Me Before You has captured the hearts of many, and it is undoubtedly my favorite romance movie of all time. From its emotional depth to its complex characters, it offers a story that feels heartbreaking and beautiful. Based on the novel by Jojo Moyes, this film tells the love story between Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke) and Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), two people from entirely different worlds who form an unlikely bond. But beyond the plot, the movie holds a special place in my heart for reasons beyond its on-screen chemistry and captivating moments.
The Plot:
Now for those who have not seen this movie let me explain the plot a little. It follows Louisa Clark, an eccentric and optimistic woman who becomes a caregiver to Will Traynor, a once ambitious and adventurous man who is now confined to a wheelchair after a tragic accident. Will can’t seem to find new meaning in life and Louisa’s bubbly attitude is what brings light to Will’s life. What starts as an employee and employer begins to grow into something more.
The chemistry between Will and Louisa is electric. Emilia Clarke provides her character with wit and charm whose light refuses to be dimmed. While Sam Claflin provides his character with strength and vulnerability. Together they made their love story, with the power to pull at your heartstrings and make their story unforgettable.
What made this stand out to me is not just the romance but also the exploration of personal growth, disabilities, and how complex it is to make life-altering decisions. It showed me that love doesn’t always have a happy ending, making it feel more raw and real.
Pros:
One of the first things that caught my eye was the beautiful cinematography. The movie is visually stunning, with picturesque locations and beautiful shots that capture the essence of the story. The scenes set in the small town and the countryside add to the overall charm of the film, making the viewing experience feel like you’re stepping into Louisa’s world.
Another one was how the film made me think. The movie raised a lot of important questions about life, death, and quality of life. It forced me to think about the choices that people have to make in difficult situations and the importance of respecting those decisions, even when they are hard to understand.
Cons:
To start the plot can be seen as a bit predictable. While the movie has a unique premise, parts of the plot can feel predictable, especially if you’ve seen other romantic dramas. The structure of the story—where two people from different worlds find love, only for something tragic to interfere—might not be entirely original for those familiar with the genre.
I also felt that when it came to the secondary characters, they seemed a little underdeveloped. As for Louisa’s family and friends, they are introduced at some points, but their characters lack dialogue and any kind of backstory outside of being Louisa’s family. It doesn’t take away from the plot, but it does raise some open-ended questions.
Rating:
Ultimately, I would rate this move a 9/10. It is a movie that I can watch over and over again. While still being shocked by the plot the film still can make me cry even though I know how it ends. I love that this movie makes me think about the importance of living life to the fullest, regardless of the obstacles we face. The romance is tender and sweet, but it’s the underlying themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the choices we make that speaks to me. It’s a reminder that sometimes love is about more than just the happy moments; it’s about giving someone the space to be themselves and make decisions for their well-being, even if it’s hard for us to accept.
In the end, it’s not just a movie that entertains but it makes you reflect on your own life and the people that matter most to you. It’s a love story that transcends beyond the typical romance storyline, and that’s why it holds a special place in my heart.
