The Fundy Film Society

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann) is an awkward, self-deprecating high school student determined to coast through his senior year as anonymously as possible. Avoiding social interactions like the plague, Greg spends most of his time remaking wacky versions of classic movies with his only friend, Earl (RJ Cyler). Greg’s well-meaning mother (Connie Britton) intervenes, forcing him to befriend Rachel (Olivia Cooke), a classmate who has been diagnosed with leukemia. Against his better judgment, Greg concedes. Both Greg and Rachel are surprised—even shocked—to find out that they actually like each other. Tentative at first, this unlikely duo becomes inseparable. But when Rachel gets sicker, Greg’s well-fortified world is changed forever.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, an adaptation of a book by Jesse Andrews, is a film about finding out who you are in the world. It is a film—in fact, a film that loves film, celebrates film, and is very much about the medium—with beautiful shot composition, tense long takes and elaborate tracking shots. It tells a touching and incredibly funny story with very realistic, honest characters and enough self-awareness to make it all feel modern. Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and adapted by Andrews, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Festival.

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl has those handkerchief moments, but the laughs far outnumber the hard and sad punches. This is a movie that’s grounded in reality, has just enough whimsy and soars to the stars. It’s one of the best films of 2015.” (Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times)

“It’s a fresh, beautiful and heartbreaking achievement that continues to surprise until the very last scene. It’s dangerous to call something an instant classic, but sometimes it’s simply the truth.” (Gregory Ellwood, Hitfix)

“A smart-ass charmer, merciless tearjerker and sincere celebration of teenage creativity.” (John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter)