Me Before You Review

Starring: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer, Charles Dance, Brendan Coyle, Matthew Lewis

Me Before You is the breakout romance of the summer. It stars Emilia Clarke, who appears as Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen (Mother of Dragons) on Game of Thrones. You wouldn't believe how enormous her fanbase is. Then there's Sam Claflin, best known for playing Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games series. In Me Before You, Claflin plays a quadriplegic billionaire in a wheelchair, struggling after being struck by a motorbike years ago. Emilia Clarke plays his caregiver, and the two fall in love. That's the story Hollywood has sold you, and it's mostly true. But if you've seen the film, or done your research, you know the amount of controversy Me Before You has received. It portrays euthanasia (doctor-assisted suicide) in a very casual form. Basically the entire plot is Lou (Clarke) trying to persuade Will (Claflin) to not go through with a euthanasia appointment in six months, and the two fall in love while she's trying to show him the riches life has to offer. He truly is a different person after meeting her, and she brings out the best in him, and he finally gives her a purpose. Me Before You is a very well-made romance. As a male, I didn't feel sidelined and I never rolled my eyes. It truly services both male and female audiences, and it didn't really feel like a romance film. I highly recommend this, but be warned that you're probably going to feel very strong emotions (bring the tissues).

Me Before You is really a two-actor showcase. There are supporting actors in key roles, but it's truly Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin on display. Clarke is unrecognizable from her Game of Thrones role. That truly is a testament to her ability, because the silver-haired dragon queen is something etched into many minds. Yet I never once thought of Daenerys when watching her in this movie. I've seen interviews with Clarke, and this role is pretty close to who she actually is in real life. Very bubbly, very kooky, and very eccentric. She's like the new Jennifer Lawrence of interviews. You probably understand why I believe she's poised for incredible success. Her energy is contagious, and she is the emotional heart of the film. When she  rejoices, the audience is happy. Likewise, when she cries, the audience feels her pain. So what about Claflin? He does extraordinary as well. His role is much more sheltered, and much more stoic, but he holds his own. The chemistry between the leads is apparent from their first scene together. As an audience, you are invested in their relationship, which makes their struggles even more heartbreaking to watch. These two actors really become their characters and truly excel as a couple. In smaller roles, Janet McTeer (famous "I've seen her in something" actress) gives a solid performance as Will's distressed mother. She has the most to do of any supporting character, as the father (Charles Dance; Papa Tywin Lannister on Game of Thrones) isn't really a driving force. I have to give a shout-out to Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey's Mr. Bates) as Lou's father, because he has one of the most touching scenes with his onscreen daughter. All the relationships in this film are so believable, even outside of Lou and Will. I 100% believed these people were the parents of the leads, signifying that the casting is extraordinary.

Before I give my criticism (and address the controversy), here are some other strong points. The music is incredible. Most movies like this (namely The Fault in Our Stars) have assembled great soundtracks. "Unsteady" by X Ambassadors is a highlight that perfectly complements the scene. The costumes of Lou are also outstanding and fit her character, and the cinematography paired with these factors is gorgeous. The movie is a very well-made romance, not just your usual chick-flick. However, I think Me Before You suffers from a pacing problem. It's about 2 hours long, yet it feels longer. It takes an awfully long time for anything to start, and I know from the trailers that a romance is happening. I appreciate that it's unconventional, but as a film it lags too much before it gets to the point. There are a few scenes between Lou and Will that are unneeded. Their chemistry is undeniable, and wasting time with extra scenes to "sell" their romance is not a necessity. I'm specifically referencing the shaving scene. As for the euthanasia controversy, I think people just need to take it as the movie presents it. The film does not want you to take a side, nor does it expect the characters to take a side on the hotly debated issue. You can agree with it, disagree with it, or fall somewhere in between. I don't believe this movie really makes an effort to try and take a stand.

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