Live Boldly

Me Before You

What does it mean to watch a ‘chick flick’? Does it mean “break out the tissues, this is going to be a tear-jerker”? How about watching a movie about dashing charming men that know exactly what love should be? Whatever it means to you, ‘chick flicks’ have become some of the most popular films in recent years. Partially thanks to author Nicholas Sparks and his chick novels turned chick flicks. Though there are a few recent films that Sparks isn’t responsible for writing and yet they are still adaptations of novels. The one I am here to write about is an adaption of a 2012 Jojo Moyes novel simply titled, Me Before You.

The Story: After suffering a horrible accident that leaves him paralyzed from the chest down, Will Traynor (Sam Claflin The Huntsman: Winter's War) has moved back to his childhood home in England. Soon after that Will’s wealthy parents hire Louisa "Lou" Clark (Emilia Clarke Game of Thrones), a joyful and ‘chatty’ woman, to be a personal companion for Will. Though the two’s relationship starts off rocky, Will and Lou soon bond and form a remarkable friendship. However after learning that Will intends to commit medical suicide, Lou decides to prove to Will that he still has so much to live for…including for her.

The Good: Emilia Clarke OWNS this movie. She is so adorable and charming that it is very hard not to like her in this film. I dare anyone that watches this movie not to fall in love with her character. Already knowing that Clarke is a strong actress from Thrones, I had no worries that she could carry this film. Claflin also, after a little while, warms your heart as well. Claflin does a magnificent job of transforming himself throughout the movie, from a cold and distant person to a kind and loving man that you want to cheer for. There are also so many little things about the film that I loved. For example director Thea Sharrock’s (this is her first feature film) pacing of the film. Though at a leisurely pace, the film never drags or feels over bearing. Sharrock does a wonderful job getting the audience to naturally fall in love with each character and never forces them on us.

The Bad: Nitpicking time. I only had one real problem with this movie and it is Matthew Lewis’ (Harry Potter series) character of Patrick. Patrick is Lou’s boyfriend throughout most of the movie, but he really never serves any purpose. He pops in here and there to give the audience a reminder that Lou already has a boyfriend and to show that the pair aren’t right for each other, but other than that he is just a floating character. I love seeing Lewis out of Neville Longbottom’s shadow, but this just wasn’t the place for it.

Other Thoughts: *SPOILERS* As I did some research for this film I have noticed that this film got some backlash from the Handicapped community and I just wanted to share some thoughts on that. I have read that the film promotes the suicide of quadriplegics and that the film shows that family members with disabilities are a burden on their families. I can honestly say that I never once thought that at all. This is a story of ONE man’s choice to take his own life. Lou wanted him to live very badly and fought with him to live, but he chose not to. The film hints at a very full and rich life that Will was leading and he felt that he didn’t want to be restricted to the new life he has been given and Lou wanted to prove him wrong. The CHARACTER wanted to commit suicide and the CHARACTER felt that he was a burden, despite the protests from not only Lou but his family as well. Now, someone please tell me…how does that promote suicide and the accusations of being a burden on one’s family?

The Verdict: I actually liked this film and that is probably because I have no qualms watching a ‘chick flick’, except Sparks’s movies because at least one person dies in every single one of his movies. I am especially excited to see Emilia Clarke expand on her acting abilities and give a broader audience a glimpse at the charm she has. Definitely a date movie and guys bring the tissues, she’ll need them.

See In Theaters.