Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

This is the first film to hit me hard emotionally since 50/50 back in 2011. The subject matter of both films really hits close to home for me and like 50/50 did, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl handles it perfectly thanks to an engaging and well-written story and great performances.

Adapted from Jesse Andrews' novel of the same name, the film follows Greg (Thomas Mann), a self-loathing teenager who doesn’t feel like he fits in with any of the cliques at his high school. He makes short parody films outside of school with Earl (RJ Cyler), his only real friend. When Rachael (Olivia Cooke), a girl at his high school is diagnosed with leukemia, he reluctantly befriends her and they form a connection.

Unlike a lot of other films that deal with terminal illness, this one isn’t sappy and actually feels genuine. The connection that forms between Greg and Rachael over the course of the film is both touching and believable. They start off not liking each other much, but begin to bond largely because of Greg introducing her to his short parody films. Both Mann and Cooke are phenomenal in their respective roles. Gregg is relatable to anyone who went through high school feeling like they had no identity and just couldn’t fit in. RJ Cyler is also great as Earl, who Gregg doesn’t consider to be a “friend” because he’s just so negative and self-loathing. Nick Offerman and Connie Britton shine in their supporting roles as Gregg’s parents who push him to befriend Rachael because they see the larger picture, unlike him. Jon Bernthal gives easily his best performance to date as Mr. McCarthy, Greg’s English teacher who sees the good and potential in Greg that Greg himself doesn’t see.

Despite the title, this is more than just a film about a dying girl. It’s really a film about the strong bonds and connections we can and often need to make to help not only others, but also ourselves. It has an upbeat message despite the grim subject matter, and boy does the film pack a strong emotional punch. I cannot recommend it enough.