Me Before You

In the midst of a life that has become a mere shadow of its former vibrancy, Will Traynor becomes acquainted with Louisa “Lou” Clark, a ray of hope brought into his world as a caregiver. Hired to attend to Will’s needs as he navigates his new reality as a tetraplegic, Lou’s cheerful disposition is seen by his mother as a potential remedy for Will’s deep-seated depression, which has been eroded by the harsh truths of his situation. At first, Will is standoffish with Lou, but there’s a richness to his character that starkly contrasts with the simplicity of Lou’s life, shared with her parents and boyfriend, Patrick.

As Lou diligently works to win over Will’s affections, she uncovers the devastating truth: he has resigned himself to ending his life through assisted suicide at Dignitas in Switzerland. This knowledge propels Lou into action; she becomes determined to show Will that there is still beauty worth living for in the world. However, her relentless optimism clashes with Patrick’s rising jealousy, which leads to tensions in their relationship.

As time goes on, Will’s yearning to reconnect with Alicia, his former love, becomes increasingly evident. He invites Lou to accompany him to her wedding, a significant event that allows their feelings for one another to become undeniable. A luxurious trip to Mauritius creates the perfect setting for a heartfelt discussion, where Will reveals his intentions to take his own life, expressing that he wishes for Lou to embrace life fully, unencumbered by his struggles.

Devastated and heartbroken, Lou decides to leave her role as Will’s caregiver and withdraws from his life. However, after several weeks, she finds herself at one of Will’s cherished Parisian cafés, motivated by her father’s suggestion. It’s there that she comes across a letter he had written for her. In the letter, Will encourages her to pursue every opportunity and live life to the fullest—a powerful reminder that his influence continues to resonate in the lives of those he touched.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:23