Review of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) by Maksim B — 27 Mar 2016

Charming, sharp and never taking itself too seriously, Me, Earl and The Dying Girl is a heart-wrenching coming of age story that will make you feel emotional and vulnerable. Funny to watch and at the same time a classic tear-jerker the movie is never too melodramatic or sentimental. It is an intimate story of friendship and the inevitability of good and bad things in life.

Greg (Thoman Mann) is a weird and whimsy senior high-school guy who likes filming movies with his best friend Earl (R.J.Cyler). When his mother forces him to spend time with his schoolmate Rachel (Olivia Cooke), who is just diagnosed with cancer, Greg and Earl forge a new and unforgettable friendship. Funny, romantic, energetic and filled with irony, their friendship uncovers three complex characters and an unforgettably touching story. None of this would have been possible without the powerful directing of Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and his take on the significance of death. Helped by the trio of very talented young actors and accompanied by the Brian Eno's Another Green World album as a soundtrack, this movie is a wonderful example of a brilliant art meeting the hard and sad lessons of life.

As revealing too much of the story will spoil the overall experience, I would only add that the scene with Brian Eno's Big Ship will be remembered long, long time after the final credits while you will be listening to the song "on repeat" for even longer.

In conclusion, Me, Earl and The Dying Girl is an unforgettable, funny and heart-wrenching art-house movie that you will not forget. Easily the best independent delivery of 2015, this movie is a must see!