A cocky, yet emotionally distant high school student learns the true meaning of real friendship in the moving comedy, Me, Earl and the Dying Girl.
As his senior year begins, Greg (Thomas Mann) is the master of his universe. Cultivating relationships in each clique in his school, he effortlessly glides from circle to circle, not alienating anybody or anyone. Hanging out with his favorite teacher, Mr. McCarthy (Jon Bernthal) and his “co-worker” (best friend), Earl (Ronald Cyler), the two childhood friends have their own rhythm and perfectly understand each other.
Not comfortable calling Earl his friend because he doesn’t emotionally connect, the two share a twisted love of cinema, having created over 40 “faux” films, spoofing such titles as The Seventh Seal, A Clockwork Orange and others. Greg would need all of his creative ability when his mom (Connie Britton) strongly implores him to visit a neighbor’s daughter, Rachel (Olivia Cooke), who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. She sees right through his initial “pity” visit, but slowly Greg begins to win her over with his irreverence and charm.
Peppered with a slew of off-beat characters and crazy situations, Greg navigates his relationship with Rachel, not thinking about how much time she has but trying to make sure every moment is memorable and special. In the process, he discovers the ability to care in a way that he never knew possible.
Much like recent popular teen high school stories, The Fault in Our Stars and The Spectacular Now, screenwriter Jesse Andrews’ script doesn’t talk down to the audience or trivialize the subject matter. As Rachel spends more time with her new friend, she slowly begins to change him and her influence probably will stay with him for the rest of his life.
Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon creates a masterful film that successfully mixes light moments of high comedy with tender, serious moments showing the characters coping with Rachel’s illness in a mature fashion, years beyond their ages. The end result is a extremely warm and heartfelt film that never veers into areas of corniness or sappy drama.
In addition to outstanding work by Mann and Cooke, Cyler is also a comic revelation. His character initially doesn’t appear to have much to do but as the story evolves, Cyler’s arc substantially improves. Other notable standouts include Bernthal, Britton, and the ever-dependable and always funny Nick Offerman.
Ultimately, it is Greg’s sacrifice and Rachel’s friendship that are the defining aspects of this emotional powerhouse, based on Andrews’ novel, that is adept at brilliant storytelling as it is in ensuring that there will not be any dry eyes once the lights come up. Truly a cinematic surprise, Me, Earl and the Dying Girl may not have the best title but that doesn’t stop it from being a terrific film!
Grade: A