Ever since I saw the trailers for the gut-wrenching romance movie, Me Before You, I have been dying to see it. My desire to watch this movie not only stems from my liking of extremely emotional movies but also because none but the Mother of Dragons herself was cast as a leading role. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.
The film did not waste any time on elongated backstories or how the two came to meet. Instead, it jumped to the most wondered question by those who have seen the trailer: What happened to Will Traynor? Will was a successful banker with enough money for him and his girlfriend to live well. Unfortunately, he gets hit by a motorcycle on a rainy morning and from then on looses the use of his legs and has limited use of his hands. After his accident, Will lives a lonely and isolated life. He’s left in the care of his parents, who try their best to meet their son’s needs. Louisa Clark lives in the same small town as Will Traynor. Since her father lost his job, she’s had to step up and help support her family. She worked at a bakery for six years, until her boss let her know he will no longer be needing her services. Desperate for work, Louisa stumbles upon an opportunity to give care to a disabled man, Will Traynor. During her interview with Will Traynor’s mother, it’s clear that Louisa has had no previous experience that would qualify her for the job. Nonetheless, they hire her anyways. Lou then meets Will for the first time, a mean, cynical man who is not as friendly as the chatty, warm Louisa. Will is not impressed with her crazy outfits and bubbly attitude which leads Louisa to be convinced he hates her. Knowing she can’t quit, Louisa keeps on trying.
As most of us who watch Game of Thrones know, Emilia Clarke is an extremely talented actress. This movie is no exception. Emilia brings Louisa to life in a way that has you laughing one moment and crying the next. After watching interviews with the two actors, it becomes clear the character of Louisa Clark is not too far off from Emilia’s kindred personality. Not to mention, Sam Claflin did very well also. Portraying a character that has no use of his legs nor upper body, is often a challenge for many actors in Hollywood, but Sam Claflin hit the nail on the head. Emilia and Sam’s off-camera chemistry carried over onto the big screen as the two actors brought feelings of love, sadness, and joy to the entire audience in the theater.
This movie will have you leaving the theater (or your couch) with a new sense of hope and optimism about life. The two characters in the film changed each other’s perspective on the world, giving them both a newfound sense of happiness and comfort in a world that can be so cruel. I would definitely recommend seeing this movie to anyone, even you fellows who think seeing a “chick-flick” will threaten your masculinity. Yes, this movie is a romantic drama but the message is so much broader than love and relationships. This is a movie about love and it’s about life. It’s about holding on to every moment you’re alive and making it the best you can. The movie Me Before You will make you want to seize the day. Carpe diem.
