Movie Review: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Move over, John Green.

By Jared Alex Tan

PHOTO: Lionsgate

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Drama, Comedy [PG13]
Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, Ronald Cyler II
105 min

Coming to terms with death is a part of life that no one is really prepared to handle, especially more so in one’s younger years. As the name suggests, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl puts three teenagers in that very situation, and while it might be easy to pass the film off as just another The Fault In Our Stars, this is a movie worth watching nonetheless.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl follows the story of Greg Gaines, an awkward teenager who avoids being a social outcast by associating himself with every clique in school. When Rachel Kushner — a former childhood friend — is diagnosed with leukaemia, Greg is forced by his parents to spend time with her, and after developing an unlikely friendship, he enlists the help of his best friend Earl to create a film dedicated to her.

Considering that both are adapted from young adult novels centred around terminally-ill teenagers, audiences might make comparisons to The Fault In Our Stars. The key difference between the two films, however, is that Me and Earl and the Dying Girl does not concern itself with the topic of romance. In an early scene, Greg himself denounces the possibility of a relationship with Rachel, and what follows is a refreshing platonic love that is not often seen in the movies of today.

Thomas Mann and Olivia Cooke lead the cast as Greg and Rachel respectively, and like so many young adult protagonists before them, bring a relatable disposition that audiences will be able to connect with. In one particular scene, the two discuss the social complexities that come with school life, and the resulting conversation will evoke memories that are so relatable that viewers will feel like they’ve experienced it themselves.

Ronald Cyler II rounds out the cast as Earl, his nonchalant, deadpan attitude a welcome juxtaposition to Greg’s animated personality. The two shine in their scenes together, bringing a chemistry that helps to ground the film in reality. For a character whose name is in the film’s title, however, Cyler unfortunately doesn’t receive enough screen time, which is a shame considering that he has the potential to be the film’s breakout character.

Another noteworthy aspect of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is the film’s cinematography. The camera is often in a constant state of dynamic motion, and moves in a way that is reminiscent of scenes out of a Wes Anderson film. With its innovative use of quick camera pans and upside-down shots, the visuals — coupled with an equally compelling soundtrack — make Me and Earl and the Dying Girl one of the most aesthetically appealing films of the year thus far.

With its young cast, quirky dialogue and sea of pop-culture references, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a film that will appeal to millennial audiences, and not many others. Due to a limited release, it probably won’t receive the same amount of recognition that The Fault In Our Stars did, but those willing to give Me and Earl and the Dying Girl a chance will find a surprising amount of heart and poignancy in this indie film.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is currently playing at The Projector, located at Golden Mile Tower (6001 Beach Road, #05-00, S199589). For showtimes and more information on their eclectic selection of movies, visit their official website or Facebook page.