YOUR “BEFORE” CAN TEACH YOU TO LOVE

“Before” is an adverb of time that echoes through two films filled with love and life-changing decisions—specifically in two characters who lived a “before” in their respective stories, forever marked by it. Two characters who could be a memorable, unique, and special matchmaking pair.

Let’s get into the context of the two films from which these characters emerge.

In “Before We Go”, Nick (Chris Evans) is a trumpet player questioning his life when he meets Brooke (Alice Eve), a woman who loses her money and credentials, preventing her from getting home. One night in New York gives them the perfect setting to meet and emotionally connect, as they realize the value of living in the present and making life decisions. A fleeting spark of love—genuine and sudden—appears, but Brooke decides to leave, and Nick is left with a new outlook on life.

On the other hand, in “Me Before You”, we face a heartbreaking ending when Will Traynor (Sam Claflin) makes a complex and devastating decision about his life, and Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke) sits in a Parisian café reading his final words in a letter encouraging her to live fully and pursue her dreams. Lou is ready to start living with a whole new perspective.

Did you figure It out which two characters are crossing over? Of course—we know you did.

We invite you to get comfortable and grab some (or a lot) popcorn to enjoy this unique summer love story. Here we go!

🎬After saying goodbye to Brooke in New York, Nick decides to audition as a trumpet player for a renowned jazz group set to perform at the Blue Note Jazz Club. He gets the job—his first step toward a new career and a sense of personal fulfillment.

Lou returns from Paris and decides to travel to New York to pursue her long-held dream of studying fashion design, which she had postponed to support her family. She enrolls at Vogue College in Manhattan, a place where high fashion meets urban innovation. Money is no longer a problem—the inheritance Will left her allows her to start a new life.

She begins college, and although each semester brings new challenges, she faces them head-on. That summer semester comes with a unique final project: producing a fashion magazine editorial photo shoot inspired by 1940s style, with the influence of the Jazz Era. “What better way to enhance the session than with live music?” her classmates suggest.

In search of a jazz band—and a little fun in the city that never sleeps—Lou and her classmates plan to visit jazz bars every Thursday for the next three weeks. They find talent, but not the essence they need for their project.

One night, without much hope, Lou walks into the Blue Note Club—just to kill time and soothe her loneliness in the city, missing her family, her home, and Will. As she sits and orders a drink—“Godfather of Soul”—her mind and heart travel back to that night she and Will attended a classical concert. Though it's a different genre, the emotional, melancholic music pulls her into deep memories of Will. Then, a new sound pulls her back to the present: a spotlight shines from the ceiling, illuminating Nick during his trumpet solo. She's captivated—by the sound and by Nick himself. (of course! we understand Lou)

There are glances that meet at just the right moment. That’s what happens when Nick finishes his solo and briefly scans the crowd—there’s Lou, watching with a genuine smile and her unique, colorful style. Impossible to miss her. Impossible for her to look away.

The band continues with their improvised swing melodies. Lou is enchanted. Nick keeps searching for her face all night long. (OMG the soundtrack here is amazing… can you feel it?) When the set ends, Nick wonders if he should approach Lou. Should he risk connecting with a woman again, only to lose her? The question burns in his mind. A beer at the bar helps cool his nerves just enough to make the decision to introduce himself.

At the same time, Lou is trying to silence her emotions. She walks over to Nick—not for anything romantic, but to propose that he join her 1940s fashion project. Just a work collaboration—her heart isn’t ready for more.

Their encounter is simple, yet full of knowing laughter that hides fear and a strange but comforting sense of safety—something they haven’t felt in a long time. Lou remembers Will’s words about being happy. Nick recalls Brooke’s words about not needing to know the future—you’ll live it either way. Focus on the present.

Later that night, Nick talks to his bandmates and they all agree to visit Vogue College and learn more about Lou’s project. On the day of the photo shoot, everything goes perfectly. Nick feels inspired by Lou’s presence, playing improvised melodies that elevate the mood.

Lou can no longer deny that her soul is drawn to this stranger who looked at her so deeply that night at Blue Note. Her impulsive spirit leads her to invite Nick for coffee—because yes, taking risks is one of her fears, and she promised herself she’d try to be happy. (More popcorn… please)

They spend that sunny summer afternoon in Bryant Park, growing closer in a strange and intriguing way. They share their past stories—how they were before, how they’re trying to live in the now, giving themselves the chance to connect with someone new.

A conversation that lasts hours fades into night. Ever a gentleman, Nick walks Lou home. She lets him kiss her. A kiss that opens the door to a new story—one full of companionship and mutual support as they take small steps and grow together. (Awwwww! we're not crying, we´re not crying… never mind…we're crying )

That summer brings many outings, deep conversations, jazz concerts, dancing, success in Lou’s college projects, passionate nights, and delicious morning coffees.

Until one Thursday night, like every week, Nick and his band are playing at Blue Note—and Brooke appears in the crowd. She wants to talk to Nick and propose a life together. She finally left her husband and hasn’t stopped thinking about Nick—about what could have been beyond that one kiss. (Brooke get out of here!)

Nick is shocked—Brooke is back, the note he left for her worked, it made her come back. Now, Nick is at a crossroads: accept Brooke’s offer and explore if that’s the future he was meant for, or stay with Louise—the one who’s part of his present, who brings emotional stability and a love they choose every day.

What should he do?

There’s no doubt that both Nick and Lou said goodbye to people who deeply impacted their lives. Two goodbyes that taught them to live for themselves, to embrace the present, to honor their dreams, to value themselves, and to understand love through the profound, inexplicable connection that can arise with a stranger.

Hey, thanks for reading. What a joy! We hope you have enjoyed this article. Our past can teach us many ways to love—but the decisions will always be ours to make. What do you think?

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