<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, Steve Peacocke, Jenna Coleman, Charles Dance, Matthew Lewis, Janet McTeer, Vanessa Kirby and Joanna Lumley . </P> <P> Set in the UK, the film is shot in various historic locations around the country, including Pembroke Castle in Wales, and Chenies Manor House in Buckinghamshire, England . The film was released on June 3, 2016, in the US, received mixed reviews on Metacritic and grossed $207 million worldwide . </P> <P> 26 - year - old 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 the caregiver of 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 Nathan, his nurse, who assists with his care, exercise and movement and knows that he will never regain use of his body due to the damage to his spinal cord . </P> <P> Cynical and depressed because he can no longer live an active life, he 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 during which Louisa chastises him for being an arse . 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 life as fully as possible . </P>

Who plays louisa clark in me before you