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| Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke star in "Me Before You." |
Director Thea Sharrock's film adaptation of Jojo Moye's 2012 best-selling novel doesn't quite meet the expectations that its textual counterpart set. The simultaneous depth and quirk that filled up every inch of the novel's two primary characters, Louisa and Will, didn't translate between the two mediums. Where the novel was round, the film was flat, and truly it's as simple as that. That's my primary critique. It's not a bad movie, it's really not. Jojo Moyes adapted her own work and included just enough to capture the essence of the plot and also created characters substantial enough to carry the weight—both emotional and physical—of the story. Despite the disparity between the two mediums, however, it's unarguable that this movie will be a 2016 hit. Sam Claflin as the handsome but ruthless quadriplegic Will Traynor, and Emilia Clarke as the effervescent, hopelessly-optimistic caretaker are perfect. They're mesmerizing on screen, and the chemistry could spark a fire even on the mistiest of nights. They're stunning and they make their acting, particularly the emotionally straining scenes, effortless and right. They're genuine and endearing. Additionally, Emilia Clark has, uncontestably, the most expressive eyebrows in Hollywood.
