Ready-To-Use Movie: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Greg Gaines is like desperate to fit in, awkward and not entirely sure who he is so drifts around various school cliques. Things begin to change when he learns that a fellow student and former childhood friend, Rachel, has leukaemia, and he is forced by his parents to befriend her.

Films sometimes allow us to experience tough situations and emotions, as well as themes we’d rather not think about (like young people dying). Me and Earl and the Dying Girl explores themes of mortality and growing up centred power of friendship. Written by Jesse Andrews and based on his novel, the film has really likeable leads. Greg, Earl and Rachel are all immediately relatable people with great flaws and great potential. They feel like young people you might meet. Greg and Earl are initially loners who don’t want to engage with the outside world, but through their (initially reluctant) friendship with Rachel, they become aware of the necessity of connecting with others.

In this clip, Greg visits Rachel in a hospice. Rachel is on the verge of dying and due to some foolish actions on Greg’s behalf, has been estranged from her friends. On the day of senior prom, Greg visits Rachel, attempting to reconcile with her one last time. Together, they watch a film he’s made for her. Greg’s film is an interesting reflection on their friendship and situation, as is their reaction to it. As the clip progresses, Rachel’s fate is revealed. After the clip, discuss:

• What sort of words do you associate with death? How do you think that the various characters are feeling at different points in the clip?
• Would a loving God allow young people to get sick and die?
• Is there a correct Christian response to death?

Read John 14:1-4 and discuss:

• How do you think this verse can be interpreted?
• What view of death do you think that this passage is putting forward?
• Do you think that this verse is comforting when considering the idea of death? Why?
• Is it hard to believe in God when you are sick or know that you are dying?

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a surprisingly deep film that deals with what could potentially be a cringe-worthy subject. It is an amusing, layered film that continuously subverts your expectations. If you get the opportunity, why not watch the whole film so that your young people can see the whole journey Greg and Rachel go on?

Tom Wade is head of religious education at Samuel Ryder in St Albans.