Can you think of an eternally romantic movie that leaves you with sniffles and sobs? The first movie that comes to my mind is a highly unconventional one, Me Before You. It is the adaptation of a novel by Jojo Moyes. For those who haven’t heard of this movie, it is a sweet little tale of a quirky lass and an icy aristocrat based in the United Kingdom. This is not some cheesy, big-hearted romance but a melodramatic and bluntly emotional drama.
In fact, it is one of those rare romance stories that prove the fact that even love has its limits.
Characters
The first look of the female lead, Louisa makes you note her bright, striped tights and you will assume that she is one free-spirited girl. And yes, she is! This bubbly human holds her emotions on the face. She is a young lady supporting her large family by working as a waitress and is stuck with her athlete boyfriend, Patrick. Not much focus has been put on their relationship and it ultimately ends in a breakup.
On the contrary, Will Traynor, the male lead is authoritative and sarcastic, both because he is an aristocrat. He has been mostly paralyzed neck down due to an accident. He is a young financier from a family who is rich enough to own their own castle, but the accident has left him permanently bound to a motorized wheelchair. The usual downfall of hope and will to live life is followed through the entire story then. The amazing features of the actor make him convey a lot just by his expressions which just adds value to the movie.
Background
Innocent, naive, and not so sophisticated Lou is an absolute ray of sunshine who can light up every viewer’s mood. She is offered a lucrative job at Will Traynor’s mansion where her task is to be an interactive companion and keep him cheerful with her chirp and chattiness. Lou is relatively ordinary as are all the good-hearted lower class people in movies. Even after being treated with contempt, she keeps her calm and draws him out of his shell and decides to make him feel lively again.
On the other hand, Will’s job is to be softened in her presence and start living his life all again. Initially being super tough and sneering, Will slowly warms up to Lou and starts sharing his interests with her. The fact that how a person, if he wants, can mould himself for the sake and happiness of others, is well depicted through Will’s character. Lou with her extremely insane wardrobe and lively nature is able to bring an element of cheer and hope in his life.
The little arguments and disagreements gradually lead to a beautiful bond and they inevitably fall in love. They begin to see life through the joys that they give each other. However, Lou soon learns about the actual implications of her job. Fed up and hopeless due to his old lifestyle and extreme physical constraints, Will had decided to end his life. His mom had hired Lou in the hope of her son changing his mind about his planned suicide.
Lou then takes up the task of making him ditch his idea and starts planning multiple outings and luxury vacations. Will, in spite of having made up his mind, accompanies Lou for all her endeavors and offers his support to her. This is a beautiful depiction of the love and affection that grows within the protagonists.
Ending
The deep and complicated issue of Euthanasia has been well addressed in the film. We can witness the difference in opinions about this topic through the various characters. The question of “Is this the right way?” has been answered differently by everyone. Will, being a young man with so much to do in life, is forced by his own self to take up this step as he doesn’t want to be a burden on anyone. He is supported by his father sharing the same ideology.
On the other hand, Lou being this big-hearted girl and quite in love with Will tries every possible way to help him. Will’s mother, with her utmost love and compassion, is also seen trying desperately to change her son’s mind and make him hopeful about his life, but all in vain. The ending looks like a sadistic one but it is not a sudden development as it has been taken along the entire story.
Read more about how Me Before You depicts Euthanasia
This story becomes even more beautiful by its virtue of being realistic. Unlike the cliché romantic movies, this one doesn’t end on a happy note but still leaves a deep impact on our hearts. The sad events aren’t pressed too much to make it a tragedy and the film ends on a subtle note. It might make you want to cry but never to suffer.
Read some famous reviews of Me Before You on Times Of India, Telegraph, Roger Ebert
If you’re into a different genre of Romantic Movies, do check out this review of Kabir Singh
Written By - Riya Garg
Edited By - Neha Kundu
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