If you know me or listen to our morning show, you know I’m a sucker for sappy movies. Maybe that’s why I enjoyed “Me Before You” so much. It’s a tearjerker for sure.
“Me Before You” starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin is out in theaters this weekend! The film is based on the bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes who got the idea for the story after reading a newspaper article (watch my interview and get her full account of how the story came to life). The story is about an athletic and adventurous man named Will (Claflin) who becomes a quadriplegic after a tragic accident. A young woman named Lou (Clarke) is hired to help him as he makes his way through what could be his last few months of life. It is revealed Will has looked into assisted suicide as he would rather die than not be able to live the life he used to.
I had the chance to preview this movie recently in a small theater in the Loop with several other Chicago movie critics, and it was clear that how this unlikely relationship impacted many of us.
Some are criticizing the film which you can read more about here (https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/02/me-before-you-disabled-backlash-not-pitied) …I will warn you there are some spoilers.
Of course, you have several choices when you go to the movie theater this weekend with many allowing us to escape reality for a few hours: “X-Men: Apocalypse,” “The Angry Birds Movie” and “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.” But I would encourage you to see “Me Before You” if not this weekend, eventually. While sometimes fantasy or comedy is the cure for a bad day, other times a dose of reality is what we really need. This movie, although corny at times, had me thinking even after I left the theater. Those are the best stories, I think.
The hashtag you’re encouraged to use when talking about the film on social media is #liveboldy, maybe a bit corny, too. In this world of selfies, Twitter statuses, Snapchat filters and Facebook posts, I think it’s important to remember that it’s critical to look inward every now and again rather than force everything outward for the world to see. Self reflection is so important for growth. Today’s culture leaves many worried more about how our next Instagram picture will be judged instead of enjoying the scene itself in your Instagram shot.
Many days I take a step back from social media. Sometimes I’ll take a photo first for myself and then share it for the world to see the next day. Trying to keep up with social media can be draining. This movie certainly helps you remember the important things in life including gratitude and appreciation. If you have a chance to see the film, please let me know your thoughts!
Reach me on Twitter or Snapchat. I’m @showbizshelly.
