Me Before You (2016) is a romantic drama directed by Thea Sharrock, based on the best-selling novel by Jojo Moyes. With a heartbreaking yet thought-provoking story, it explores love, disability, and the question of how far one’s right to choose life—or death—extends.
Detailed Summary
A Chance Encounter
Louisa “Lou” Clark (Emilia Clarke) is an eccentric and cheerful young woman from a working-class family. After losing her job at a local café, she takes a new position as a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy, once-adventurous banker who became quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident.
Two Worlds Collide
Lou enters Will’s life as a burst of color and optimism, wearing quirky outfits and refusing to let his cynicism dampen her spirit. Will, bitter and depressed, initially treats her with cold indifference. However, Lou’s warmth begins to crack his shell. They slowly develop a friendship filled with witty banter, shared laughter, and emotional vulnerability.
The Harsh Truth
Lou discovers that Will has decided to undergo assisted suicide at a clinic in Switzerland, having lost all desire to live. His parents, desperate to change his mind, hired Lou in the hope that her companionship might give him a reason to stay alive.
Determined to make him reconsider, Lou plans a series of adventures and trips to show Will that life can still be meaningful. From attending a concert to going on a tropical vacation, their connection deepens. They fall in love—but Will’s decision remains unwavering.
The Emotional Climax
On their last trip together, Lou confesses her love for Will and pleads with him not to go through with his plan. Will, while deeply moved, tells her he cannot live the life he once had as a shadow of himself. He insists that his choice is not about rejecting her, but about reclaiming control over his life.
Movie Ending (Full Spoiler)
In the final act, Will proceeds with assisted suicide in Switzerland, despite Lou’s heartbreak. Before his death, he leaves her a heartfelt letter and an inheritance meant to help her build the life she deserves—encouraging her to “live well, just live.”
The film ends with Lou sitting in a Parisian café, fulfilling Will’s final wish for her: to experience more of the world and embrace life without fear. As she reads his letter aloud, the camera pans to her tearful but smiling face—symbolizing both grief and growth.
It’s a bittersweet ending that forces viewers to wrestle with conflicting emotions: admiration for Will’s courage to choose his own fate, and sadness for a love story that ends too soon.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Me Before You does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes with Lou’s Paris scene, giving a sense of closure to both her emotional journey and Will’s.
Type of Movie
Romantic Drama / Tragic Love Story
The film balances emotional romance with deep philosophical questions about life, autonomy, and love.
Cast
- Emilia Clarke as Louisa Clark
- Sam Claflin as Will Traynor
- Janet McTeer as Camilla Traynor
- Charles Dance as Steven Traynor
- Brendan Coyle as Bernard Clark
- Jenna Coleman as Katrina “Treena” Clark
- Matthew Lewis as Patrick (Lou’s boyfriend)
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Craig Armstrong, known for his emotional and melodic approach to romance films. The soundtrack also includes memorable songs like “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran and “Not Today” by Imagine Dragons—both of which perfectly capture the film’s tender yet tragic tone.
Filming Locations
- Pembroke Castle, Wales – Used for Will’s family estate.
- London, England – Various street and café scenes.
- Majorca, Spain – Filmed for the vacation sequence, representing a place of hope and freedom for both characters.
The use of real-world, picturesque locations helps create a strong emotional atmosphere that contrasts with Will’s confinement.
Awards and Nominations
While the film didn’t receive major industry awards, it earned several nominations for:
- Teen Choice Awards – Choice Movie: Drama and Choice Movie Actress (Emilia Clarke).
- People’s Choice Awards – Favorite Dramatic Movie.
It was also praised for its costume design and chemistry between Clarke and Claflin.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Emilia Clarke was drawn to Lou’s character because she wanted to play someone “unapologetically happy.”
- Sam Claflin underwent extensive preparation to portray Will’s physical limitations authentically, including consulting with quadriplegic individuals.
- Jojo Moyes herself wrote the screenplay, ensuring the film stayed true to the book’s emotional depth.
- The director, Thea Sharrock, made her feature film debut with Me Before You.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based on Jojo Moyes’ 2012 novel “Me Before You”, which was inspired by real-life cases of people seeking assisted suicide after traumatic injuries. Moyes aimed to explore the complexity of the issue without moral judgment.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There were no drastically different alternate endings, but early drafts of the script featured a slightly longer epilogue showing Lou starting a business. This was cut to maintain the film’s emotional impact and focus on Will’s letter.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- The book delves deeper into Will’s internal thoughts and family dynamics.
- Lou’s backstory—including a traumatic event in her past—is mentioned only briefly in the movie.
- The novel’s ending is more reflective and bittersweet, while the film’s ending leans slightly more optimistic.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Lou and Will’s first meeting, filled with awkward humor and sarcasm.
- The concert scene, where Will first begins to open up emotionally.
- The beach vacation, symbolizing temporary freedom and connection.
- Will’s final letter, read by Lou in Paris.
Iconic Quotes
- Will: “You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”
- Lou: “I have become a whole new person because of you.”
- Will: “You are pretty much the only thing that makes me want to get up in the morning.”
- Lou (reading Will’s letter): “Just live well. Just live.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Lou’s bumblebee tights, a running visual motif, represent her individuality and optimism.
- The book she reads in the café during the ending scene is A Room with a View, a symbolic nod to personal growth and freedom.
- The red dress Lou wears on their final date mirrors the one Will once described as “perfect for her.”
Trivia
- Jojo Moyes wrote two sequels to the novel: After You and Still Me.
- The film was shot in just over 10 weeks.
- Thea Sharrock was initially hesitant to cast Clarke due to her fame from Game of Thrones, but her audition changed her mind instantly.
- The film sparked debate about its portrayal of disability and euthanasia, prompting discussions about representation.
Why Watch?
If you’re drawn to emotionally charged love stories like The Fault in Our Stars or P.S. I Love You, Me Before You delivers a powerful blend of romance, moral complexity, and heartbreak. It challenges viewers to reflect on the meaning of choice and what it truly means to live fully.
Director’s Other Works
- The One and Only Ivan (2020)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
- P.S. I Love You (2007)
- Five Feet Apart (2019)
- A Walk to Remember (2002)
- Love, Rosie (2014)
