Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Greg Gaines begins his journey by contemplating the perfect starting point to narrate his chaotic senior year in high school. His thoughts are filled with memories of a failed film that unexpectedly led to a tragic event, altering the course of his life.

At Schenley High, Greg navigates a complex social landscape, straddling various cliques and groups like the Jocks, Stoners, and Theatre Dorks. Despite not belonging to any one group, he finds comfort in low-key connections, even mingling with the goths.

To avoid the loud cafeteria scene and the pressure of social interactions, Greg opts to have lunch in the office of Mr. McCarthy, his history teacher. This choice allows him to subtly engage with school life while maintaining his distance from social norms.

Greg's world is turned upside down when he learns that his childhood friend Rachel has been diagnosed with leukemia. Under pressure from his parents, he feels compelled to reach out to her, though his initial attempts are met with rejection.

After some persuasion, Greg finally visits Rachel at her home. At this first awkward meeting, they bond over a conversation about her pillow collection, allowing for moments of laughter that reveal Rachel's resilience amidst her diagnosis.

As their friendship strengthens, Greg introduces Rachel to Earl, his longtime collaborator, and best friend. The trio embarks on the creative endeavor of making short films that parody popular movies, providing an outlet for laughter and distraction in Rachel's tough times.

As Rachel undergoes chemotherapy, her bond with Greg deepens as they joke about her condition and share insights into their lives. Greg's humor allows Rachel to experience joy and a sense of normalcy, even during her challenging treatments.

Rachel reaches a critical point in her treatment and decides to stop her chemotherapy after recognizing its negative impact on her health. This decision leads to an emotional clash between her and Greg, shedding light on their vulnerabilities.

After a conflict, Greg learns that Rachel has moved to hospice care. Although initially excited about attending prom with his crush Madison, he chooses to visit Rachel instead, prioritizing their friendship over social expectations.

During his visit to hospice, Greg presents a heartfelt film he made for Rachel, intending to uplift her spirits. However, the moment takes a tragic turn when Rachel, overcome with emotion, slips into a coma after watching the film.

Greg is devastated when Rachel passes away, leaving him to reckon with the profound loss. As he navigates his grief, he reflects on the memories they shared and the impact she had on his life.

In the wake of Rachel's death, Greg reconciles with his friend Earl. They share the burden of grief and support each other through the emotional turmoil, reaffirming the importance of their friendship during challenging times.

Greg discovers a heartfelt note from Rachel expressing her wishes for him to cherish her belongings and use his life meaningfully. This note becomes a turning point for Greg as he promises to honor her memory.

Determined to fulfill Rachel's last wishes, Greg resolves to chronicle the story of their friendship. He decides to submit his work to college, humorously warning that it's the last project seen by someone who slipped into a coma.