Me Before You is a 2016 romantic drama film directed by Thea Sharrock, based on Jojo Moyes’ bestselling novel of the same name. The film tells a poignant story of love, loss, and self-discovery, centered around the unlikely relationship between Louisa “Lou” Clark, a quirky and optimistic young woman, and Will Traynor, a once-adventurous man now confined to a wheelchair.
The story begins with Louisa Clark, played by Emilia Clarke, a cheerful and eccentric woman from a small town in England. After losing her job at a local café, Louisa is desperate to find employment to support her financially struggling family. Despite having no experience in caregiving, she takes a job as a companion for Will Traynor, a wealthy and successful banker who became quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident two years earlier.
Will, portrayed by Sam Claflin, is initially bitter, cynical, and emotionally closed off, feeling trapped by his physical limitations and grieving the loss of his once-vibrant life. Before the accident, Will had been an active and adventurous person, enjoying extreme sports and a high-flying lifestyle. Now, confined to a wheelchair with limited mobility, he struggles to find any joy in life and resents the people around him. His relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, Camilla, is strained, as they try to cope with the drastic change in his life.
When Louisa enters Will’s life, she is determined to break through his cold exterior. Although she is initially nervous and awkward around him, her infectious personality and determination begin to chip away at his defenses. Louisa, with her bright clothes and eccentric fashion sense, brings a burst of color into Will’s otherwise bleak world. Despite their rocky start, the two gradually form a bond as Louisa refuses to let Will’s surly attitude push her away.
As Louisa learns more about Will’s past and his passion for adventure, she becomes increasingly determined to show him that life can still be worth living, even within the constraints of his condition. She organizes small outings and activities to lift his spirits, and slowly, Will begins to open up to her. Their friendship blossoms into something deeper, and Louisa finds herself falling in love with him. Will, too, develops feelings for her, appreciating her kindness, humor, and determination.
However, Louisa’s happiness is shattered when she discovers that Will has made plans to pursue assisted suicide at Dignitas, a clinic in Switzerland that provides euthanasia services. Despite the deepening connection between them, Will remains firm in his belief that his life, as it is, is no longer worth living. He cannot bear the thought of living a life that is so drastically different from the one he had before the accident. Louisa is devastated by this revelation and is determined to change his mind. She makes it her mission to show Will that life can still be fulfilling, planning a series of extravagant trips and experiences to inspire him to choose life over death.
Their relationship reaches a climax during a romantic trip to Mauritius, where Louisa confesses her love for Will and begs him to reconsider his decision. Despite his deep feelings for her, Will remains resolute. He tells Louisa that while she has made his life more bearable and even beautiful at times, he cannot live a life that is so limited and dependent on others.
In the end, Will goes through with his plan, leaving Louisa heartbroken but forever changed. He leaves her a letter, encouraging her to live boldly and pursue her own dreams, not to let fear hold her back. The final scenes of the film show Louisa in Paris, a city she had always dreamed of visiting but never thought possible, fulfilling Will’s wish for her to live a full and adventurous life.
Me Before You is a deeply emotional story that tackles complex issues such as disability, euthanasia, and the moral dilemmas surrounding assisted suicide. At its core, the film explores how love can change and heal, but also how some personal choices are shaped by individual experiences and beliefs. While the love between Louisa and Will is undeniable, the film ultimately portrays how true love sometimes means letting go.
