new sense of depth.
The emotions
This film takes you through a whirlwind of emotions. There are heartwarming and humorous moments, and moments of gut-wrenching sadness. The screenplay blends moments of laughter and tears, creating a story that is both touching and relatable. Lou expresses herself with her spunky wardrobe. This perfectly contrasts the seriousness of Wills condition and the challenges they face. The beautiful English countryside plays the perfect backdrop for this film. Lou does her best to get Will out of the house and cheer him up. Although he is tough in the beginning, he softens up on her.
Lou and Wills Love
When Lou first got the job as Will’s caregiver, the last thing she was looking for was love. Will was a grumpy and impatient man. He was harsh with Louisa and tore her down day after day. Slowly, they started to get used to each other’s company. They attended the horse races, a wedding, a symphony, and even Louisa’s birthday dinner together. They began to tolerate each other and even enjoy each other’s company. As they grow closer, they begin to understand each other in new ways. At the wedding of Will’s ex-girlfriend and best friend, he tells Louisa, “You are pretty much the only thing that makes me want to get up in the morning”.
When Will asked Louisa to tell him something, she told him of her bumble bee tights and how much she adored them when she was a child. She was devastated when she outgrew them and told Will that they don’t make them anymore. Will remembered this story and on Louisa’s birthday, he gifted her with bumble bee tights. She opened this gift in front of her family and was overcome with joy. He remembered the small things about her, and he embraced her quirkiness.
In the end of the movie, Lou is completely devastated and heartbroken that Will didn’t change his mind about the assisted suicide. She tells him that she will not go with him and will not support him in his decision. She spends the next couple weeks missing him and upset about his decision. Will’s parents write Louisa a letter telling her that they still have room for her on the flight if she wants to go. She rejects the offer and stays home. After making this decision, she feels awful and just wants to see Will. She catches a flight to Switzerland and prepares to say goodbye. When she sees Will, she cries and hugs him. They have their final moments together and say goodbye. Will gives his inheritance to Louisa so that she can live out her dream of traveling to Paris. He writes her a beautiful letter that brings instant tears to viewers all around.
My opinion
I think that this is one of the most beautiful and tragic movies I’ve ever seen in my life. This movie brings me to tears without a doubt, every time. It reminds us that life is fragile and can change at any given moment. It captures the beauties of love and how much it can change
