Heart-Wrenching Romance ‘Me Before You’ Tops Netflix Charts After Re-Release
Heart-Wrenching Romance ‘Me Before You’ Tops Netflix Charts After Re-Release
Netflix has recently added the profoundly moving romantic film ‘Me Before You’ to its collection, and it has swiftly climbed to the third spot on its charts, according to data from FlixPatrol. This places it alongside popular titles like ‘Madagascar’ and ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’.
About the Film
‘Me Before You’ was initially released in 2016 and features Sam Claflin, known for his role in ‘Peaky Blinders,’ and Emilia Clarke, famous for ‘Game of Thrones,’ as the lead characters Will Traynor and Lou Clark, respectively. The movie is based on Jojo Moyes’ novel of the same name, which was published in 2012. Notably, Moyes also wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation.
Synopsis
The story revolves around the young and quirky Louisa ‘Lou’ Clark, played by Emilia Clarke, who takes on various jobs to support her family. Her optimistic outlook is challenged when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, portrayed by Sam Claflin, a wealthy young banker who was left paralyzed after an accident two years prior.
Will’s cynical perspective on life begins to shift as Louisa shows him the beauty and worth of living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts change in ways neither could have anticipated.
Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts a remarkable cast, with Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke playing the lead roles. Emilia’s ‘Game of Thrones’ co-star, Charles Dance, stars as Will’s father, Steven, while Janet McTeer plays Will’s mother, Camilla. The ensemble also includes Brendan Coyle, Steve Peacocke, Matthew Lewis, Jenna Coleman, Samantha Spiro, Vanessa Kirby, Joanna Lumley, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, and Diane Morgan.
Fan and Critical Response
While ‘Me Before You’ received a 55% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, it resonated more strongly with audiences, who gave it a 73% approval rating. Vanessa Thorpe of The Guardian described the film as more than just a ‘tearjerker,’ noting that the original book had already left millions of readers worldwide sobbing and heartbroken.
Fans have praised the film for its emotional depth and performances. One viewer commented, ‘Absolutely brilliant film. Those who criticize it for dealing with the subject of disability should look past the fact Will is disabled and look at the film in the light of what it aims to be, a touching romance film. Emilia Clarke is great. Sam Claflin is brilliant. A definite must-see film.’
Another viewer shared, ‘I feel absolutely cleansed of negativity after watching this, and my hope for the world is renewed. A glorious experience!’ A third viewer recommended the film for those who enjoy a good cry and are fans of Emilia Clarke, stating, ‘She’s so cute in this.’
However, the film was not without its critics. Some viewers found it manipulative and over-the-top, while others criticized its portrayal of disability. Disability rights groups, in particular, felt that the narrative promoted the idea of disabled people being burdens on society. Additionally, some noted that despite focusing on a disabled character, the role was played by an able-bodied actor.
Protests were held against the film, including at its London premiere. Speaking to Buzzfeed in 2016, Ellen Clifford of Not Dead Yet accused the film of showing that ‘disability is a tragedy, and disabled people are better off dead.’ She added, ‘It comes from a dominant narrative carried by society and the mainstream media that says it is a terrible thing to be disabled.’
