film / 2016
Me Before You
A caregiver and a disabled former banker fall in love while facing a decision love cannot simply solve.
Verified facts
- Runtime
- 2h 3m
- Director
- Thea Sharrock
- Released
- 2016
- Based on
- Me Before You
PlotGeeks explainer signals
Why read this explainer
Louisa disrupts Will's routine without gaining authority over his future. Their growing affection makes that limit harder for her to accept.
PlotGeeks note
Louisa's wish to preserve the relationship differs from Will's decision about his life. The film leaves her to build a future after that disagreement ends in loss.
Connected knowledge
Connected in PlotGeeks
Related explainers and browse pages for Me Before You.
- Compare with Me Before You (2012 book)
Compare what changes between the 2012 book and the 2016 film.
Timeline
Major events
- A new caregiving job
After losing her café job, Lou becomes Will Traynor's caregiver and struggles with his hostility.
- Lou learns his plan
She discovers that he intends to die in Switzerland.
- Love does not change the decision
Will repeats his intention during their holiday.
- The letter in Paris
After his death, Lou reads his encouragement for her future.
Story in 60 Seconds
The short version
Louisa Clark takes a caregiving job with Will Traynor after losing her café work. Will, who became quadriplegic after an accident, initially rejects her attempts at conversation. As they grow close, Lou discovers that he intends to travel to Switzerland for an assisted death. She organizes outings in the hope of changing his mind, and their relationship becomes romantic. Will also urges Lou to imagine opportunities beyond her familiar routines. Their attachment deepens without resolving their profound disagreement about his decision.
Spoiler sectionEnding ExplainedShow ending detailsHide ending details
Will maintains his decision despite loving Lou. After initially withdrawing in hurt, she travels to Switzerland to be with him before he dies. Later, Lou reads his letter in Paris and learns that he has left money for her future. Her new independence follows bereavement; it does not mean that she persuaded him to stay.
Original context
Why it matters
What the conflict reveals
Louisa and Will's affection grows alongside disagreement about his future. His decision leaves her grieving while reconsidering what she wants from her own life.
Key turning points
Love does not change the decision
Will's refusal to change his plan after their romance develops breaks Lou's expectation that shared happiness will settle their disagreement. Love leaves the central conflict unresolved.
Character links
Who connects to whom
Character motivations
What drives the characters
Lou wants to protect Will and prove another life is possible. Will wants control over his future, creating a conflict the film resolves through his choice rather than their agreement.
Adaptation