In a Girl’s Time of Need, a Boy Learns How to Connect

Thomas Mann and Olivia Cooke in "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl"
Photo Credit: Cinematicshadows.com

When a film deals with romance, one of the characters in the relationship might have a terminal illness.  While that may seem like a cliched and tacky method to get tears from moviegoers, it can actually serve the story in a thoughtful and beautiful manner, if the illness aspect is dealt with in a tasteful manner.

Such is the case with director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s coming-of-age film, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” where he travels through the minefield awkwardness of high school, while placing it in a story about a boy who learns how to bond with others and the situation that helps him achieve that.

Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann) is a high-school senior who does what he can to not become too attached with others, only having tenuous connections with people within his school, including Earl (Ronald Cyler II), with whom Greg makes short films that parody other films.  When classmate Rachel Kushner (Olivia Cooke) is diagnosed with leukemia, Greg’s mother (Connie Britton) requests that he reach out to Rachel during her difficult time.  Although hesitant of the idea at first, Greg will eventually develop a deeper connection with Rachel than he has ever done with any other classmate.

Mann’s character is rather enigmatic, especially in the opening portion of the film.  He doesn’t seem pleasant at all when we first meet him, but we gradually becomes more likable as he begins to show some sense of connection with Rachel.  Greg can get on your nerves at times with his reserved personality, but once he finally becomes an openhearted person, you know that you have seen his character grow up, and seeing him become a caring individual is one of the film’s several rewards.

Olivia Cooke turns in a performance that will, hopefully, make her into a much sought-after actress.  She is one of the best parts about television’s “Bates Motel,” and this film shows that she deserves all of the work she can get.  Although her character is ill, Cooke wonderfully displays Rachel’s sense of humor and strength, all while exhibiting a friendly warmth whenever on screen.

The screenplay by Jesse Andrews, who adapted the film from his novel, carefully and effectively sets up the development of Greg as he begins to reach out to others.  It’s a detailed journey of him transitioning from someone without any true friendships to someone who makes a difference in a person’s life through interaction.

Director Gomez-Rejon doesn’t make this film feel at all like a disease-of-the-week movie, but instead creates a loving portrait of what it means to bond with someone when they need it most and do something memorable for them.  Although this is an emotional story, Gomez-Rejon adds some touches of quirky humor that compliment Greg’s offbeat nature, but does a commendable job with not letting them interfere with the more dramatic aspects of the story.

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” isn’t only a well-made comedy-drama, but is also one of the best high-school movies to come around in a while.  With its realistic characters and touching story, it’s a film that will move any viewer.

Final grade: A