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Content warning: This piece explores themes and content that may be distressing for some, including physician-assisted suicide.
While portraying Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones,” Emilia Clarke managed to squeeze in the filming of a poignant romantic drama. Years later, this film is gaining renewed popularity on Amazon Prime. The film in question is “Me Before You,” released in 2016.
“Me Before You”, based on the bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes, narrates the tale of Louisa “Lou” Clark (played by Clarke), a cheerful yet aimless young woman who becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor (portrayed by Sam Claflin). Traynor was a highly active individual, pursuing a successful career in banking and athletics before a motorcycle accident left him tetraplegic. Despite his struggles and bitterness towards his drastically altered life, Lou’s vivacious spirit and audacious nature manage to bring a spark of joy into his life.
Regrettably, prior to Lou becoming a part of his life, Will decides to end his life at a clinic in Switzerland, a country that permits physician-assisted suicide. Despite Lou’s efforts to dissuade him, Will follows through with his decision. Lou is by his side in his final moments, and after his death, it is revealed that he has left her a significant sum of money to lead a fulfilling life. This information is disclosed in a letter left with his will, which Lou reads while sitting in his favorite café in Paris.
The film is undeniably a tearjerker. However, it seems to be gaining a warm reception on Amazon Prime. But what was the initial verdict from critics upon its release?
Mixed Reviews from Critics and Controversy in the Disabled Community
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Before diving into the critical response to “Me Before You,” it’s crucial to mention the film’s contentious reception among the disabled community. Many disability advocates felt that the film’s message implied a life with disability is not a life worth living, a sentiment that is patently untrue. This controversy is mirrored in the Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus, which acknowledges the chemistry between Clarke and Claflin but criticizes the film’s handling of a sensitive issue. With an average rating of 54%, the film is officially “rotten”. What did individual critics have to say?
Roxana Hadidi, writing for Punch Drunk Critics, succinctly summarized the film’s main issue: “Solid performances don’t balance out the problematic parts of ‘Me Before You,’ which are many.” Aja Romano, in their review for Vox, echoed this sentiment, stating, “If you’ve ever wanted your romance with a side of disability and chronic pain, ‘Me Before You’ is perfect for you — as long as you don’t actually want a realistic depiction of any of those things.” Meanwhile, David Edelstein from New York Magazine was more critical of both the film and the book. However, David Ehrlich from IndieWire found merit in the film, commenting that “Me Before You” is “such a wonderfully uncynical movie that it almost doesn’t matter that it isn’t very good.”
Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin’s Career Trajectories Post “Me Before You”
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Despite the mixed critical reception of “Me Before You,” both Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin embarked on successful career paths. Clarke continued her role as Daenerys Targaryen on “Game of Thrones” until its conclusion in 2019. Post-“Game of Thrones,” Clarke has starred in “Last Christmas,” lent her voice to “The Amazing Maurice,” and appeared in a rom-com with a sci-fi twist, “The Pod Generation.” In 2023, she was cast as G’iah in the Disney+ original series “Secret Invasion,” marking her entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
On the other hand, Claflin gained recognition for his role as Finnick Odair in the “Hunger Games” films prior to “Me Before You.” Post-“Me Before You,” he joined the cast of “Peaky Blinders.” Claflin can also be seen in the Netflix original “Enola Holmes,” where he portrays Mycroft Holmes alongside Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill. Most recently, he received critical acclaim for his lead role as Billy Dunne in “Daisy Jones & the Six.” If you’re intrigued by “Me Before You,” you can stream it on Amazon Prime.
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FAQs
Q: Where can I stream “Me Before You”?
A: “Me Before You” is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Q: Who are the main actors in “Me Before You”?
A: The main roles in “Me Before You” are played by Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.
Q: What is the controversy surrounding “Me Before You”?
A: The film has been criticized for its portrayal of disability and its handling of the sensitive subject of physician-assisted suicide.
Q: What have Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin done post “Me Before You”?
A: Post “Me Before You,” Emilia Clarke starred in several films and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sam Claflin joined the cast of “Peaky Blinders” and starred in other films and series.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
