Desperate. That's how Louisa felt after loosing the job she's held for six years; it's how she felt when Mrs. Taynor was interviewing her; and it's how she felt every morning since she agreed to attend to William Traynor.
The Story
It's 2009 and Louisa (Emilia Clarke) and her family are going through a rough patch with the economic decline. Accepting a job that needed no qualifications, Lou finds herself strapped to insufferable Will Traynor (Sam Claflin). Sure she can't say that to his face since he's a quadriplegic, but surely he could at least smile at her.
But when Will receives a visit from two devastating blast from the past, the icy tension finally breaks between employer and employee. But just as the tension eases, an avalanche of truth tumbles down towards Lou as she realises that her six-month contract is a countdown. It's a countdown to show each other that life is worth living.
Based on Jojo Moyes' bestselling novel, the adaptation is pretty accurate to the book. Flowing the same plot and the same struggles that both Louisa and Will go through, it's a picture-perfect book-to-film adaptation.
The Cast
I will confess that I saw the trailer before I read the book, so I have limited my imagination this time around. But in saying that...
Emilia Clarke did a brilliant job with bringing Louisa to life! Since the book is written in (mostly) Louisa's perspective, Clarke did have a lot of guidance in terms of her characterisation. In truth, based on what I've seen in interviews, Clarke is Clark. They have the same energy, humour and wit - and this role is far from her fierce portrayal of Daenerys on The Game of Thrones. She's lively, funny and down to earth.
Sam Claflin on the other hand was brilliant at juggling the brooding, sarcastic and witty nature of Will Traynor. It was clear that he enjoyed the little one-liners that he exchanged with Clarke as well as the tension that he built with his silence and facial features. He was also very controlled in his portrayal of a man who's paralysed from the shoulders down. I dip my hat to you Claflin, that would have taken a lot of time to master.
Stephen Peacocke gets another special mention since he's a fellow Aussie. Pretty accurate portrayal of Moyes' comic relief and soundboard. Plus, it was nice to hear an Australian accent in a sea of British tones.
Overall...it's definitely one for the ladies. I will say the service at Event Cinemas Gold Glass was amazing and the food was worth every penny. Thank you guys so much!
sL Star Rating: ★★★
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