This is one of the very few narratives where I watched the movie and did not read the book. I guess it’s because the trailer simply bowled me over and I just had to watch the movie. Yes, the movie was released two years ago in 2016, and I am late. THAT is because I am not a big fan of romantic movies, but this one I just had to watch.

The story revolves around a ball of life and sunshine in the form of Louisa Clarke who keeps switching jobs to make ends meet. Her upbeat attitude is put to test when she becomes Will Traynor’s caregiver. A wealthy, youthful and charismatic banker, Traynor had everything you could possibly want in life. That is until an accident left him paralyzed and unable to do anything except talk. 

Of course, you can guess what happens next. Yes, it is slightly cliched with the quirky and cheerful Louisa trying to bring the cynical and pessimistic Will back to life. But, on the other hand it rings true. When calamity strikes in the form of a long term condition or disease, sometimes it’s just hard to accept that this is how you’re going to be living the rest of your life. How can you step out of your comfort zone? Do you just go on living or do you go the extra mile to be content? And most importantly, who can you truly trust when everyone you once held dear deserts you? The movie portrays the answers to these questions beautifully and the review by The Guardian puts it best – “…The movie offers a chance to pause and reflect on the real value of life”.

I also loved seeing the transformation of Moyes’s characters. But, I am not going to dwell on that. You’ve got to watch the movie! BUT, I am going to take the liberty to note down my favorite quote from the movie – “You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”

P.S. : You WILL be crying at the end. 

Rating: 8/10

There were a whole lot of reviews for this movie. But I’ve selected a couple of extracts from just three.

The Guardian
Rating: 2/5
“Transferring from theatre, director Thea Sharrock ramps up the property porn, while failing to fill this space with anything like recognisable human activity or emotion”

New York Times
Rating: Not stated
“…sits at the point where tedium, ridiculousness and heartfelt sentiment converge, separated by an all-but-imperceptible distance. You can’t really argue with someone else’s tears. You can, however, find yourself mystified by them”.

The Hollywood Reporter
Rating: Not stated
“A bubbly, broody love triangle in which death is the third party…”