Me Before You 2016
Directed by
Thea Sharrock
Made by
New Line Cinema
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Me Before You (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
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.
Timeline
Track the key events of Me Before You (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Will Meets Lou
Will Traynor, a former vibrant individual now living as a tetraplegic, is introduced to Louisa 'Lou' Clark, a caregiver hired to assist him. Initially, Will is unresponsive and distant, reflecting his deep-seated depression and dissatisfaction with his life.
Lou's Determination
Despite Will's standoffish nature, Lou is determined to bring light into his life. Her goal is to break through Will's defenses and show him there are still joys worth experiencing.
The Harsh Truth
While getting to know Will, Lou uncovers his intention to visit Dignitas in Switzerland for assisted suicide. This shocking realization fuels her desire to change Will's mind about life and offer him hope.
Tensions with Patrick
As Lou immerses herself in helping Will, her boyfriend Patrick becomes increasingly jealous of the time they share. This tension leads to complications in Lou's personal relationships as she balances her caregiving with her romance.
Will's Longing for Alicia
Will begins to express his nostalgia for his former love, Alicia, demonstrating his unresolved feelings and emotional turmoil. He eventually invites Lou to accompany him to her wedding, highlighting their growing connection.
The Wedding Invite
Lou's attendance at Alicia's wedding with Will marks a significant moment in their relationship. At the wedding, Lou notices the impact Alicia had on Will and sees a different side of his emotional world.
Trip to Mauritius
Will takes Lou on a luxurious trip to Mauritius, an experience filled with beauty and profound conversations. It is during this vacation that Will candidly reveals his intentions to end his life, sparking a heartfelt discussion.
Heartfelt Confession
Amidst the beautiful scenery of Mauritius, Will asserts his wish for Lou to embrace life without him. He expresses his belief that she deserves to live fully, even if it means leaving him behind, deepening their emotional bond.
Lou's Heartbreak
Devastated by Will's decision and the weight of their conversations, Lou decides to withdraw from her role as his caregiver. She feels crushed by the reality of losing someone she has grown to care deeply for.
Return to the Café
After weeks apart, Lou finds solace in a café that Will often frequented. Motivated by her father's encouragement, she goes there hoping to find some comfort amidst her heartache.
Will's Letter
At the café, Lou discovers a letter written by Will specifically for her. In it, Will encourages her to live her life to the fullest and pursue her dreams, leaving a lasting influence on her.
A Lasting Legacy
Will's letter serves as a powerful reminder of his impact, urging Lou to carry on his message of hope. Despite his physical absence, his spirit encourages her to embrace life's potential and adventures.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Me Before You (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Will Traynor (Charles Dance)
Will Traynor is a complex character who transitions from a vibrant, adventurous individual to a man embittered by his paralysis. His initial aloofness is a defense mechanism against his suffering, though he possesses a deep longing for connection. The impact of his choices weighs heavily on those around him, revealing the profound effects of his struggle with despair.
Louisa 'Lou' Clark (Emilia Clarke)
Lou is a bright and cheerful individual whose sunny disposition stands in stark contrast to Will's despair. She embarks on a personal journey of growth, driven by her desire to prove to Will that life is worth living. Her character embodies resilience and the transformative power of love, ultimately leading her to find her own path after Will's heartbreaking decisions.
Patrick (Sam Claflin)
Patrick is Lou's boyfriend, representing stability and normalcy but also jealousy and insecurity as Lou's connection with Will grows. His character highlights the challenges of maintaining relationships when faced with significant emotional upheavals. Patrick's traits showcase a more conventional approach to life, which contrasts with the profound experiences that Lou shares with Will.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Me Before You (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues surrounding disability, mental health, and the right to choose one's fate. The relationships and struggles portrayed resonate with modern audiences, making them more relatable and impactful.
Location
Switzerland, Mauritius, Paris
Switzerland is known for its stunning landscapes and as a haven for those seeking assisted suicide, like Dignitas, where Will Traynor plans to end his life. Mauritius, a picturesque island in the Indian Ocean, serves as a backdrop for Will and Lou's deepening bond during a luxurious trip. Paris, famous for its romantic ambiance and rich culture, symbolizes the timeless influence Will has on Lou, especially in a café that holds special memories for him.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Me Before You (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
❤️
Love and Sacrifice
The film explores the theme of love intertwined with sacrifice, as Lou learns to love Will deeply while also confronting the painful reality of his intentions to end his life. Their relationship pushes both of them to grow, revealing the strength of human connection even in the face of despair. Ultimately, Lou's journey emphasizes the importance of living life fully, even when faced with heart-wrenching choices.
🌅
Hope and Despair
Hope and despair are central themes in the movie, as Will grapples with his loss of independence and Lou's determination to show him the beauty in life. The contrast between Will's hopelessness and Lou's optimism creates a powerful dynamic that highlights the importance of perspectives in challenging situations. Their paths reflect the delicate balance between finding joy amidst suffering.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.