Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) Review in 2025
A heartwarming and quirky coming-of-age story about a teenager who befriends a classmate with leukemia, exploring themes of mortality, friendship, and finding one's place in the world.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for older teenagers and adults due to its mature themes and some strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its unique blend of humor and drama, as well as its thought-provoking exploration of mortality and friendship. It's suitable for streaming or watching in theaters, but be prepared for some strong language and mature themes.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Greg, a high school student who documents his life through short films, as he navigates his relationships with his family, friends, and a classmate named Rachel who has leukemia. As Greg spends more time with Rachel, he learns to confront his own mortality and the impermanence of life, leading to a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world.
Review Details
story8.50/10
The story is well-crafted and engaging, exploring themes of mortality, friendship, and self-discovery in a unique and quirky way. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of humor and drama.
acting9.20/10
The acting is superb, with Thomas Mann delivering a standout performance as Greg. The supporting cast is also excellent, with RJ Cyler and Olivia Cooke bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
characters8.80/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Greg being a particularly likable and authentic protagonist. The supporting cast, including Earl and Rachel, add depth and complexity to the story.
direction8.50/10
The direction is excellent, with Alfonso Gomez-Rejon bringing a unique visual style and tone to the film. The cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the beauty and impermanence of life.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a mix of vibrant colors and muted tones that perfectly capture the mood and atmosphere of each scene. The camera work is also impressive, with a good use of close-ups and wide shots.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's unique visual style, engaging story, and superb acting make it a standout coming-of-age film. The themes of mortality, friendship, and self-discovery are timely and relatable, and the movie's quirky humor adds to its charm.
Cons
Some viewers may find the movie's pace a bit slow, and the strong language and mature themes may not be suitable for all audiences. Additionally, the movie's ending may be a bit too sentimental for some viewers.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a photographer, I'm a filmmaker. There's a difference."
"I'm not saying I'm a good person, I'm just saying I'm a person."
"You can't control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it."
