At first glance, you may think Me & Earl & The Dying Girl is just another movie about cancer, but we’re here to tell you to think again.
The movie based on the book of the same name by Jesse Andrews is a beautiful movie about teenagers, friendship and truly learning about someone. Yes, cancer is involved, but that’s honestly not even the main focus of the story.
The film was a big winner at the 2015 Sundance Festival taking home the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. The film will not only make you hysterically laugh, but also will make you shed some tears, so be sure to bring some tissues. The film follows Greg (Thomas Mann), a high school senior who is trying to blend in anonymously, avoiding deeper relationships as a survival strategy for navigating the social minefield that is teenage life. He even describes his constant companion Earl (RJ Cyler), with whom he makes short film parodies of classic movies, as more of a ‘co-worker’ than a best friend. But when Greg’s mom (Connie Britton) insists he spend time with Rachel (Olivia Cooke) – a girl in his class who has just been diagnosed with cancer – he slowly discovers how worthwhile the true bonds of friendship can be.
All three of the leads – Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke & RJ Cyler – give raw and emotional performances while the supporting cast of adults are on point. If you can put Connie Britton, Nick Offerman & Molly Shannon in a movie together, it’s gold.
We had the chance to sit down with the cast as well as director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon where they revealed their biggest challenges making the film, what would make the blooper reel and more.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl opens in theaters Friday, June 12. Definitely check it out!