You’ve probably seen the yellow-and-black striped tights or heard the name Lou Clark. Maybe you’re a Jojo Moyes superfan who has read the trilogy twice. Or maybe you just saw the trailer on a streaming service and thought, "Oh, Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke? That looks like a cute weekend watch." But here is the thing about this movie. It’s not just a romantic drama about a quirky girl and a grumpy guy in a wheelchair. It is much heavier than the marketing suggests. If you’re looking for a Me Before You movie parents guide, you need to know that this film deals with a very specific, very controversial topic: physician-assisted suicide. It isn't just a "tear-jerker." It’s a philosophical debate wrapped in a love story.
The Reality of the Rating
The MPAA gave Me Before You a PG-13 rating for "thematic elements and some suggestive material." That’s a pretty vague description for what actually happens on screen. Honestly, the "suggestive material" is the least of your worries. It’s the "thematic elements" that do the heavy lifting. We are talking about a man who has lost his will to live because of a catastrophic spinal cord injury.
If you are watching this with younger teens, they might get the romance. They’ll see the chemistry. But the moral complexity of Will Traynor’s decision is something that requires a high level of emotional maturity. It isn't a movie you just "put on." You have to be ready to talk about it afterward.
Why the Controversy Matters
When the movie came out in 2016, the disability rights community was vocal. Many felt that the film sent a dangerous message: that life with a disability is not worth living. This is a crucial point for a Me Before You movie parents guide because it provides a teaching moment. You aren't just watching a story; you’re watching one specific perspective that has been criticized by organizations like Not Dead Yet.
Breaking Down the Content: Sex, Language, and Safety
Let’s get the checklist items out of the way.
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First, the "suggestive material." There is no actual nudity. You’ll see some kissing. You’ll see Lou and Will lying in bed together, fully clothed, talking. There is a scene at a wedding where some sexual tension is palpable, and they share a dance that is emotionally intimate, but physically, it stays well within the PG-13 boundaries. It’s a "clean" romance in the traditional sense. No sex scenes. No graphic visuals.
Second, the language. It’s pretty mild. You might hear a "damn" or a "bloody" (it is a British film, after all). It won't shock anyone who has watched a Marvel movie.
Third, violence. There is no violence in the traditional sense—no fights, no guns. However, the initial accident that paralyzes Will is shown briefly. It’s a sudden, jarring moment involving a motorcycle. It isn't gory, but it is traumatic. More importantly, the film depicts Will’s medical struggles. You see him dealing with a severe infection, high fevers, and the daily grind of physical therapy. It’s honest about the pain, even if it glazes over some of the more "un-glamorous" parts of being a quadriplegic.
The "Big" Topic: Assisted Suicide
This is where the movie shifts. Will Traynor has already made a deal with his parents. He will give them six months of his life, and after that, he plans to go to Dignitas in Switzerland. Lou is hired specifically to change his mind. She doesn't know this at first. When she finds out, the movie becomes a race against time.
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For parents, this is the core of the Me Before You movie parents guide. The film doesn't hide Will's intent. He is firm. He loves Lou, but he repeatedly states that his love for her isn't enough to make him want to live the life he currently has. He misses his old self—the adventurous, high-powered businessman.
This is heavy stuff.
It’s not just "sad." It’s a conversation about bodily autonomy, the ethics of ending one's life, and the impact that decision has on those who stay behind. The ending is exactly what you think it might be, and it doesn't offer a "miracle cure" or a change of heart. That lack of a "happy ending" can be devastating for younger viewers who are used to the power of love conquering all.
A Note on Emotional Weight
Some kids can handle blood and guts but can’t handle existential dread. This movie is pure existential dread. Lou Clark is a sunshine-personified character. Her failure to "save" Will is a massive emotional blow. If your child is sensitive to themes of loss, or if they have recently dealt with a death in the family, this movie might be too much. It isn't "escapist" entertainment. It’s a film that leaves you sitting in silence when the credits roll.
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Key Discussion Points for Families
If you decide to watch it, use these angles to talk through the experience:
- The Choice: Do you think Will was selfish, or was he being honest about his own suffering?
- Lou's Role: Is it fair to put the burden of "saving" someone’s life on a girl who was just looking for a job?
- The Controversy: Why do people in the disability community find this movie upsetting? (Talk about how people with similar injuries lead full, happy lives).
- The Ending: Why didn't the writer give us a traditional happy ending? What does that say about the story they wanted to tell?
Actionable Insights for Viewers
Before you press play, consider these steps to ensure the experience is productive rather than just upsetting.
- Pre-screen the Ending: If you have a younger teen, watch the last 20 minutes yourself first. It is intense. The final conversation on the beach is the emotional peak of the film.
- Balance the Narrative: If you watch this, consider also watching a documentary or reading about people like Haben Girma or Alice Wong. It helps to provide a counter-narrative to Will Traynor’s perspective that life with a disability is "less than."
- Check the Mood: This isn't a "distraction" movie. Don't watch it if the family is already feeling stressed or down. It’s a "full attention" film that requires emotional energy.
- Read the Book First? Sometimes reading Jojo Moyes' novel helps because it provides more internal monologue from Will and Lou. It makes the ending feel less like a shock and more like a culmination of the characters' journeys.
Ultimately, the Me Before You movie is a beautifully shot, well-acted piece of cinema that tackles a subject most Hollywood movies won't touch. It’s a polarizing film. It’s a heartbreaking film. But with the right preparation, it’s also a movie that can spark some of the most important conversations you’ll ever have with your teenagers about life, love, and what it means to truly live.