Everything, Everything

"I'm willing to sacrifice everything just to live one perfect day."

Maddy Whittier (Stenberg) has a rare disease, Sever Combined Immundeficiency (SCID), that compromises her bodies ability to fight infections.  She cannot leave her home and everything in her life is sterilized.  She longs to be outside and dreams of swimming in the ocean.  She has a big imagination and confronts her world through books.  Her mother, Pauline (Rose), is a doctor and regularly monitors her health.  The only other person in her life is Carla (de la Reguera), her nurse for the last 15 years.

Her world changes when a new family moves next door.  The son, Olly Bright (Robinson), is captivated by Maddy.  Their bedrooms face each other and they slowly begin to communicate.  She looks forward to their conversations and wishes they could meet in person.  Can Maddy find a way to make her dreams come true?


The film is based on the 2015 novel "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon.  I have not read the novel, and I wasn't sure I would enjoy this film.  It seems like a straightforward story, but there was a big twist that I did not see coming.

This is director Stella Meghie's second film, after 2016's Jean of the Joneses.  I enjoyed her direction in this film and I hope she continues to make movies.

Amanda Stenberg is perfect as Maddy.  She is confident and smart and knows what she wants.  She is also awkward, but in an endearing way.  She has great chemistry with Nick Robinson.  He has a personality and has to work for the relationship.  They don't just fall in love overnight, the beginning is cringe worthy but you can't look away.  When they finally do get together, it is earned.

It was a sweet movie that made me laugh and cry, and I was glad to see it.  I can't wait to read the book and fall in love with these characters all over again!

Everything, Everything (2017) 96 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements and brief sensuality
Director: Stella Meghie
Starring: Amanda Stenberg as Maddy Whittier
Nick Robinson as Olly Bright
Anika Noni Rose as Dr. Pauline Whittier
Ana de la Reguera as Carla
Taylor Hickson as Kara