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Friday, April 26, 2024
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HOLLYWOOD ME BEFORE YOU
EDITOR'S PICK
'Me
Before You' touches the right emotional chord (IANS Review)
Rating:
***1/2
By
Troy Ribeiro
'Me Before You' is a love story rooted in choices between a
quadriplegic aristocrat and a working class caregiver. It is based on Jojo
Moyes's bestselling novel of the same name.
The narrative follows Louisa - 'Lou' Clark (Emilia Clarke) who is
driven to accept 'any job' that comes her way. She ends up taking a
temporary but well paid one at the Traynor's Estate. She is assigned to take
care of William - 'Will' (Sam Claflin) the only son of the Traynors
who has been paralyzed from the neck down after an accident and with no chance
of improvement.
While the plot takes the inspiring love story route with Clark trying to
motivate the disabled ex-banker William to begin a brand new chapter, the timely
twists, the witty sarcasms and resilient performance is what makes this film
stand apart. Most of the scenes bring tears to your eyes and a smile on your
face, simultaneously.
The plot also seamlessly tackles controversial and ethical issues, in keeping
with the premise of the tale.
The casting is perfect. Both Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin deliver a rock solid
and earnest performance effortlessly. They share a compelling chemistry. And
their relationship on-screen is palpable.
Emilia Clarke is charming as well as endearing as the 26-year-old ordinary,
working class Louisa, who is chatty and at times clumsy as well as mildly
obscure. Her enthusiasm is infectious.
Sam Claflin as the wheelchair-bound Will Traynor is charm personified. He is
charismatic and brilliant with his facial expressions, be it his first meeting
with Lou, his bewilderment at Lou's naivety, the dignified mortification when he
is in public, he leaves an indelible mark with his performance.
They are ably supported by Charles Dance and Janet McTeer as Will's parents,
Brendan Coyle and Samantha Sipro as Lou's parents, Jenna Coleman as Lou's
pragmatic sister Katrina, Mathew Lewis as Lou's boyfriend and Stephen Peacocke
as Nathan, Will's hunky male attendant.
The film often reminds you of the 2012 released film, 'The Fault In Our
Stars'.
This is veteran theatre director Thea Sharrock's debut film and she has left no
stone unturned to make this film an excellent cinematic experience. Her scenes
are adroitly crafted except for Lou's initial mundane routine montage. It would
have also been nice if she had explained how Will managed to order the 'Bumble bee tights' for Lou.
The music and background score by Craig Armstrong elevates the viewing
experience.
The film touches the right emotional chord for die-hard romantics.
