Review of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) by Thomas D — 20 Nov 2015

Here's a film that perfectly executes what is in my opinion one of the hardest things to do in a film, balance comedy and drama. So often, I complain about a film that lacks the awareness to eloquently display laughs and tears in the same film. To go along with that, cancer is an incredibly difficult thing to portray on screen. It's a personal thing for so many people and Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is one of the best films that handles cancer with delicacy and grace.

Based on the 2012 novel of the same title by Jesse Andrews, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is about a high school outcast, Greg, somewhat forced into befriending one of his classmates, Rachel, after she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Much to the same beat as 'Dope' earlier this year, Greg and his friend Earl are nerds for lack of a better word. Except this time, they geek out over classic films instead of 90's rap, which already gives the film credit from me.

But meeting Rachel changed Greg in a way he doesn't initially want to admit. Their dynamic is a funny one, but it's also incredibly emotionally satisfying. This film also isn't your typical depressing story about death and grieving, it's surprisingly really funny and touching. Credit has to be given to Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, the director. I loved his style with the various camera positions and timely long takes. He had a knack for keeping the camera locked on his actors at just the right time and holding a zoom just long enough.

Praise should also be given to the actors. Molly Shannon, Connie Britton, and Nick Offerman all give good performances, but that's to be expected. I really thought Thomas Mann and Olivia Cooke stood out the most. The entire weight of the film rests on the ability to pull off their comedic timing but also bring the film to the emotional depths the script calls for. I love a good coming of age film, so this film was right up my alley. But the plot unfolds unexpectedly and it's handled in a unique and respectful way, so I can recommend this to anybody.

+Direction.

+Perfectly balances comedy and drama.

+Unpredictable.

+Performances all around.

8.4/10.