#REVIEW: “ME BEFORE YOU”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

Catharsis is an emotional tragedy that brings about physical renewal. Catharsis is what many will experience when watching Me Before You. Adapted to the screen by the author of the book, Me Before You is a story about choices. How difficult they are to make, and how difficult they are to stand by.

The Film stars Emilia Clarke as the effervescent Louisa “Lou” Clarke. She lives in a sleepy market town where jobs are scarce and her father is without one. Thus, Lou must take one caring for the son of the local lord and lady. Will Traynor, played by Sam Claflin, is a quadriplegic by way of irony. The Film begins by portraying these ironic circumstances. Thereafter he leaves his once beautiful life to live a tragic one with his parents, the one little Lou steps into.

Will is a brooding man. His past haunts him and his present pains him. It’s all rather melancholy… save for Lou. Her wardrobe makes you smile and her wit inspires laughter. Emilia Clarke steals the show from the moment she steps into the frame on forward. As Lou she finds a way to lift Will’s spirits, as well as inspire an audience to wonder. Is it possible to change one’s destiny? Is it simply a matter of choice? Everyone around her seems to think so.

Lou’s boyfriend (Matthew Lewis) changed his life when he started running, and her sister (Jenna Coleman) when she started studying. Everything starts to turn around for Lou when Will looks into her eyes. It’s rather romantic, and obviously so. However, it’s a grade above the standard fair, and it’s absolutely lovely to look at.

Filmed primarily in Pembrokeshire, Wales, this storybook romance is poignantly picturesque. The sets are as easy on the eyes as the Soundtrack is on the ears. It’s the type of Movie to cry to, while still being filled with laughter. It’s bound to please audiences who know what they’re getting into, even if it cannot please the critics, after all what movie can. So for those of you looking for some catharsis by way of a modern day morality play be sure to see Me Before You.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release ME BEFORE YOU Friday, June 3, 2016.