Based on the novel by Jesse Andrews, Me & Earl & the Dying Girl, is a coming-of-age story told from the point-of-view of an extremely sullen high school senior. Greg (Thomas Mann) unexpectedly finds himself spending with Rachel (Olivia Cooke), who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. Greg, who hates making waves and commitments, looks at his relationship with Rachel as a burden (his mom made him do it) and Rachel looks at it as a pity party, but they both agree to hang out as a way of pleasing their moms. What comes out of their friendship is a good amount of heart and a healthy helping of truth.

For lovers of the book, the movie holds a close resemblance. The characters transfer from page to screen smoothly as does the story. In a time where many YA novels are receiving film adaptions Me & Earl & the Dying Girl gives audiences something different. There’s an expectation of sadness, i.e there is a dying girl, but the film represents how absurd it can be to know you’re dying, that you will be dead soon. The performances feel honest, the story feels honest and in turn the movie is grounded. Connie Britton and Nick Offerman play Greg’s parents and Molly Shannon is Rachel’s mom. All three of them enhance the film without overpowering the three main actors, Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke and Ronald Cyler II. And Mann, Cooke and Cyler hold their own among such talent.

Me & Earl & the Dying Girl is a nice low-key flick that manages to carry its weight without dumping it all over the audience. There is no flash nor does the movie feel preachy. It’s a beautifully sad story that hits home the point that if we’re not laughing, we’re crying and allows for a little bit of both.