I’m a sucker for romance films. I love classics like Pride and Prejudice, British accents, and grand gestures to win the girl. Stories about conflict, perseverance, and love conquering all tug at my heart. That’s what drew me to Me Before You, a movie recommended “for me” on streaming platforms. With its charming cast and intriguing premise, I gave it a shot, expecting an uplifting tale of love overcoming adversity. What I found instead was a chilling endorsement of euthanasia wrapped in a sentimental love story.
The film centers on a wealthy young man who becomes a quadriplegic after a tragic accident. Consumed by bitterness, he alienates everyone—until a cheerful young woman enters his life as a companion. Through her resolve and kindness, she helps him rediscover joy and purpose. Their budding romance is beautiful, a testament to the power of selfless love. But the story takes a dark turn when he ultimately chooses physician-assisted suicide, despite her protests and commitment to him.
What could have been a story of love triumphing over despair instead becomes a disordered celebration of autonomy at all costs. Chillingly, the title Me Before You takes on a literal meaning, reflecting a worldview that prioritizes personal preference over the dignity of life itself. The message is clear: suffering is intolerable, and if life doesn’t meet our standards, ending it is not only permissible but noble.
This cultural narrative—which Hollywood has played a big role in shaping—is deeply troubling, especially as lawmakers across the country consider policies that echo its premise. In Illinois, lawmakers are pushing to legalize “Physician Assisted Suicide” (PAS), while in Montana, where it is already legal, legislators are debating its ethical and legal implications. Meanwhile, Delaware is revisiting a bill that could make PAS an option for terminally ill patients. These conversations underscore a cultural shift that prioritizes personal autonomy above the inherent dignity of life.
Proponents of PAS argue for “death with dignity,” but true dignity is not found in eliminating suffering by eliminating the sufferer. As Catholics, we recognize that every life, even when marked by suffering, has profound value. True love calls us to sacrifice, not to abandon. By embracing the cross, we discover the purpose in suffering and love that transcends even the deepest pain.
Hollywood may glorify euthanasia, but the gospel shows us a better way: putting others before ourselves, even when it’s hard. True love demands nothing less.