Me Before You - Review

Rating: Null/10 (31 January 2017)

As a disabled person with CP, I kept putting off watching this film due to the backlash from the disabled community. However, I felt that given that the content of the film reflects my everyday experiences working with personal assistants (and also that I have a keen interest in the topic of euthanasia) I had spent too much time avoiding the issues that are explored in Me Before You.
Before watching this film, I was already aware of the fact that the character of Will was being played by able-bodied actor Sam Claflin. I can see why others have taken issue with this, for me it felt like it sent out the wrong message. I found it uncomfortable to see an able-bodied actor portraying a disabled character, because it would have been more genuine and relatable had they chosen one of the many talented disabled actors out there. For a start, it would have been beneficial for the disabled community to be put in the media spotlight in a positive sense. In addition to this, the content of the film would have been less negative because we ultimately watch Will choose to end his life. Whereas, if Will were played by someone with a disability, then we would benefit by celebrating disability through a successful public figure who has managed to overcome social barriers and has built a career as an actor. Sam Claflin in the role of Will reinforced the sad message of the film; that disabled lives aren't worth living.
I strongly disagree with the premise that living life with a disability is less valuable. It is a different way of a life, but not a meaningless one. Will's perspective was warped as he failed to embrace an alternative way of life and instead lived in the past. He focused upon the things that he could no longer do because of his quadriplegia. He wanted to live like he did prior to his accident, and therefore could not accept himself as a wheelchair user. This negative view reflects how society too often views people with disabilities; as incapable or a burden. Will's unchanging decision to go to Dignatas reinforces the incorrect view that the prospects are bleak if you become less physically able. I myself would dispute this narrow-minded outlook.
Despite my reservations about the overall impact of this film, I did enjoy watching the relationship between Will and Lou develop. In the beginning they were unable to relate to each other, as Will was uncooperative in allowing Lou to become a part of his daily life. Preventing Lou from becoming a real part of his routine was a form of denial, because allowing her in would make his current situation real. It seemed he was afraid of becoming co-dependant on anyone and wanted her to be merely an extension of his limited physical capabilities. The breakdown in communication was portrayed well by both Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin, as the awkwardness was evident on screen. The dynamic changed when they started connecting with one another and understanding each other's lives in more depth. What was evident from the outset is that both characters had something that the other perceived as important in living a good life. For Will that was freedom, but for Lou this meant the financial stability that Will took for granted. Unfortunately there was nothing that convinced Will to choose his new life over euthanasia, not even now having Lou in his life. However I would suggest that spending so much time with her was in fact counter-productive, because she represented everything he could no longer do. Perhaps if Will had spent more time with other wheelchair users who had accepted and embraced their lifestyles, he could have achieved a more positive state of mind.
Ultimately, I would still recommend this film because it provides an insight (albeit exaggerated) into the motivations behind euthanasia, and opens the debate in popular culture. The are parts of Me Before You that I found inspiring and uplifting, which is more than I expected.