“Me Before You” – A Romantic Film That Delights More Than It Moves
Adapted from the heart-wrenching romantic novel that touched millions of hearts, “Me Before You,” starring Emilia Clarke, the “Mother of Dragons,” is filled with moments of humor and optimism. Since its trailer release late last year, “Me Before You” has been highly anticipated by romance film enthusiasts. The movie, based on the bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes, tells a beautiful love story between two unique individuals—a wealthy, paralyzed man and a cheerful, struggling young woman.
The film’s premise is straightforward and lacks dramatic twists. The male lead, Will Traynor, portrayed by Sam Claflin, is a man who seemingly has it all: good looks, a successful career, a wealthy family, and extensive travels by the age of 31. However, a motorcycle accident leaves him paralyzed, reliant on a wheelchair, and dependent on others for everyday tasks.
In contrast, Louisa Clark, played by Emilia Clarke, possesses nothing in material terms. Coming from a poor family, lacking higher education, and with no clear future prospects, she has never ventured beyond her hometown. She takes the job of caring for Will out of financial necessity. Yet, Louisa has qualities that she herself is unaware of.
With her unwavering optimism and genuine heart, Louisa transforms Will’s lonely, sickly, and mundane existence into a series of joyful and meaningful experiences. Her quirky outfits, often mismatched and brightly colored, never fail to make Will and the audience laugh. Louisa’s simplicity and willingness to share her enthusiasm for simple pleasures—like children’s songs or her fondness for bumblebee socks—make her both endearing and refreshingly genuine.
Will, from the perspective of a mature and accomplished man, shows Louisa that there is more to life than what is immediately apparent. He encourages her to courageously explore the world beyond her current limitations. Under Will’s influence, Louisa experiences a series of significant “firsts”—from watching subtitled films and attending classical concerts to diving into the depths of the ocean. These are not the same as the experiences provided by her previous boyfriend, a track and field enthusiast, but rather opportunities that broaden her perspective and alter her future.
From the very beginning, director Thea Sharrock avoids drowning the audience in a melodramatic or excessively sad fairy tale. The film maintains a bright, light-hearted, and realistic tone, encouraging more laughter than tears. This approach clearly conveys the message of living positively and looking towards the future, though it results in the film lacking intense emotional peaks that might have made it a timeless cinematic piece.
Staying true to the source material, the film illustrates the rational argument that a great love makes you a better person rather than changing who you are. Throughout the film, love does not alter Will’s decision or fundamentally change his character as Louisa and the audience might hope. However, his outlook on life does shift after meeting Louisa.
Emilia Clarke delivers a performance filled with a wide range of facial expressions. Her frowns, glances, smiles, gestures, and the vibrant outfits of her optimistic country girl character are exaggerated in a way that complements her portrayal. Her co-star, Sam Claflin, presents a stark contrast. Portraying a man who is physically immobile for the film’s 110 minutes, he faces the challenge of conveying both the coldness of someone who has lost faith in life and the calm, forthright demeanor of a successful, worldly man. Notably, Sam’s unchanging resolute gaze, despite his evolving appearance and demeanor as influenced by Louisa, helps the audience understand and empathize with his character’s decisions by the film’s end.
In real life, Sam Claflin experienced a leg injury that redirected his career from football to acting. This personal experience likely contributes to his authentic portrayal of William Traynor. Although Sam starred in a similar romantic film, “Love, Rosie,” “Me Before You” leaves a more profound mark on audiences.
Produced by a British team, the film features beautifully European scenery, from majestic old castles to vibrant tea rooms. The costumes and character designs effectively reflect Louisa and Will’s changing personalities and perspectives before and after her arrival. Additionally, the film’s soundtrack, which ranges from classical symphonies to Adele’s soulful vocals and the upbeat “Unsteady” by X Ambassadors, enhances the film’s mood and emotional resonance.
