“Everything, Everything” will be released in theaters this week. And for the record, it is everything.
Based on the debut novel by Nicola Yoon, the story is now a major motion picture. The movie stars Nick Robinson (Melissa & Joey, Jurassic World), Anika Nani Rose, and Amandla Stenberg in the main role, who you may remember as Rue in the Hunger Games series.
The story revolves around Madeline, or Maddy. She was born with a disease known as SKID (severe combined immunodeficiency), meaning she has a very weak immune system and her body can’t fight off bacteria. Because of her condition, she must stay inside her house at all times, and has never been outside.
The movie, much like the novel, explores the fun but awkward nature that comes with being a teenager breaking out of their shell. But adds an interesting twist: what if all your experience came from watching the outside world, but not being a part of it?
Amandla Stenberg dazzles as Maddy, making her lovable and understated in the beginning, but also strong and fearless as the movie progresses. After seeing this movie, I can’t wait to see Amandla in more leading roles.
Stenberg’s chemistry with Nick Robinson’s Olly is electric and irresistible. There are lots of romantic, intimate moments between the two, but also lots of humor that viewers will love. Nick Robinson is the perfect leading man. If you’re not crushing on him now, just wait, because you will be now. He says in the movie, “I’m not a prince.” But oh, he couldn’t be more wrong.
The best thing about this movie (and the novel) is the world that Maddy creates inside her head while being inside her whole life. The character has an extensive imagination that she uses to entertain herself in her monotonous, same day-after-day life. She reads and writes book reviews, watches online videos, and makes detailed dioramas of libraries and restaurants. When she meets Olly, she imagines the two of them living in her dioramas, as if it is the only place that the two can meet in person. These little worlds that Maddy creates are so appealing, the audience will wish to have a place of their own just like them. The director, Stella Meghie, brilliantly brings these imaginary worlds to life in an enticing way that no other director would.
The most memorable scenes of the movie take place in Hawaii, and it will make the audience jealous that they’re not in Hawaii themselves. The land, the grass, the ocean; everywhere there are colorful scenery that will leave you breathless. It’s almost as if the audience is experiencing what Maddy is experiencing: seeing the islands in person for the very first time.
“Everything, Everything” will take you on an adventure. And for fans of the book, the movie is very true to the original story. The movie is the perfect execution of a trans-formative love story brought to life.