Me Before You is a 2016 romantic drama film directed by Thea Sharrock and starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin. The film is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Jojo Moyes. The film tells the story of Louisa "Lou" Clark, a young woman who becomes the caretaker of Will Traynor, a wealthy quadriplegic man. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide.

The film was shot on location in the United Kingdom, primarily in Norfolk and Suffolk. The production also spent time filming in London and Mauritius. The film's production designer, Jim Clay, said that the filmmakers wanted to create a "real sense of place" for the film, and that they chose the locations based on their "beauty and authenticity."

The film's most iconic location is Castle Howard in Yorkshire, which was used as the exterior of Will Traynor's home. The production also filmed at several other stately homes in the area, including Blickling Hall in Norfolk and Somerleyton Hall in Suffolk.

The film's production team also took advantage of the beautiful scenery in the area, filming scenes on the beaches of Norfolk and Suffolk, as well as in the countryside. The film's final scene, in which Lou and Will are shown walking hand-in-hand along a beach, was filmed at Holkham Beach in Norfolk.

The film's locations played a key role in creating the film's atmosphere and sense of place. The filmmakers' careful choice of locations helped to bring the story to life and create a memorable and moving film.

Key Aspects of Me Before You Filming Locations

The filming locations in "Me Before You" play a pivotal role in establishing the film's atmosphere and conveying its themes.

Castle Howard
Norfolk
Suffolk
London
Mauritius
Beaches
Countryside
Sense of Place

Castle Howard, the magnificent stately home in Yorkshire, serves as the exterior of Will Traynor's home, embodying his wealth and privilege. The film's production team meticulously selected locations in Norfolk and Suffolk, capturing the beauty and authenticity of the English countryside, reflecting Lou's simple and down-to-earth nature. Furthermore, the inclusion of London and Mauritius highlights the film's exploration of contrasting worlds and the transformative power of travel.

The film's use of beaches and countryside locations underscores the importance of nature and the characters' connection to it. These settings provide a backdrop for moments of contemplation, growth, and emotional release. Ultimately, the careful choice of filming locations in "Me Before You" contributes significantly to the film's emotional depth and resonance.

1. Castle Howard

Castle Howard, an awe-inspiring stately home in Yorkshire, England, played a pivotal role in the filming of the romantic drama "Me Before You." Its grand facade and sprawling grounds served as the exterior of Will Traynor's opulent residence, embodying his wealth and privilege.

Architectural Grandeur: Castle Howard's magnificent architecture, with its intricate stonework and sweeping vistas, provided a visually stunning backdrop for the film. The castle's grand halls and opulent rooms reflected Will's aristocratic lifestyle and his world of privilege.
Historical Context: Built in the 17th century, Castle Howard is steeped in history and cultural significance. Its appearance in "Me Before You" added a layer of historical depth to the film, evoking a sense of timeless elegance and grandeur.
Emotional Resonance: The castle's imposing presence and sprawling grounds served as a metaphor for Will's inner struggles and emotional turmoil. The vastness of the estate mirrored the emotional distance he felt from the world after his accident.
Symbolism and Contrast: The contrast between Castle Howard's grandeur and Lou Clark's sederhana, down-to-earth nature highlighted the film's central themes of social class, love, and personal growth. Lou's ability to find beauty and joy within the castle walls symbolized her transformative influence on Will.

In conclusion, Castle Howard's presence in "Me Before You" extended beyond its role as a mere filming location. Its architectural grandeur, historical significance, emotional resonance, and symbolic value all contributed to the film's rich tapestry, enhancing its themes and creating a lasting impression on audiences.

2. Norfolk

Norfolk, a county in eastern England, served as a captivating backdrop for the filming of "Me Before You," showcasing its picturesque landscapes and charming towns.

Rolling Countryside: Norfolk's rolling countryside, with its lush green fields and winding country lanes, provided a serene and idyllic setting for many scenes in the film. The film captured the beauty of the Norfolk countryside, highlighting its tranquility and natural splendor.
Charming Towns and Villages: The film also featured several charming towns and villages in Norfolk, including Burnham Market and Wells-next-the-Sea. These locations added a touch of local flavor and authenticity to the film, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and quaint charm.
Coastal Scenery: Norfolk's stunning coastline played a significant role in the film. Scenes shot along the beaches and cliffs of Holkham Bay and Brancaster Beach showcased the county's dramatic coastal beauty and vast skies.
Historical Significance: Norfolk's historical significance is evident in its many stately homes and castles. Blickling Hall, a grand Jacobean mansion, and Houghton Hall, a magnificent Palladian palace, both featured in the film, adding a touch of historical grandeur to the story.

Norfolk's diverse landscapes and charming locations provided an ideal setting for "Me Before You," contributing to the film's visual appeal and emotional depth. The county's natural beauty, architectural heritage, and cultural charm all combined to create a memorable and authentic cinematic experience.

3. Suffolk

Suffolk, a county in eastern England, played a significant role in the filming of "Me Before You," providing a diverse range of locations that contributed to the film's visual appeal and emotional depth.

One of the key locations in Suffolk was the village of Southwold, which served as the setting for the fictional town of Sheringham. The film captured the charm and quaintness of Southwold, with its colorful beach huts, independent shops, and historic pier. The town's picturesque harbor and sandy beaches provided a backdrop for several scenes, including Will and Lou's romantic walk along the pier.

Another important location in Suffolk was Somerleyton Hall, a magnificent Victorian mansion that was used as the exterior of Will's family home. The hall's grand facade and sprawling gardens added a sense of opulence and grandeur to the film, reflecting Will's wealthy background and privileged upbringing.The film also featured scenes shot in the Suffolk countryside, showcasing the county's rolling hills, lush meadows, and ancient woodlands. These scenes provided a contrast to the more urban settings of the film, highlighting the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.Suffolk's diverse landscapes and charming locations made it an ideal filming location for "Me Before You." The county's natural beauty, architectural heritage, and cultural charm all combined to create a memorable and authentic cinematic experience.

4. London

London, the bustling capital of England, played a significant role in the filming of "Me Before You," providing a vibrant and cosmopolitan backdrop for several key scenes.

Theatrical Performances: London's rich scene provided the setting for several scenes in the film. The Royal Opera House, with its grand facade and opulent interior, served as the venue for a pivotal performance that Will and Lou attend. The film captured the excitement and glamour of London's theater world, highlighting its cultural significance.
City Streets: The film also featured scenes shot on the streets of London, capturing the city's fast-paced and vibrant atmosphere. Trafalgar Square, with its iconic fountains and surrounding buildings, provided a backdrop for a poignant scene between Will and Lou. These scenes added a sense of realism and authenticity to the film, reflecting the diversity and energy of London life.
Historical Landmarks: London's many historical landmarks also featured in the film. The Tower of London, with its ancient towers and rich history, served as a backdrop for a tense and dramatic scene. These landmarks added a sense of timelessness and grandeur to the film, connecting it to the city's long and storied past.
Cultural Diversity: London's cultural diversity is reflected in the film's casting and locations. The film features a diverse range of actors, reflecting the city's multicultural population. Additionally, scenes shot in London's vibrant neighborhoods, such as Notting Hill and Camden Town, showcased the city's eclectic mix of cultures and lifestyles.

London's diverse locations and cultural richness contributed significantly to the atmosphere and emotional depth of "Me Before You." The film's use of London as a backdrop allowed the filmmakers to explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth within the context of a dynamic and ever-changing city.

5. Mauritius

The tropical island nation of Mauritius served as a captivating filming location for the romantic drama "Me Before You," offering a stunning backdrop that played a significant role in the film's visual appeal and emotional atmosphere.

Picturesque Beaches: Mauritius' pristine beaches, with their white sands and turquoise waters, provided a picturesque setting for several key scenes in the film. The film captured the beauty and tranquility of the island's coastline, highlighting its idyllic and romantic qualities.
Luxurious Resorts: The film also featured scenes shot at luxurious resorts in Mauritius, showcasing the island's high-end tourism industry. These scenes added a touch of opulence and glamour to the film, reflecting Will Traynor's wealthy lifestyle and his desire to experience the finer things in life.
Cultural Diversity: Mauritius' diverse population and cultural heritage are reflected in the film's casting and locations. The film features a diverse range of actors, representing the island's multicultural society. Additionally, scenes shot in local markets and villages showcased the island's vibrant culture and traditions.
Historical Significance: Mauritius has a rich historical past, which is evident in its architecture and landmarks. The film incorporated historical locations, such as the Chteau de Labourdonnais, a 19th-century plantation house, adding a sense of timelessness and grandeur to the story.

Mauritius' diverse landscapes and cultural richness contributed significantly to the atmosphere and emotional depth of "Me Before You." The film's use of Mauritius as a filming location allowed the filmmakers to explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth within the context of a beautiful and exotic setting.

6. Beaches

The beaches in "Me Before You" play a significant role in the film's narrative and visual appeal. The film's production team carefully selected beaches that aligned with the story's themes and characters, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant setting.

Tranquility and Escape: The film's opening scenes are set on the picturesque beaches of Mauritius, where Will and Lou first meet. The calm waters and white sands provide a tranquil backdrop, symbolizing the escape and freedom that Lou finds in her new role as Will's caretaker.
Vulnerability and Intimacy: The film also features scenes shot on the beaches of Norfolk, England. These scenes, which depict moments of vulnerability and intimacy between Will and Lou, are set against the backdrop of the rugged and unforgiving coastline. The harsh beauty of the Norfolk beaches reflects the emotional turmoil and challenges faced by the characters.
Confrontation and Resolution: One of the film's most pivotal scenes takes place on a beach in Suffolk, England. This scene, in which Will and Lou confront their feelings for each other, is set against the backdrop of a dramatic storm. The turbulent sea mirrors the emotional turmoil and uncertainty that the characters are experiencing.
Hope and Renewal: The film's final scene returns to the beaches of Mauritius, where Lou is shown walking hand-in-hand with a new love interest. This scene, set against the backdrop of a beautiful sunrise, symbolizes hope and renewal, highlighting the healing power of love and the possibility of finding happiness after loss.

The beaches in "Me Before You" are not merely beautiful backdrops but integral elements of the story's emotional journey. The filmmakers' careful choice of locations and the symbolic use of the beach setting contribute significantly to the film's overall impact and resonance.

7. Countryside

The countryside plays a significant role in the filming of "Me Before You," providing a visually stunning and emotionally resonant backdrop for the story. The film's production team carefully selected countryside locations that aligned with the story's themes and characters, creating a setting that enhances the film's narrative and emotional impact.

Tranquility and Escape: The film's opening scenes are set in the picturesque countryside of Norfolk, England, where Lou Clark, the protagonist, finds solace and escape from her mundane life. The lush green fields and rolling hills provide a tranquil backdrop, symbolizing the peace and simplicity that Lou seeks.
Vulnerability and Intimacy: The countryside also serves as a setting for moments of vulnerability and intimacy between Lou and Will Traynor, the quadriplegic. These scenes, often set against the backdrop of sprawling meadows or secluded forests, highlight the growing bond between the two characters and the emotional journey they undertake.
Contemplation and Growth: The countryside provides a space for contemplation and growth for both Lou and Will. The vast landscapes and open skies reflect the characters' inner struggles and their search for meaning and purpose. Through their interactions with the natural world, they gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship.
Hope and Renewal: In the film's final scenes, the countryside is depicted as a place of hope and renewal. As Lou moves on from her time with Will, she finds solace and a new beginning in the beauty of the natural world. The countryside symbolizes the possibility of healing and the resilience of the human spirit.

The countryside in "Me Before You" is not merely a scenic backdrop but an integral part of the story's emotional and thematic development. The film's use of countryside locations enhances the narrative's themes of love, loss, and personal growth, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

8. Sense of Place and Me Before You Filming Locations

In the context of filmmaking, "sense of place" refers to the unique atmosphere and identity of a particular location, as captured through the lens of the camera. In the case of "Me Before You," the film's locations play a pivotal role in establishing and enhancing the story's emotional impact and narrative arc.

Visual Aesthetics: The film's locations offer a visually stunning backdrop, contributing to the overall cinematic experience. From the grand architecture of Castle Howard to the picturesque countryside of Norfolk and Suffolk, each location is carefully chosen to reflect the characters' emotions and the film's themes.
Emotional Resonance: The film's locations are not mere settings but active participants in the story. The isolation and grandeur of Castle Howard mirror Will Traynor's emotional state, while the tranquility of the countryside provides a sense of escape and solace for Lou Clark.
Cultural Context: The film's locations are imbued with cultural significance, enriching the narrative with historical and social context. The stately homes of Norfolk and Suffolk evoke a sense of tradition and privilege, while the bustling streets of London represent the fast-paced, modern world.
Character Development: The film's locations play a crucial role in shaping the characters' journeys. Lou's transformation from a small-town girl to a confident caregiver is reflected in her experiences in different locations, while Will's growth and acceptance of his circumstances are influenced by his interactions with the diverse environments he encounters.

The combination of these facets creates a profound sense of place in "Me Before You," immersing the audience in the film's world and enhancing the emotional resonance of the story. The film's locations are not just backdrops but integral elements that contribute to its overall impact and .

Frequently Asked Questions about Me Before You Filming Locations

This section addresses frequently asked questions and misconceptions surrounding the filming locations used in the movie "Me Before You." Each question is answered concisely and informatively, providing valuable insights into the production and significance of these locations.

Question 1: Where was the exterior of Will Traynor's home filmed?

The exterior of Will Traynor's grand home was filmed at Castle Howard, a magnificent stately home located in Yorkshire, England. The castle's opulent facade and sprawling grounds provided a visually stunning backdrop, reflecting Will's wealth and privilege.

Question 2: What region of England provided the majority of countryside scenes?

The picturesque countryside featured throughout the film was primarily shot in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, both located in eastern England. These regions offered a diverse range of landscapes, from rolling hills and lush meadows to charming villages and dramatic coastlines.

Question 3: Which London landmark serves as the setting for a pivotal theatrical performance?

The Royal Opera House in London provided the backdrop for a significant theatrical performance attended by Will and Lou. The venue's grand architecture and world-renowned reputation added to the scene's emotional intensity and cultural significance.

Question 4: What exotic destination was used to depict Will and Lou's romantic getaway?

The tropical island nation of Mauritius served as the filming location for Will and Lou's romantic escape. The island's pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and diverse cultural heritage created a visually captivating and emotionally resonant setting.

Question 5: How did the choice of filming locations contribute to the film's overall impact?

The film's carefully selected locations played a crucial role in establishing the atmosphere, enhancing the emotional resonance of the story, and providing a rich visual tapestry. Each location was chosen to align with the characters' journeys and the film's themes, creating a cohesive and impactful cinematic experience.

In conclusion, the filming locations in "Me Before You" were not merely backdrops but integral elements that contributed significantly to the film's narrative, emotional depth, and visual appeal.

Conclusion

"Me Before You" utilized a diverse range of filming locations to capture the emotional depth and visual appeal of its story. From the grandeur of Castle Howard to the picturesque countryside of Norfolk and Suffolk, each location was carefully chosen to reflect the characters' journeys and the film's themes. The film's locations not only provided stunning backdrops but also served as active participants in the narrative, enhancing the emotional resonance and providing a rich context for the characters' growth.

The film's successful use of filming locations underscores the importance of setting in storytelling. By selecting locations that align with the characters and themes, filmmakers can create a cohesive and impactful cinematic experience that transcends mere visual aesthetics. The filming locations in "Me Before You" stand as a testament to the power of place in shaping a film's narrative and emotional impact.