Everything, Everything

Everything, Everything is a 2017 romantic drama film directed by Stella Meghie and based on the 2015 young adult novel of the same name by Nicola Yoon. The film stars Amandla Stenberg, Nick Robinson, and Anika Noni Rose, with Jackie Earle Haley and Kali Uchis in supporting roles. The story revolves around Madeline Whittier, a 17-year-old girl who has been confined to her home her entire life due to her rare disease, SCID, or Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. Madeline's immune system is fragile and can't fight off any kind of infection, making her highly susceptible to contracting diseases from the outside world. As a result, her mother, Pauline (Anika Noni Rose), has been extremely cautious and created a sterile home environment, protecting Madeline from any potential threat. Madeline spends her days reading books, watching movies, and dreaming about a life beyond her isolated existence. She has become accustomed to this lifestyle, and her relationship with her mother is warm but strained, as her mother struggles to keep Madeline in a state of suspended animation, frozen in time. Madeline's world is small, monotonous, and devoid of excitement. That is until the new next-door neighbor, Olly Bright (Nick Robinson), arrives. Madeline is immediately drawn to Olly's charming and adventurous spirit, which makes her curious about the world outside her home. They strike up a conversation through their bedroom windows, exchanging sweet notes and witty banter. This secret friendship sparks hope in Madeline's heart, and she begins to imagine what it would be like to experience life to its fullest. As Olly and Madeline grow closer, their relationship deepens, and they start exploring each other's interests and secrets. Madeline confides in Olly about her disease, and he becomes her confidant and friend. She begins to realize that she can't spend her life locked indoors, hiding from the world. Her longing to be with Olly and experience love becomes an all-consuming force. As their relationship reaches new heights, Madeline's desire to experience the thrill of the unknown becomes overwhelming. She finds herself torn between her loyalty to her mother and the temptation of freedom. Pauline, on the other hand, becomes increasingly protective, fearing that Madeline's interactions with the outside world will put her life at risk. The tension within the Whittier household intensifies as Madeline and Olly continue to sneak around, exploring the community without Madeline's mother's knowledge. They find solace in each other's company, bonding over their shared sense of adventure and optimism. However, as the seasons change, and Madeline's birthday approaches, the weight of her disease becomes more pronounced. The fear of being trapped in a sterile bubble forever is suffocating, and Madeline makes the difficult decision to challenge her mother and the constraints that have governed her life. Madeline's journey is both a romance and a coming-of-age story. She begins to break free from her sheltered existence, taking tentative steps towards a more authentic and authentic life. Her love for Olly becomes a catalyst for self-discovery, as she confronts her fears and doubts, and strives to claim her right to live a life that is not defined by her disease. In the film's poignant climax, Madeline is forced to confront the harsh realities of her existence. Her love for Olly is undeniable, but she must also consider the possibility of never experiencing the world outside her home. Her mother's ultimate decision to let Madeline go and take the risk with Olly is both heart-wrenching and heartening. Everything, Everything is a tender and poignant love story about embracing life's risks and challenges. The film explores themes of identity, love, and the complexities of growing up. With its beautiful cinematography, captivating performances, and a narrative that is at once whimsical and grounded, the film is a must-watch for anyone who has ever dreamed of breaking free from their circumstances and taking a chance on life.