🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: George C. Wolfe
- Genre: Drama
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 42min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (27K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A pianist with ALS hires a hot mess to be her caregiver, leading to drama, affairs, and ultimately, a very sad but predictable ending.
🍿 You’re Not You: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Kate’s Diagnosis and Bec’s Introduction
Kate, a successful pianist, receives a devastating diagnosis of ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Meanwhile, Bec, a struggling college student with a chaotic life, becomes Kate’s caregiver. Despite initial reservations from Kate’s husband, Evan, Bec’s unconventional approach provides a unique comfort to Kate.

An Unlikely Bond Forms
As Kate’s condition worsens, Bec’s genuine, though initially clumsy, care creates a strong bond between them. Bec’s free-spirited nature encourages Kate to embrace life beyond her illness, while Kate’s strength and wisdom inspire Bec to find direction and purpose in her own life. Their relationship becomes a source of support and honesty for both women.

Marital Struggles and New Beginnings
Kate discovers Evan’s infidelity, leading to a marital separation and further reliance on Bec. Kate’s emotional journey involves accepting her changing identity and dealing with the loss of her independence. Bec navigates her own personal struggles, including relationships and career aspirations, with Kate’s encouragement.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Kate (Hilary Swank): A talented classical pianist whose life is drastically altered by a diagnosis of ALS, forcing her to confront her mortality and redefine her relationships.
- Bec (Emmy Rossum): A brash and directionless college student who becomes Kate’s caregiver, learning responsibility and finding purpose through their unconventional friendship.
- Evan (Josh Duhamel): Kate’s loving but flawed husband who struggles to cope with her illness and the changing dynamics of their relationship, leading to infidelity.
- Marilyn (Loretta Devine): Another ALS patient who befriends Kate, providing her with support and a realistic perspective on living with the disease.
- Wil (Jason Ritter): A kind and persistent suitor who is interested in Bec, offering her stability and a chance at a meaningful relationship.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Kate: “Why is it that we want the ones that don’t see us, instead of the ones that do?” – Kate reflects on her past relationships and why she may have been drawn to the wrong people.
- Kate: “I just… I don’t want to be a patient.” – Kate explains why she struggles with caregivers who treat her like someone defined solely by her illness.
- Kate: “Promise me you’ll find someone who sees you.” – Kate makes Bec promise that she will find someone who truly appreciates her for who she is.
- Bec: “Thanks for not expecting me to fuck up.” – Bec expresses her gratitude to Kate for believing in her and giving her a chance to prove herself.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4 million
- Domestic Gross: $11,486
- Worldwide Gross: $894,964
💥 You’re Not You Reviews
Personal Review
I found ‘You’re Not You’ to be an incredibly moving film. Hilary Swank’s portrayal of Kate was heartbreakingly real, and Emmy Rossum brought a much-needed spark of energy to the story. The scenes where Kate struggles with everyday tasks were particularly impactful. While the film does lean into melodrama at times, the genuine connection between the two leads made it a worthwhile watch. I especially liked how it explored the impact of ALS on not just the individual but also their relationships.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Hilary Swank and Emmy Rossum”
- “Viewers interested in films about friendship and caregiving”
- “Those seeking emotionally resonant dramas about illness”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Depiction of a progressive terminal illness”
- “Infidelity”
- “Strong language”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Cinema Blind: “If you loved films about overcoming challenges through friendship, and appreciated the mix of humour and heart in a movie about ALS, you might enjoy the experience offered by ‘You’re Not You.’
- IMDB User Review: “Hilary Swank delivers a powerful performance as a woman battling ALS, while Emmy Rossum shines as her unconventional caregiver. The film explores the depths of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity, though some may find the storyline predictable.
- IMDB User Review: ” ‘You’re Not You’ is definitely going to make you cry because of its very heart-wrenching theme. The cast delivers an amazing performance.
Audience Reactions
The heartfelt performances by Hilary Swank and Emmy Rossum resonated deeply with viewers.: Most viewers found the film emotionally powerful and appreciated its exploration of friendship and resilience in the face of illness.
Viewers mentioned how the film brought them to tears by the characters’ stories.: This movie made me angry, happy & cry, sometimes at the same time.
Overall Consensus: ‘You’re Not You’ is a emotionally story with strong performances from the leads and a powerful exploration of ALS. The story is heartbreaking for some audiences.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on a novel of the same name by Michelle Wildgen.”
- “Stephen Greenspan, the father of one of the film’s producers, Alison Greenspan, passed away from ALS, and the movie is dedicated to his memory.”
- “Filming locations included Houston, Texas for establishing shots.”
🖥️ How to Watch You’re Not You?
You’re Not You is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability as platform offerings may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed You’re Not You, you might like these similar films:
- The Intouchables (2011): A wealthy, disabled individual forms an unlikely bond with their caregiver, who brings a fresh perspective on life.
- Still Alice (2014): Deals with the impact of a degenerative neurological disease (Alzheimer’s) on an intelligent woman and her family.
- Me Before You (2016): A young woman becomes the caregiver for a paralyzed man, and they develop a close, life-changing relationship.
- Terms of Endearment (1983): Explores the complex and emotional relationship between a mother and daughter facing serious illness.
🛒 You’re Not You Related Products
- ALS Awareness Ribbon Bracelet: A simple, elegant bracelet with the ALS awareness ribbon. It’s a subtle way to show your support and raise awareness for ALS research and patient care.
- Weighted Blanket for Comfort: A soft, comforting weighted blanket designed to provide a sense of security and calm, similar to the emotional support seen in the film.
- Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | Smart speaker with Alexa | Deep Sea Blue: You can voice control your entertainment, get help from Alexa, and control compatible smart home devices.
- The Theory of Everything [Blu-ray]: This is another film about the ALS disease with an engaging storyline. Eddie Redmayne is fantastic in this film, and his performance is captivating.
🎧 Soundtrack
You’re Not You features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, death. The film portrays the physical and emotional challenges faced by individuals living with ALS, including loss of motor skills, difficulty breathing, and the impact on relationships.
According to available data, establishing shots were filmed in Houston, Texas. Additional location details might be available on IMDb Pro.
The film emphasizes the importance of human connection, the transformative power of friendship, and finding meaning in life even amidst difficult circumstances. It highlights the impact of caregiving and the importance of living authentically.
🔥 Bonus Content
“No No” Bedtime Song | CoComelon Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs
Ever had a little one who just refuses bedtime? This Cocomelon song hilariously captures that struggle, and it’s surprisingly catchy! You may not relate to the bedtime song but you will appreciate the struggle, and be entertained in the process.
Jennifer Lopez – Ain’t Your Mama (Official Video)
Looking for a girl-power anthem? JLo’s ‘Ain’t Your Mama’ is a classic! It’s catchy, empowering, and the video is super stylish. Relatable?
Michaela x Brasher – Tattletale (Music Video)
Ever been annoyed by a sibling who tattles on everything? This song is a hilarious take on that classic sibling rivalry! It’s super catchy, and the video is really fun.
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