You know how much I loved Me Before You, Jojo Moyes’ beautiful, thought-provoking, important novel, and how much I’ve been looking forward to the movie.
I took my friend, Elin, to the screening with me and, because she hadn’t read the book yet — what?! — I was curious to see if we would share the same reaction.
The book is a giant tearjerker of a story — but never in a sappy or predictable way — so I thought it was brilliant marketing that they passed out these special little boxes of Kleenex as we headed into the theater.
Unfortunately, I never needed them.
This was shocking to me because I am a crier. I sobbed through the book and warned Elin to wear waterproof mascara.
Here’s why: (And please note I’m only giving you a shell of a summary because I hate when critics tell the whole story and ruin it.)
Louisa “Lou” Clark is a quirky and adorable British millennial who loses her job when the local cafe closes. Her paycheck is vital to her working class parents and sister so she goes for an interview with Mrs. Traynor, who owns the castle down the road and is intrigued by the reference from Lou’s former employee, which describes her as “a warm, chatty, life-enhancing presence.”
Mrs. Traynor hires Lou as the caregiver for her son, Will, a 31-year-old former financial superstar who once had — and could do — everything but is now a quadriplegic.
That’s really all you need to know to decide whether or not to see the movie. Yes, as you can tell from the poster, it is a love story. And, yes, the characters are all easy on the eye. And, of course, Will ends up doing as much for Lou as she does for him.
Okay, enough. If you haven’t read the book yet, DO NOT GO ANY FURTHER!! Go enter my Me Before You giveaway instead. SPOILERS AHEAD!
Because Will is determined to take control of his life and death, the movie has gotten a lot of backlash from people with disabilities who think its message is that they would be better off committing suicide the same way Will does.
I would absolutely argue against that interpretation of the book but I have to admit that, with the movie, I see their point.
Clarke is so effervescent and alive, she just fills the screen. Will tells her, “You are pretty much the only thing that makes me want to get up in the morning,” and it feels like that bright light of hers would be enough to keep him wanting to getting up for many more mornings to come. We simply don’t feel his agony enough to understand his desire to give up on life immediately. Why couldn’t he wait a little longer – especially when it was obvious that Lou was giving him so many new reasons to live?
There’s a lot I really did like about the movie: the way Lou and Will each get pleasure out of seeing the other one happy, the fact that he ends up giving her wings, the message that “you only get one life, and it’s actually your duty to live it to its fullest,” the message that we deserve the right to die with dignity. And, sue me, I adored Lou’s wardrobe and found it sexy every time Will called her “Clark.”
Those are all things I really liked about the book, too.
Let’s face it. Movies are rarely as good as the books they’re based on, if for no other reason than because of their time constraints. Me Before You is such a rich story, and glossing over some of the scenes and turning others into music videos with overbearing songs can’t help but cheapen it.
That’s not to say I didn’t brush away a tear or two when Will died — I’m not heartless, people — but I was more angry than sad. I never felt that way when I read the book.
I’ll be curious to hear what you think if you decide to see it. I don’t think you should skip the movie but you may be able to skip the tissues.
I may not see this in the theater, but it sounds like a good movie for my girls and I to watch on a movie night in with pay per view or something.
Oh, no. I only sorta scan read because I don’t want to know ANYthing, but having read the book and expecting tears galore, I cringed at the thought you didn’t cry. Despite have handy tissues at your disposal (love that!). Hmm… now I fear I’m a bit jaded going into it. Whenever I get to go into it.
Thanks for the warning. I think. :-O
I didn’t realize he died – (obviously I hadn’t read the book) and it took me a while to realize it was the game of thrones girl in the lead – she always looks so different without the blonde hair and her dragons!
I saw a commercial and this looked so good. I never read the book (or even have time to read lol) but it looks like such a cute movie!
I think it sounds worth checking out. I will remember my water proof mascara when I go. 😉
I love romance movies and would love to check this out. Maybe I can talk my hubby into going to see it with me. If not, maybe a girls day out!
I haven’t read the book, but many have and love her writing. I will definitely see the film and keep an open mind about how the story line is presented. Thanks for this.
I love Emilie Clark, the Mother of Dragons! I am going to have to read this book.
I saw the trailer and an interview with Emilie on TV and it looks interesting. I look forward to seeing it.
I stopped reading where you told me to, and entered the contest. And since I love a good cry I hope I win. But I’ll still go to the movie! Thanks, Lois!
I rarely go to movies when I absolutely adored the book — and I absoluelty adored this book. When I saw they were making the movie I was puzzled. I will probably go see it only because I just don’t know how they could possible make me understand Will and his decisions in two hours or less. The book was masterfully built and although I was sad at the end and was not sure I agreed with the decidions, I felt for Will and believed I understood. Glad you and Elin did not ruin your make-up though :)!
We will have to discuss it after you see it. You totally hit the nail on the head – they can’t make you understand his decision that quickly. It’s the tragic flaw of the movie and the reason there’s so much backlash against a story that’s so important.
I haven’t read the book but knew what it was about. I hate when I a movie does not give me “all the feels” of the book. I know they have to cut story to make it fit but it still bums me out. I wanted to see this one and I still might but I might just wait.
I haven’t read the book. So I decided to stop reading like you said! I’ll be picking up this book! 🙂 Movies never do books justice.
I think you’ll love the book. Let me know!
I haven’t read the book yet, but I will definitely be rectifying that immediately. I always love a good book more.
Hi Lois,
I want to see this movie! Thanks for reviewing it! I didn’t know it was a book first, but I’m not surprised.
Janice
Not seeing the movie for the reason you stated: a movie is never as good as the book.
Sounds right up my alley! Need a good tear jerker!
This sounds like my kinda book. Thank you for the review! I have not heard of the movie or the book, I guess I better get out more. I will read the book first and let you know what I think.