Irreplaceable You (2018) User Reviews (56)

Sticks to the recipe

[elliest_5 · 5/10 · 8 March 2018]

It's not a bad film. It's definitely watchable and I did get a little teary towards the end, so I wouldn't call it soul-less either. It just doesn't have enough soul and it doesn't have enough originality.

In fact, I've recently come up with a category of films that this would totally fit into. It's called "scripts that could have been written by an AI". A successful AI mind you - one that has been fed every produced script on the same topic, but also one that cannot produce anything genre-defying or ground-breaking.

So here's the recipe it operates on:

• Take the "Love Story" (the 1970 film) premise (as used by a million other films between then and now).

• Add a specific take and tension to the story, as previously done by films like "My Life Without Me" (2003)

• Create good chemistry between two stereotypical protagonists (the "loveable and deceptively sexy nerd" male and the "strong, funny, and beautiful" female)

• Add the sidekicks: the "mischievous, promiscuous, but supportive best mate", the "(much older, quirky, and wisecracking) unlikely friend", the "overbearing but still loving" mother, plus a couple more distinct-enough-but-not-too-memorable-so-as-not-to-overshadow-the-protagonists characters.

• Make the photography and styling Instagrammable

• Add a pleasant soundtrack

• Cast a veteran actor in the old-but-quirky role

• Cast a hunk recognisable from an extremely popular TV series to attract the fandom

• Lightly sprinkle on top with quotable wisdoms about the meaning of life and death

And there you have it. Served lukewarm on Netflix.

Pretty good netflix watch

[noahhibdonlhhs · 6/10 · 20 February 2018]

Irreplaceable You is the story of a couple who had been in love since childhood, but their worlds came crashing down when Abbie (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is diagnosed with terminal cancer. One of the biggest issues with this film was such a contrast in the tone, because a story about a couple torn apart by cancer seems sad, but the first hour is really upbeat and feels like a romantic comedy, glazing over the impending death like a formality. The tone eventually shifts to a more somber setting, but this contrast was really off-putting and distracted from the movie. That being said, the rest of the film was pretty good. Christopher Walken had a touching lovable character and the two main actors clearly had great on screen chemistry with each other. It was a touching film that really worked the emotions in the latter half, but the first half is so different it barely feels like the same movie. Alone, each half is really good, but together it can be conflicting. Overall a great netflix film for movie night with a significant other. Definitely worth the watch.

Afternoon movie for when you're feeling sick

[davek28 · 6/10 · 30 August 2018]

Okay, I'm only watching this because I adore Gugu Mbatha-Raw. She's terrific in everything she's in. But otherwise it's an absolutely meh film which, despite my usual tendency to bawl at sad films, does nothing for me.

There's the occasional amusing line of dialogue, which helps. But, for some reason, I just felt distanced from the whole thing. Not enough character development? Maybe it's too corny? After all it's nothing new. It's all been done before.

The cast is good, and they all put in a lot of effort, but the whole is smaller than the sum of its parts. Gugu is wasted but is still nice to look at and does a good job with mediocre material. Actually, her character is really annoying.

A touching film

[Gordon-11 · 7 July 2018]

This film is about a woman with terminal caner, who tries to make her fiance's life perfect after she is gone.

It is hard to summarise my feelings for this film. On one hand, it is a beautiful story because the woman is so protective of the fiance. On the other hand, she can be viewed as overly controlling. The story is very touching at the end. It is also a great thing to see so many famous faces in it.

Look its watchable. But ... (SPOILER ALERT)

[bringamac · 7/10 · 22 February 2018]

FINAL WARNING! SPOILER ALERT!

Here's the thing, the storyline is good. But the one thing that I seem conflicted about is that I can't tell whether this movie is a dark comedy or a sad love story. I also dislike that at the very beginning it tells us what is going to happen. Give the viewer the chance to connect to the main character before already telling us she passed away!!! (sorry that part really bothered me). Also, I felt the film was somewhat low budget, or maybe they could have added more onto it, for example I think a scene of her funeral would have credited the movie better. Also, I dislike that at the end it seemed like everybody was too happy. IDK it just felt off, maybe I am too emotional. Nonetheless for being a Netflix Original, it is something you could watch to kill time. But I probably wouldn't watch it again. Oh last thing, CANCER SUCKS!!

So so sad

[alsoufi · 7/10 · 26 February 2019]

A cute nice movie with a very sad ending My heart is really broken </3 I hope god helps and heals each person who's suffering from a cancer.. Amen

Likeable but lazy

[johninflorida · 6/10 · 17 February 2018]

Irreplaceable You is a likeable film with talented actors. It's too bad that they did not develop it into more. All in all it boils down to one sentence. "Don't die before you're dead but live until you die". It could have been so much more!

Disappointing.

[mohamedmassoud-71470 · 6/10 · 25 February 2018]

IRREPLACEABLE YOU- 64% The story is unique, with a new way of showing a love tragedy that I dont come across often. The death of the girl is shown in the first shot of the movie and the process of the movie is how the couple could cope and accept it. The story is nice but the structure was boring, the screenplay was uncanny, and the acting wasn't amazing. Story wise and execution: 16/35 Acting: 16/25 Camera work: 16/20 Sound: 16/20

A Truly Remarkable Film About Love and Death That is Excellent ***Spoiler Alert***

[heykateforever · 9/10 · 18 February 2018]

I refuse to make this review a defense against the first review, so here is just what I saw. I hate these kinds of movies. They are always cheesy and there to elicit tears of sympathy making the tragedy of a young life cut short into a possible Academy Award. What I loved about this movie was that it never took itself too seriously. It never tried to be about death, but about life and how we live it day to day.

Abbie is our young lady, who has been in love with Sam since they were children and is planning their wedding when she is suddenly diagnosed with Stage 4 either Uterine or possibly Ovarian cancer. But this is not a surprise to us, because the movie starts at her grave, with Sam putting flowers there and telling her "hello." I LOVED knowing beforehand what was coming. There is no moment of revelation, because we know how it ends and we chose to continue watching anyway.

This isn't some newbie project from inexperienced people. This is one of the best movies about love and death I have ever seen. And I've seen them all. What set this movie apart from all the others, was that we got to relax and peer into the lives of two lovers, excellently played, by the way, by Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Michiel Huisman, as these youngsters experience something most of us won't face until much later in life.

This is their story. They had incredible chemistry, the humor took the edge off the sadness, but ultimately, this is a personal story of two very young people trying to deal with the unimaginable. And the storytellers pulled it off. Knowing what was coming, somehow, for me, took the hope factor out of it, so I could just be part of their experience of having a great love and losing it "too soon."

It might not be your type of movie, but watching these two, believing their strong love, and a remarkable turn by Christopher Walken, a truly wonderful actor, was worth the experience.

"Just 'cause you're dying doesn't mean your life stops."

[TaylorYee94 · 7/10 · 19 March 2024]

The plot is trite in one glance: one is dying slowly with terminal illness while the other has to watch. It's used so many times that I do not have to add an explanation. However, 'Irreplaceable You' is very different when you get a closer look. I love that this movie is not about struggle, pain, or tears. Abbie takes in this weird coping mechanism of finding the right girl for Sam after she's gone. It's cute. It's upbeat. It's witty. It never tries to be a tearjerker. Huisman takes the role of a nerdy, romantic, and warmhearted boyfriend which is different from many previous roles of strong, charismatic, serious, or playboy men, and he nails it. I forgot all about Daario or Steven Crain for these 90 minutes. The film is definitely an opportunity for him to show the audience diverse range of roles he can perform.

It's a Tear-jerker that Jerks No Tears

[Jared_Andrews · 1/10 · 9 April 2018]

Irreplaceable You features an endearing story, fairly likable leads and tremendous supporting actors. So why doesn't it work? At all?

First, it's painfully dull and flat. Nothing about the movie feels authentic or developed. Abbie (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is diagnosed with cancer and is not expected to live long. But she never actually looks sick. She keeps her luscious hair, aside from a single lost lock in a scene that is supposed to be emotionally devastating but is instead eyeroll worthy because it's not deserved.

The scenes that are meant to evoke emotional responses never work because they simply happen. There's no build up to pull viewers in and engage them. The moments are slapped on like a bumper sticker and contain the same amount of depth. The result is a tear-jerker movie that causes no tears.

The other main issue is with the premise. I'm not sure that any writer could make this one work. Abbie uses dating apps to find a new girl for her fiancé to be with after she dies. It's uncomfortable, unfunny and unbelievable. So, of course, it never builds any momentum and is eventually abandoned in the third act. But by then the movie is nearly over and the plotline most in focus is doomed to fail.

The lone bright spots come from supporting performances of Kate McKinnon (SNL), Timothy Simons (Veep) and Christopher Walken (pick a movie). Steve Coogan is also around but is underused. Just another example of the filmmakers focusing on the wrong aspects of the story. With some better choices of plot and character use, this movie might have been halfway decent.

But the choices were the wrong ones, and consequently, this movie is a very poor one.

Good movie with a sad ending.

[ramirezleo · 10/10 · 20 February 2018]

I personally found this movie to be quite entertaining, however, the ending of this movie put a strong squeeze on my heart. This movie broke my heart because I could relate to it. This movie was a strong reminder of how we take life for granted.

A beautiful film with minor flaws.

[seanwilson-28908 · 7/10 · 27 July 2018]

The film is nothing groundbreaking or new to the genre it falls under, however what it lacks in originality it makes up for in the acting and cinematography. The narrative is nothing original and it won't revolutionise the genre, however it is nothing less than beautiful, each element from the soundtrack to the shots chosen to the actors themselves seem to anchor well to the narrative curating an enjoyable journey about a generic couple of which the female protagonist seeks to find another person for the male protagonist. The power of this bond and community between all of the elements mean that the majority of viewers will be left with a tear in their eye. However I digress the film is not flawless, providing it exemption from the generic which has been identified in other reviews, the film is slow and lacking in some places and certain key events seem brushed over; a greater focus on these events would of likely made this film at least an 8*. The slowness of certain points does little to hamper the overall film however it is still identifiable and may leave a bad taste in some viewers mouths. Overall the film is a beautifully crafted product however its much alike a beautifully crafted table which has been manufactured for mass distribution. It is beautiful yet generic and leaves a positive impact but not a lasting legacy.

Totally giving wrong feelings

[ecebarca · 1/10 · 7 December 2018]

I've been in a cancer treatment for 8 months. Cancer or treatment process is not like that. Outcomes of treatment, feelings, relationships are so shallow on this movie.

Well..

[ts-0000 · 7 August 2021]

It was ok but felt it could of been,so much better.

It mainly focused on her finding a replacement,for her-soon to be-husband.. Honestly if he was even that,for the movies duration.

He showed lack of depth for a genies,let alone a guy having the woman he loves dying of cancer.

It had a very instagram edited vibe,with a fantasy feel of her disease.. She lost a chunk of hair,big deal! I lose more than that brushing mine.

It had some decent casting which seem wasted on the overall storyline,as mentioned cinematography felt average & acting blah!

Had a few moments,it touched me & that was in the edited previews.. why I watched it!

Also the sound was horrible,not as clean like the previews.. Rather odd.

This is a great movie

[h-34889 · 6/10 · 1 June 2018]

Stephanie Laing director of this film show the audience how life is like with cancer and how tragic an ending could be. She shows that it's not just about dying and getting over a death it's about the learning process of accepting a loss loved one and the method of moving on. Even though this movie gives away the ending pretty quick, I would still highly recommend Irreplaceable You, it gives emphasis on life and how time is running out. The plot of the film starts off with the couple doing a voice over, talking about life would be not getting out of bed, Abbie says she doesn't have to worry about that because she is dead. Abbie and her fiancé Sam, who have been friends since early childhood, find out Abbie is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and is trying to find a new partner for her lover Sam. It all started with the couple going to the doctors to see if Abbie was pregnant but eventually they found out she had cancer. Abbie joins this group to help keep patient with cancer more hopeful about living but Abbie think it's all a joke and doesn't take it seriously. Later on she meets a man from the group named Myron who she likes a lot and is happy they are friends. However things didn't go as planned and she realizes that she needs to take life more serious. Irreplaceable You can be related to a lot of different film such as, The clover field Paradox. The similarities of both movies show that life with cancer is like a clock ticking away and you don't have all the time in the world. There are very negative and positive thoughts I have on this film some of the negative thought I had that I didn't like was how the director gave away the whole ending in the first 5 minutes of the movie. It kind of ruined the movie for me and I wished they wouldn't have done that. Also I wish I wouldn't have watch the trailer because the trailer literally gave away the whole movie and watching the movie wasn't as fun. The positive thoughts I had on this were how I liked that Abbie and Myron has such a great friendship and how they would having out and look for a hawk. Throughout the film the camera angle was always zoomed into the characters which made it more dramatic, and it made me feel a sense of sorrow for the character. I also noticed that the camera wasn't on a dolly, but was held up by someone. The camera felt like it was moving with the actors which made me feel like i was there with the actors. The lighting of the film was low lighting film which made the actors more of a sinister look that made the film more interesting. For many reasons this film was shot and produced very well. Irreplaceable You is an emotional process of accepting death and eventually moving on. The movie is about a dying woman who is trying to learn to cherish what she has while she still can. The director portrays a theme of taking life more serious when you don't have a lot of time left.

I liked it

[athompsonpowell · 7/10 · 14 May 2020]

I thought it was interesting. I mean I treated it as I would if I knew two people in this situation, and that is without any judgment or preconceived notions, because everyone's dying/grieving process is different. I didn't feel like it wasn't a realistic premise because having volunteered a bit in palliative care people behave very unpredictably. It made me think about what I would do in her situation. Cheesy at times. Acting could be better.

A chick flic

[CarolineFR69 · 7/10 · 1 November 2022]

The movie starts like a Shakespeare play, where Abbie, the main protagonist, shows you her grave, you know where this is going, you know you are going to cry, but she takes you on the journey anyway. The movie starts with Abbie and Sam, as kids, at the aquarium, when a lady tells them that the deep sea anglerfish is the only fish that mates for life, when the male anglerfish follows the female deep into dangerous territories, then bites into her flesh and never lets go, cut to Abbie, biting Sam so hard that he gets stiches. You kind of know that you are going to laugh with this couple. They knew each other since they were kids, and Abbie is the one who "proposed" to Sam (basically putting a rubber ring on her finger). They are a cute couple, thinking they are going to have a baby, which turns out as a stage IV cancer. At that point you had kind of forgotten about that first image of her grave, and it kind of bring you back to reality. Abbie meets a support group of people in the same situation, and get into her head that she needs to find Sam his new partner before she goes, to somehow hinder his pain when she dies. You get into situation that are absurd, and kind of terrifyingly sad, where she pushes everyone away, so that they will be less hurt of her departure, but is reminded to see the good in all this before she leaves. Clearly a chick flick, but sometimes it's nice to have your emotions brought back to the surface.

Explores Life's Bittersweet Moments

[Mysterygeneration · 6/10 · 3 February 2024]

A moving romantic story that deftly examines the nuances of love and sorrow. The movie chronicles the journey of childhood sweethearts Abbie and Sam as they come to terms with Abbie's terminal cancer diagnosis. As Abbie, Gugu Mbatha-Raw gives a moving performance, deftly expressing the subtle emotional undertones of the role.

However, the story occasionally feels predictable and unduly dependent on clichés, even with the sincere performances from the ensemble and the real connection between the leads. Irreplaceable You is a sympathetic, if predictable, cinematic experience, and while it may not reinvent the romantic drama genre, it does, in the end, succeed in presenting a moving portrait of love's enduring power.

Raw with a real truth behind the story

[mflynn-4 · 8/10 · 19 February 2018]

I'm not sure I could have fully appreciated the nuances and impact that the story conveyed without having personal experience of family members, and close friends suffering cancer.

Once again Gugu Mbatha-Raw gives us a barnstorming performance, showing a full range of emotions and character flaws. The stages of grief, from bargaining, anger, disbelief, through to expectance beautifully displayed. The whole story arc of trying to control the future for others rang true with my own experiences.

The supporting cast were all on form, especially Christopher Walken & Jacki Weaver, stealing most scenes that they were in with bittersweet irony, and tender emotions.

Ultimately some aspects around the story of the perfect couple together from the age of 8, annoyed me a bit, they just didn't quite seem plausible, but by the end of the film, if you're not bawling your eyes out, you have the emotional range of a teaspoon!

Real and Raw

[mima17 · 6/10 · 24 June 2020]

The movie tells a story about a young woman finding out she has cancer, and how she has decided to deal with death. A simple love story, with constant stability for years, has to come to an early end. Trying to make death and loss hurt less by distancing herself from the love of her life, setting him up for a life without her. It shows the different ways people deal with grief. The ending is really beautiful, showing her simple and peaceful death, with her last view - a hawk.

So much potential. So little follow through

[andrewdrumm911 · 4/10 · 5 August 2018]

The premise of this movie had me very excited to watch. I am a sucker for chick flicks, romance movies and tear jerkers so this looked like it would be right in my wheelhouse. Unfortunately this never reached the heights it had the potential to go.

The movie is constructed as a tear jerker but while it gets close at times, they never do a good enough job of creating a close enough relationship with us and the main characters for us to care enough as we would in other great sad movies.

While Gugu Mbatha-Raw is fantastic in this movie, Michael Huisman's performance really drags the movie down as he is infuriating with a lack of emotion about the situation, both lack of sadness but also anger at Abbie's decisions and he just doesn't care enough which makes it hard to invest.

The decision in the middle of the movie that Sam makes is just plain stupid and left me not wanting him to end happy at all. The movie tried too hard to be different when they already had a great idea with a fantastic actress that would have worked if they hadn't tried too hard to be unique.

The supporting parts were well done, particularly Christopher Walken, and I connected much more with his and Abbie's relationship in the movie than I did with Abbie and Sam's.

A final nitpick was that they made the strange decision not to have Abbie appear physically sick at all. Her appearance barely changes throughout and it just makes no sense and once again loses an opportunity for us to connect.

Some great acting overall but it gets dragged down by a bad performance from Michael Huisman and poor writing. So much potential and it is my favorite type of genre but really disappointed with the outcome.

A Beautifully Told Story About Love & Death

[ottawa_scuba_monkey · 10/10 · 22 February 2018]

A childhood love story is interrupted in a sad, yet simple movie. The actors they selected were perfect for their roles in the movie. All of the characters were believable and the awkward conversations were consistent with some of the difficult situations that were being portrayed in the movie. Make sure you've got a full box of Kleenex ready. (LOL)

The trouble with movies about bereavement.

[Sergiodave · 5/10 · 17 July 2021]

I dare say anyone who has reached middle age has several friends or acquaintances who have suffered and died from long term diseases, and I'm sure that no two peoples attitude to dying would be the same either. There lies the problem with this movie. I can't say I recognise any friends in the characters portrayed, but I'm sure others do. Complaining about a movie for not being real simply because it's not your reality doesn't make the writer or director wrong. The one similarity between all humans is our difference.

Very depressing.

[bettycjung · 23 March 2018]

3/22/18. While the acting was really good (though overdramatic at times), it was really, really depressing. Not sure if this is even a therapeutic movie to watch for those in Mbatha-Raw's circumstances. I get it that she was trying her best to gain some control over a situation in which she has very little control over, it was really depressing nevertheless.