Me Before You, a romantic drama directed by Thea Sharrock and based on Jojo Moyes' bestseller, stars Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, and Janet McTeer in an adaptation that centers on the encounter between a young woman with few prospects and a former banker who has become tetraplegic. Released in theaters in 2016 through a production by New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the film will be available on Netflix starting January 1st, 2026, joining the platform’s romance catalog.
Louisa Clark, 26, lives in a small rural town in England, juggling various jobs to support her family. Her daily routine is upended when she takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a former businessman whose life has been shattered by a tragic accident. Determined to help him find meaning again despite his cynicism and reluctance to engage with the world, Louisa strives to create a space where he can rediscover some semblance of happiness.
As their relationship develops, Lou uncovers the deep inner struggles of Will, who is haunted by the loss of his independence and the drive that once propelled his life. The connection forming between them raises questions about the transformative potential of encounters, while also exposing the emotional and ethical dilemmas behind their decisions. The film weaves a romance centered on the right to self-determination and the challenge of loving unconditionally.
The adaptation was penned by Jojo Moyes herself, ensuring the original's intimate tone remains intact. The cast brings together several familiar faces from beloved series: Emilia Clarke and Charles Dance from Game of Thrones, Sam Claflin from Hunger Games, Jenna Coleman from Doctor Who, and Matthew Lewis from Harry Potter. Principal filming took place mainly in the UK, with a strong emphasis on actor preparation; Sam Claflin and Stephen Peacocke worked alongside occupational therapists to accurately mimic daily movements associated with tetraplegia. The soundtrack features compositions by Craig Armstrong, renowned for his work on Love Actually and Moulin Rouge!.
With its measured pace and focus on the characters’ emotional journeys, the film appeals to fans of heartfelt dramas and stories centered around caregiving, similar to titles like One Day or The Fault in Our Stars. Sharrock crafts a direction that highlights the stark contrast between Lou’s vivacity and Will’s resignation, leveraging the chemistry between Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin to forge a compelling dynamic of care and confrontation. The tone shifts between bright, hopeful moments and intimate tensions, crafting a narrative that explores the delicate theme of personal choice.
Me Before You
Film | 2016
Release in theaters: June 22, 2016
Available on Netflix starting January 1, 2026
Drama, romance | Duration: 1h50
Directed by Thea Sharrock | Starring Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer
Original title: Me Before You
Countries: UK / USA
The film offers a heartfelt reinterpretation of a forbidden love story, grounded in intimate exchanges and the pressure of making irreversible choices. With a script faithful to the novel and sharp performances, Me Before You stands out as one of the most memorable romantic dramas of the 2010s. Now available on Netflix, it provides a perfect opportunity to revisit this compelling tale of connection and personal growth.
To explore further, check out our curated list of Netflix new releases for January, our guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s top pick: What to watch today in streaming.
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