Something about this movie let it bypass cliches. It was believable, raw, authentic. Deep even. It's about two teenagers who navigate grief, mental illness, and the world. The boy, Finch, has a unique way of looking at the world, and such a lovable personality, just watching him smile and enjoy life made me want to as well.
This is more of a teenage movie, but I'm enjoying it in my early 20s and even considering buying the book, so don't let that steer you away!
STOP NOW IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED IT
SPOILERS AHEAD
I want to skim through the movie again and find the quotes they mentioned, and the poet Violet's sister liked. They stuck with me, being things I needed to hear. I love that they could quote deep quotes in the movie without it sounding fake and generic. The casting, and acting, were so well done. I'd say that's what made the movie come to life.
The ending was pretty happy, for a sad one. I was tearing up when Violet started to scream, seeing his clothes by the lake, and that didn't end until the credits. Her numbness as she waits for the police, the gloomy funeral where everyone tries to hold it together, but you know they're all grieving over the loss of a young life. Why didn't I see this coming? Could I have stopped him? All those questions that will go unanswered.
And Violet, how brave she was by the end of it. Unlike her sister's death, she didn't close off from the world. She opened herself up to it. She talked to her friends, Finch's friends, and his sister. She wrote beautifully about him, and how he changed her life for the better.
As painful as the whole scenario was, good did come out of it. His time on the earth was not wasted, he touched those around him.
Especially Violet, which I'm sure he would be proud of.
comment below and let me know what you think!