Then Came You

Then Came You is an engaging coming-of-age drama-comedy film released in 2018. This thought-provoking and heartfelt movie features an all-star ensemble including the incredible talents of Asa Butterfield, Maisie Williams, and Nina Dobrev. The film is directed by Peter Hutchings, known for his work in the romantic genre, and beautifully written by Fergal Rock. It sits comfortably within the tragicomic overlap that speaks to both our fondest hopes and deepest fears - life, death, and the meaning of both.

At the heart of Then Came You is a charmingly awkward and socially inept teenager named Calvin Lewis, powerfully brought to life by Asa Butterfield of "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" and "Hugo" fame. Calvin works as a baggage handler at the airport and is handicapped by hypochondria. His fears and neurotic behaviors cripple his social life, causing him to the edges of a world that should be beckoning him forward with opportunities for adventure, discovery, and self-fulfillment.

However, this bleak existence soon changes when Calvin meets Skye, an eccentric and vivacious British teenager with a terminal illness. Maisie Williams, best known for her role as Arya Stark in "Game of Thrones", portrays the force of nature that is Skye, with commendable flair and intensity, injecting the film with energy, humor, and heart. Skye is not merely a caricature of the ‘manic pixie dream girl’ but a living, breathing person fighting against the inevitability of life and squeezing out every ounce of fun and enjoyment from it.

Gently inveigling Calvin into her madcap world, Skye unveils her ‘bucket-list’, not a mere list of things she wanted to do before she dies but a 'To-Die-List'. With Skye's irresistibly infectious zest for life, Calvin finds himself drawn into helping her complete this list. Through their shared experiences, Calvin finds his horizons expanding and learns to step outside of his comfort zone, experiencing life's unpredictability and excitement for the first time. Skye, on the other hand, finds in Calvin a kindred spirit whose authenticity and sincerity touch her.

While Skye and Calvin's endearing friendship forms the backbone of Then Came You, there are other relationships too that weave the intricate emotional tapestry of the film. Izzy (Nina Dobrev), a flight attendant who also serves as Calvin’s love interest, plays a pivotal role in the narrative, blending in self-discovery, confusion, and longing into the emotional mix. Her exchanges with Calvin help to deepen his character, as well as provide key turning points in the story progression.

The script by Fergal Rock showcases a nuanced understanding of life and death, exploiting these themes to explore human bonds and the importance of living in the now. While the film does tug at your heartstrings, it intentionally steers clear of overt sentimentality. Instead, it harbors an underlying thread of melancholic hopefulness, of the beautiful temporality that life offers to us.

The cinematic flair of director Hutchings further amplifies the movie's thematic richness. Every frame of Then Came You is filled with meaning, with moments of silence speaking just as loud as the dialogues. Hutchings directs with an empathetic lens, coupled with apt camera movements that underscore the emotional underpinnings of each scene.

The use of music is another significant aspect of Then Came You, with a thoughtful selection that hits all the right chords, subtly amplifying the atmosphere of poignant reflection, youthful rebellion, and joyful exuberance.

Then Came You, thanks to its accomplished cast, its intelligent handling of sensitive subjects, and its balanced blend of humor and pathos, provides a refreshing and profound insight into the nature of the human spirit, resilience, and camaraderie. This movie succeeds in taking viewers on a full-throttled ride of laughter and tears, reminding everyone to seize life's moments and live to the fullest.

For a film touching upon such substantial heart-rending topics, it's surprisingly light-hearted and uplifting; it rejoices in life, even as it acknowledges its impermanence. Then Came You isn’t merely a story about coping with life’s harshest curveballs; it’s about embracing uncertainty, courting adventure, and cherishing the fleeting sparks of connection we form along the way.