<P> Me Before You is a 2016 romantic drama film directed by Thea Sharrock in her directorial debut and adapted by English author Jojo Moyes from her 2012 novel of the same name . The film stars Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Jenna Coleman, Charles Dance, Matthew Lewis, Janet McTeer, Vanessa Kirby, Joanna Lumley, and Steve Peacocke . </P> <P> Set in the United Kingdom, the film is shot in various historic locations around the country, including Pembroke Castle in Wales, and Chenies Manor House in Buckinghamshire, England . Released on June 3, 2016, in North America, the film received mixed reviews and grossed $208 million worldwide . </P> <P> Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke) is a happy, outgoing woman who lives with and supports her working - class family . After losing her job at a local cafe, she is hired as a companion for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a former successful banker and once active young man who became paralyzed after being involved in a motorcycle accident two years prior . Louisa has no experience, but Will's mother believes her cheery personality will help lift his spirits . Will only spends time with his nurse Nathan (Steve Peacocke), who knows that he will never regain use of his body due to the damage to his spinal cord . Nathan assists him with everything physical like movement, exercise, and clothing . </P> <P> Cynical and depressed because he can no longer live an active life, Will initially reacts coldly to Louisa's upbeat demeanor and treats her with contempt . After two weeks, Will has a visit from his former best friend Rupert and ex-girlfriend Alicia, who reveal that they are engaged . Will manages to smash all the photographs on his dresser in anger and indignation, which Louisa tries to repair the next day, leading to a verbal altercation between the two . The next day, Will asks Louisa to watch a film with subtitles with him, and she accepts . The two begin to bond and eventually become close friends . Louisa and Will continue to talk daily; she learns that he is cultured and worldly, having traveled extensively . In contrast, her life so far has been simple, without many interests or hobbies or travel away from home . Her long - term boyfriend, Patrick (Matthew Lewis), is training to take part in a Viking triathlon in Norway, a hobby that he often chooses over spending time with her . Will urges Louisa to broaden her horizons and tells her that it's her responsibility to live her life as fully as possible . </P>

Who played louisa clark in me before you