“You can’t blame gravity for falling in love.” These were lines written by the well known physicist Albert Einstein. And these lines were so true for Abbie (Gugu Mbatha Raw) and Sam (Michiel Huisman). They were in love with each other ever since they were eight years old. Some would say that they never got a chance to experiment or play the field, but they did not need to play the field, they were just perfect for each other. Sam was as clumsy and absent minded as can be. He wore two different socks in his feet, every single day, because he just could not make out the difference. Abbie was always on edge, always very precise and a control freak. If it was up to Abbie, she’d control how Sam breathed or how people reacted or how situations should have moulded around her. These two very-very different people completed each other. He calmed her down and she did her best so that he’d not make a fool of himself.
So, when Abbie is diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, it naturally comes as a big shock. She had it all planned out, every aspect, she’d planned a forever for them. A forever where they’d be together, a forever where they’d grow gray haired next to each other. Unfortunately, life does not come with a heads up, neither does it give you an opportunity to be prepared.
The movie takes the audience on a journey of tears and laughter as Abbie, tries to map out Sam’s life, once she’s no longer there. She interviews multiple women, just to find someone who can take care of him after she’s gone. She rejects numerous women, passing comments like, “Too sexy” “Too clumsy” “Too conceited”. She writes small post it notes, reminding him to eat, to check his socks, and a reminder that she’d always love him. Eventually Sam gets to know about her latest obsession and he tries to make her understand that he’ll be okay. They finally understand that no matter what happens tomorrow, they must not waste today.
Abbie dies as the cancer engulfs her. But, through their little journey, the movie conveys a very thought provoking message, that even though these two loved each other, they did not get a forever, but, in reality nobody does. There are a very few people who get to love and be loved back and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters. So, you can plan all you want, but, the only thing that is certain is uncertainty. You might as well be in the moment and be thankful for the fact that you have a today, no matter what happens tomorrow.
This post and art was by Samiksha Yadav, IInd year.
