The Meaning of Living, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You’re not going to die, Will! You have to live.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You don’t understand. I’ve had a life. I want to die.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You can have a life! You can have happiness!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You don’t know what you’re talking about.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Then help me understand! You sit there all day, but there’s more! Look at everything you could do!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What’s the point? I’ll never be who I was.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But you could be someone new! I’m here. I care.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

I don’t want you to care.

The Trip, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

I want you to see how life can be.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

And what if I don’t want to?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You just do! You have to.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You think I can just flip a switch?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You’ve got to try! You owe it to yourself!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Maybe I owe it to myself to end this.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

How can you say that? You have possibilities!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Possibilities I can’t explore.

I Will Fight For You, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You’re not allowed to give up!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

And who made you the judge of that?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

I care about you! You have to care too!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Caring doesn’t change my reality.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But it can change your future!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

My future is not something I want.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You have to fight!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

For what? To be trapped?

The Final Choice, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

I love you, Will.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You shouldn’t.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But I do. You’re worth it.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

I’m not worth it. You deserve better.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

How do you think I feel when you talk like this?

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

I’m trying to be honest with you.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Honest or selfish?

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

I have a right to choose my life.

Moments of Joy, Reelive

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What makes you happy?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Wearing bright clothes!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

That’s not enough.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

What’s enough for you?

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Luxury cars and free skies.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

And if you could live like that, would you?

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Perhaps if it meant feeling alive.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

We could find joy here too.

The Job Offer, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

I’m not sure I’m qualified.

Mr. Traynor
Mr. Traynor

You are perfect for this job.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But it’s a big responsibility.

Mr. Traynor
Mr. Traynor

You’ll be helping him.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

What if I can’t?

Mr. Traynor
Mr. Traynor

Then we’ll have to find someone who can.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

I’ll give it a try, then.

Learning to Let Go, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You have to let go of this.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Let go? That’s rich coming from you.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

It’s different!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Different how?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

I still have a life!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

And what does that mean?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

It means you can find joy still!

Unexpected Connection, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Maybe I’ll just dress you in something ridiculous.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Please, don’t make me look like a clown.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Too late, it’s already done.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What do you know about style, anyway?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

More than you think!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

I doubt that.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You’ll see! I have magic!

The Funeral, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

It shouldn’t have to be like this.

Friend
Friend

Life isn’t fair.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But we should fight for it!

Friend
Friend

Do you really think it matters?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Every moment counts!

Friend
Friend

Not everyone feels that way.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But they should!

The Love Confession, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

I love you, Will.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You shouldn’t say that.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Why not? It’s true.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Because it complicates everything.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But I can’t help it!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You have to be careful with those words.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

I’m not sorry!

The Tipping Point, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You don’t get to decide what my life is worth!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

And you’re not my keeper!

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

I care about you, can’t you see?

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Care doesn’t change anything.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But it should! You mean something to me!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You deserve someone who wants to live.

Exploring the Past, Reelive

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What was your childhood like?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

It was small, but filled with love.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Love doesn’t always fix everything.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But it helps.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What if it’s all just pretending?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Then we fight for what’s real.

Defying Expectations, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Why do you focus on the negatives?

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Because they’re all around me.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But there’s beauty too!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Beauty doesn’t change facts.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

It gives perspective! Look at us.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

And what do we look like?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Like two people trying their best!

The Dance, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Come on, dance with me!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

I don’t dance.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Just this once!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You’ll regret it.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Never! Just enjoy the music!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

This is ridiculous.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Exactly! It’s why it’s fun!

Life Lessons, Reelive

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What’s your biggest dream?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

To make people smile!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What about your own smile?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

They make me happy too.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You should be the priority.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But you are!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Then you’re missing the point.

Moving Forward, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

What’s next for us?

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

We may not have a future.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But we have now!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Does now give you strength?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

It gives me hope!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Hope won’t change the outcome.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But it makes the moments matter!

Beneath the Surface, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Why are you so angry?

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Because life is cruel!

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But that rage is eating you alive!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

It’s my choice!

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You can choose to feel joy!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Joy’s a mask for my pain.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

No, it’s a sign of strength.

The Pact, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

We’ll make a pact. No regrets.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What if that’s impossible?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Then we fight for what’s right!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

And what’s that?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

To make every moment count!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Moments can be deceptive.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But it’s all we have.

Breaking Free, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You need to break free!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Break free? From what?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

From fear! From pain!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Pain is a part of life.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But it shouldn’t control you!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What if it defines me?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Then you redefine yourself!

The Healing Power of Love, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Love can heal, Will.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

Can it really?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

It transforms you.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

But it can also hurt.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

You’ll never know until you try.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

And what if it’s not worth the risk?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Then we make memories.

A Promise, Reelive

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Promise me you’ll hold on.

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

How can I promise what I can’t commit to?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Because I need you to!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

What if I hurt you?

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

Then we face it together!

Will Traynor
Will Traynor

You deserve better.

Louisa Clark
Louisa Clark

But I want you!

Louisa Clark

You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

I just want to be with you, and I want you to be happy.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

You can’t change who people are, but you can change how you feel about them.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

I’m not a romantic person. I’m a very practical person.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Nathan

It’s not about what you want, it’s about what he wants.

Nathan

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

Just live well. Just live.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

Sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

You’re going to be okay. You’re going to be great.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

I had a plan, and it didn’t involve falling in love with you.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

You can’t be afraid to make a mistake. That’s how you learn.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Nathan

I am not just a caretaker, I am a person.

Nathan

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

You should be able to feel your heart beat when you’re with someone you love.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

I don’t know how to live if you’re not in my life.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

You are the easiest person I’ve ever had to say goodbye to.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

You brought me back to life.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

Sometimes, I just want to be with you without saying anything.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

I’m still the same person inside – mentally.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

We only have so many days left on this Earth, and I'm going to make them count.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

When I met you, you made me realize there’s more to life than just existing.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

I’m not going to apologize for how I feel.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Will Traynor

It’s not easy, you know, to let someone in.

Will Traynor

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

All I’m asking is for you to let me help you.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive
Louisa Clark

You don’t have to do this alone.

Louisa Clark

Me Before You, Reelive

Die Young

Die Young by Kesha, During a fun scene at the music festival

Photograph

Photograph by Ed Sheeran, Played during emotional moments between Lou and Will

I Will Be

I Will Be by Lindsay Rimes, Used in the montage showing Lou and Will's relationship development

Not Today

Not Today by Imagine Dragons, Played during a pivotal emotional moment in the film

One Day

One Day by Matisyahu, Featured in a reflective scene towards the end


Download App

Louisa's Job Interview

In this opening scene, we see Louisa Clarke go through the interview process for a caregiver position with Will Traynor. The atmosphere is tense as Louisa tries her best to impress the interviewer. Her quirky personality shines through, but the moment reveals Louisa's desperation for a job to support her family. This sets the stage for her journey as a caretaker and her evolving relationship with Will.

Context: This scene introduces Louisa and shows her determination, immediately making the audience root for her.

Will's First Outing

Will reluctantly agrees to go out with Louisa and they visit a local fair. The scene is vibrant and filled with laughter as they engage in lighthearted activities. The pivotal moment comes when Will, despite his limitations, allows himself to enjoy life again, highlighting a brief escape from his circumstances. This day out makes both characters feel alive and brings them closer together.

Context: This outing symbolizes a breakthrough in Will's emotional state and showcases Louisa's impact on him.

The Truth About Will's Condition

Louisa learns about Will's plans to end his life through assisted suicide. The shocking information hits her hard. The pivotal moment is her confrontation with Will about his decision. The emotional weight of this revelation is palpable, as Louisa fights to understand his choice while he explains his suffering. This moment profoundly impacts their relationship and sets the stage for the emotional turmoil that follows.

Context: This revelation forces Louisa to confront the reality of Will's feelings and brings the central conflict of the film into focus.

The 'Live Boldly' Mantra

Will takes Louisa on a trip to see the world, encouraging her to live boldly. The pivotal moment occurs when Will shares his thoughts on life and the importance of making the most out of it. This scene is visually beautiful, with stunning landscapes and vibrant colors. It highlights a deepening connection between them, as Louisa starts to see life differently through Will's eyes.

Context: This trip signifies a shift in Louisa's understanding of life, and it marks a critical point in her character development.

Family Dinner Confrontation

At a family dinner, tension rises when Louisa's family discusses Will's condition. The pivotal moment is when Louisa defends Will against her family's judgment, leading to a heated argument. This scene showcases Louisa’s commitment to Will, revealing her fierce love and determination to support him despite the stakes. It adds depth to her character and emphasizes the theme of loyalty.

Context: This confrontation reveals the emotional stakes not just for Louisa but also for her family as they struggle to understand the situation.

Will's Decision

The moment Will reveals his final decision to Louisa is heart-wrenching. He explains why he believes ending his life is the best option for him. The pivotal point arrives when Louisa pleads with him to reconsider, establishing the emotional climax of their relationship. The performances are raw and powerful, encapsulating the weight of their love and the gravity of Will's choice.

Context: This scene is the crux of the film's central theme about quality of life versus quantity, making it incredibly impactful.

The Goodbye Letter

In the aftermath of Will's death, Louisa reads his final letter to her. The heartbreaking moment captures the essence of Will's final thoughts, offering closure and reflection on their time together. The emotional weight of the letter is heavy, as it expresses Will's love for Louisa and his hope for her future. This moment carries profound significance as Louisa grapples with loss and the impact of their relationship.

Context: This letter serves as a powerful emotional catharsis, allowing Louisa to find hope and strength despite her grief.

Louisa's Journey to Moving On

After Will's death, Louisa embarks on a journey of self-discovery, embodying the 'live boldly' concept Will instilled in her. The pivotal moment occurs when Louisa decides to take a trip to Italy, representing her growth and willingness to embrace life. The visuals are beautiful, echoing her transformation and the fulfillment of Will's wish for her.

Context: This marks Louisa's transition from being defined by her grief to embracing her own life, underlining the theme of personal growth.

The Job Offer

Louisa finally receives a job offer at a fashion brand, highlighting her transformation and newfound confidence. The moment is uplifting, as she realizes her worth and potential. The pivotal aspect is her excitement, contrasting with her past insecurities, symbolizing an empowering change in her life.

Context: This scene showcases Louisa's character development and the impact of Will's influence on her journey.

The First Date

Louisa goes on her first date after Will, illustrating her struggle to move forward. The pivotal moment comes when she shares a laugh with her date but feels the absence of Will. The joy is tinged with sorrow, showcasing the complexities of new beginnings. The moment serves as a reminder of how deeply Will impacted her life, illustrating her emotional journey.

Context: This scene encapsulates Louisa's struggle between moving on and holding onto the past, making it resonate deeply with viewers.

The Proposal Scene

Will proposes to Louisa in a heartfelt scene that blends humor and sincerity. The pivotal moment is Will getting down on one knee and expressing his feelings for her amidst playful banter. This unexpected proposal captures the essence of their unique bond and serves as a heartwarming surprise.

Context: This moment signifies a major shift in their relationship, showing how far they've come from their initial meetings.

The Hospital Room

One of the most emotional moments occurs in Will’s final hospital room scene. Louisa confronts him one last time, expressing her love and grief. The pivotal moment strikes when she begs him to reconsider his decision, showcasing her desperation and pain. The atmosphere is heavy, highlighting the gravity of their final moments together.

Context: This scene encapsulates the film's themes of love and loss, making it unforgettable.

Louisa's Breakdown

After Will's death, Louisa experiences an emotional breakdown at home. The pivotal moment comes when she allows herself to fully feel the pain of her loss, crying and reflecting on her memories with Will. This raw display of emotion invites viewers to connect with her grief on a deeper level.

Context: This moment reveals the profound impact of Will on Louisa’s life, making the audience empathize with her loss.

Will's Family Reunion

Will's family gathers to remember him, each member expressing their grief and memories. The pivotal moment highlights the family dynamic and reaffirms the love they had for Will. Their vulnerabilities and shared pain serve to connect them in a way that is heartwarming yet heartbreaking.

Context: This scene emphasizes the theme of family and the impact of Will's choice on those he loved.

The Flashback Montage

A montage that flashes through Louisa and Will’s happiest moments together plays during a pivotal emotional moment. It captures the love they shared and the fun they had, contrasting sharply with the present grief Louisa feels. This juxtaposition makes the scenes more affecting, as the audience recalls the joy intertwined with their pain.

Context: This montage reinforces the theme of cherishing memories while grappling with loss.

The Final Gift

In a moving moment, Louisa receives the final gift Will left for her, a fund for her dreams. The pivotal moment occurs when she realizes the significance of his gesture, understanding that he wanted her to pursue her passions and live boldly. This blend of happiness and sorrow underscores the impact Will had on her life.

Context: This moment ties together the theme of growth and legacy, showing how love can inspire personal transformation.

The Family Support

Louisa’s family rallies around her during her toughest moments after Will’s death. The pivotal moment comes when they express their love and support, helping Louisa realize she is not alone in her grief. Their collective bonding is both comforting and necessary in her healing process.

Context: This scene emphasizes the importance of support systems in personal recovery and growth.

The Last Goodbye

Louisa visits Will's gravesite and faces her emotions head-on. The pivotal moment occurs when she speaks to him, expressing her thoughts, fears, and hopes for the future. This moment is incredibly powerful, serving both as a farewell and an embrace of her journey ahead.

Context: It showcases the theme of closure and continuing to live for those we’ve lost.

The Heartfelt Conversation

In a meaningful conversation, Louisa reflects on her growth since meeting Will. The pivotal moment is when she acknowledges her changed perspective on life. This scene serves not just as reflection but also as a the realization of her strength and resilience.

Context: This dialogue drives home the transformative effect Will had on her, reinforcing the film’s core message.

The Road Trip

Louisa embarks on a spontaneous road trip with friends, showcasing her newfound spirit. The pivotal moment comes when she finally feels free, laughing with her friends. This joyful scene highlights her resilience and willingness to embrace life after Will.

Context: This trip symbolizes her healing journey as she steps into a new chapter, aligning with Will's wishes.

The Ice Cream Scene

Early on, Louisa shares a light-hearted moment eating ice cream with Will, leading to laughter amidst the contrast of their circumstances. The pivotal moment is when Will opens up just a little, hinting at his true feelings. This sets a lovely, yet complicated tone for their relationship.

Context: This playful exchange is significant in depicting their evolving bond, showcasing the blend of joy and heartache ahead.

The Dance Scene

Louisa and Will share a spontaneous dance in his room, marking a moment of joy amidst the heaviness. The pivotal moment is their laughter and connection in this intimate space, allowing both the characters and the viewers to forget their troubles for a fleeting moment.

Context: This scene is crucial in showcasing the beauty of their relationship, where love transcends Will’s physical limitations.

The Flash of Anger

Louisa lashes out at Will after his sarcastic remarks during a difficult moment. The pivotal moment is when her anger exposes her deeper feelings for him, highlighting the frustration of wanting to help someone who feels so trapped. This moment reveals the depths of her emotions and the complexity of her connection to Will.

Context: This scene amplifies the conflict within Louisa's feelings and emphasizes her struggles with Will's mindset.

The Ice Skating Trip

Will and Louisa go ice skating, a scene filled with warmth and lighthearted fun. The pivotal moment is when Louisa encourages him to try skating, revealing his vulnerable side. This fun moment brings their characters closer, contrasting with the serious themes of the story.

Context: The joyous setting symbolizes the happiness they can share amidst Will's struggles.


Download App

Casting Change

Emilia Clarke was not the first choice for the role of Louisa Clark; the role was initially offered to another actress, but she had conflicts with her schedule.

Why it matters: This last-minute casting change meant that Emilia brought her unique interpretation of Louisa to life, which contributed significantly to the film's charm and emotional depth, giving the character a fresh, relatable quality.

Location Filming

Much of the film was shot on location in Brecon, Wales, providing a picturesque backdrop that added to the film's quaint atmosphere.

Why it matters: The stunning visuals of the Welsh countryside enhanced the romantic and dramatic elements of the story, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in Louisa and Will's world.

Will's Disability Portrayal

The filmmakers consulted with disability organizations to ensure the portrayal of Will's character, who is a quadriplegic, was respectful and realistic.

Why it matters: This commitment to authenticity helped in fostering a deeper understanding of disability among audiences, allowing for crucial conversations about its representation in film.

Chemistry Testing

Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin were made to undergo chemistry tests together before being cast, resulting in an instant connection that impressed the casting directors.

Why it matters: Their palpable chemistry significantly contributed to the film's emotional core, enhancing the believability of Louisa and Will’s relationship and drawing audiences into their love story.

On-Set Bloopers

During a particularly emotional scene, both Clarke and Claflin had difficulty maintaining their composure, leading to some unintended comedic bloopers.

Why it matters: These moments humanized the actors and added a layer of authenticity to their performances, showcasing the challenging balance of humor and heartbreak that defines the film.

Cinematography Techniques

The cinematographer, Jess Hall, used natural lighting wherever possible to enhance the film's intimate and personal feel.

Why it matters: This choice contributed to the film's overall aesthetic, allowing for a more genuine portrayal of the characters' emotions and experiences.

Costume Design Insights

Louisa's colorful and quirky wardrobe was intentionally crafted to reflect her vibrant personality and growth throughout the film.

Why it matters: The costumes served as a visual representation of Louisa's journey, making her transformation more poignant and relatable for the audience.

Improvised Dialogue

Some of the film's most memorable lines were improvised by Clarke and Claflin during rehearsals, including several humorous exchanges that brought the characters to life.

Why it matters: These improvised moments added authenticity to their performances, allowing for a natural chemistry that resonated with audiences and made them more invested in the characters.

Inspirational Source Material

The film is based on Jojo Moyes' novel, which has been a bestseller since its release, drawing passionate fans who were eager to see the adaptation.

Why it matters: The passionate response from readers drove expectations for fidelity to the novel, influencing script choices and character development, ultimately shaping how the story was told on screen.

Embrace of Vulnerability

Emilia Clarke spoke publicly about how playing Louisa helped her embrace her own vulnerabilities, drawing parallels between her life and the character’s challenges.

Why it matters: This shared vulnerability between actor and character enriched the performance, making Louisa's journey even more relatable and affecting for viewers.

Cameo by the Author

Jojo Moyes makes a brief cameo in the film, appearing as a wedding guest.

Why it matters: This inclusion serves as a nod to fans of the book, creating a sense of connection between the novel's origin and its cinematic adaptation, while also highlighting the author's investment in the project.

Soundtrack Selection

The film features a carefully curated soundtrack, including songs that resonate with the emotional themes of the story, like 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Ed Sheeran.

Why it matters: The music played an integral role in deepening the emotional impact of key scenes, enhancing viewers' connections to the characters' experiences.

Emotional Endings

The film's original ending was different, with an alternate take on Will's decision that was ultimately deemed too optimistic.

Why it matters: The final, more poignant ending aligns closely with the book’s heart-wrenching conclusion, ensuring the story leaves a lasting emotional impression on audiences.

Director's Vision

Director Thea Sharrock aimed to make a film that balanced humor and sadness, a vision that was pivotal in the film's narrative structure.

Why it matters: Her intentional balance of tones allowed the film to resonate on multiple emotional levels, making it relatable to a wide audience and securing its success.

Filming Challenges

While filming the scenes involving wheelchair use, the production team faced challenges in ensuring the portrayal was accurate and safe for Sam Claflin.

Why it matters: These challenges prompted additional rehearsal time, allowing Claflin to deliver a more authentic performance that conveyed the complexities of Will's experience.

Changing Perceptions

The portrayal of Will's life choices sparked discussions about living with disabilities and the social perceptions surrounding it.

Why it matters: By addressing these topics, the film contributed to societal conversations that continue to evolve regarding disability representation in media.

Cinematic Color Palettes

The film's color palette was chosen to reflect the emotional tones of different scenes, with warmer tones for moments of joy and cooler tones during sadness.

Why it matters: This visual storytelling technique enriched the viewers' emotional journey, subtly guiding their feelings as they experienced the story.

Relationship with the Novel

The screenplay underwent significant changes from the book to better suit cinematic storytelling while still maintaining the essence of the original narrative.

Why it matters: These changes were essential in making the story feel fluid and engaging on screen, allowing it to appeal to both fans of the novel and newcomers.

Cultural Sensitivity

The film's creative team took care to address cultural themes carefully, especially in Will's backstory involving privilege and choice.

Why it matters: This focus on sensitivity allowed the film to resonate across diverse audience demographics and sparked conversations on societal issues.

Screenwriter's Involvement

Screenwriter and author Jojo Moyes was heavily involved in the adaptation process, providing insights to ensure character integrity.

Why it matters: Her active role ensured that the characters remained true to their literary origins, which pleased dedicated readers and critics alike.

Visual References

Director Thea Sharrock referenced classic romantic films to inform her directorial choices, aiming to create moments reminiscent of iconic love stories.

Why it matters: These visual cues helped establish a strong emotional connection for viewers, allowing 'Me Before You' to be viewed through the lens of classic romance.

Character Development Sessions

Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin spent time developing their characters’ backstories with each other, which deepened their understanding of their roles.

Why it matters: This collaborative approach allowed for more nuanced performances, as both actors brought authentic emotions and motivations to their characters.

Arranging the Ending

The final scenes were filmed with a more somber atmosphere to enhance the emotional weight of the conclusion.

Why it matters: This decision led to a resonant ending that lingers in viewers' minds long after the credits roll, underscoring the film's lasting impact.

Animal Companions

The presence of Louisa's pet kitten was meant to provide a light-hearted juxtaposition to the heavier themes of the film.

Why it matters: This character provided moments of levity and cuteness that offered emotional breaks from the film's more intense moments.

Public Reception

The film faced mixed reviews upon its release, but it garnered a dedicated fanbase that championed its message of love and choices.

Why it matters: The film's ability to spark both criticism and acclaim deepened discussions around its themes, influencing perceptions of romantic dramas.

Louisa's Evolution

The progression of Louisa's hairstyle along with her clothing choices signifies her emotional growth throughout the story.

Why it matters: This visual storytelling element helped to underscore Louisa's transformation, making her journey even more relatable and impactful for the audience.

Real-life Advocacy

Following the film's release, both leads became involved in advocacy for disability awareness and inclusivity, driven by the film's impact.

Why it matters: Their advocacy work helped elevate conversations surrounding disabilities and representation, showcasing the film's broader social influence.

Timely Themes

The story tackles themes of assisted dying and personal choice, which were particularly timely and relevant at the time of its release.

Why it matters: By addressing such sensitive topics, the film prompted significant discourse around societal attitudes towards those facing terminal conditions.


Download App

The Social Media App for Movie & TV Enthusiasts
👉 Reelive App 👈

No mods, no censorship—just a space to relive epic movie moments. Like Reddit, but made for movie lovers.

Download App

The Heist of the Century

The Last Full Measure

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof