🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Stephanie Laing
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 36min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Girl gets cancer and decides her boyfriend should date other people, because dying is apparently a great time for matchmaking.
🍿 Irreplaceable You: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Childhood Sweethearts Face a Devastating Diagnosis
Abbie and Sam have been inseparable since childhood, their lives intertwined and their future seemingly set in stone. They are preparing for their wedding and excitedly anticipating starting a family. However, their idyllic world shatters when Abbie receives a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, turning their dreams upside down. The news forces them to confront mortality and the fragility of their seemingly unbreakable bond.

Abbie’s Unconventional Plan
Determined to ensure Sam’s happiness after she’s gone, Abbie embarks on an unconventional and somewhat controversial plan: to find him a new girlfriend. She begins interviewing potential partners, utilizing dating apps and even setting up awkward encounters. This bizarre quest is driven by her love for Sam, but also reflects her struggle to accept her own mortality and relinquish control over their shared future.

Support Group and Self-Discovery
As Abbie navigates her illness, she reluctantly joins a support group where she encounters others facing similar challenges. Among them is Myron, a wise and empathetic older man who offers her guidance and friendship. These interactions force Abbie to confront her fears and re-evaluate her approach to life and death, realizing that focusing on the present is more important than trying to orchestrate the future.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Abbie (Gugu Mbatha-Raw): A young woman diagnosed with terminal cancer who tries to find a new partner for her fiancé before she dies.
- Sam (Michiel Huisman): Abbie’s fiancé and childhood sweetheart who struggles to cope with her illness and wishes.
- Mitch (Steve Coogan): The leader of Abbie’s support group who offers guidance and perspective.
- Estelle (Jacki Weaver): A member of the support group who provides a unique outlook on life and death.
- Myron (Christopher Walken): A fellow member of the support group who forms a meaningful friendship with Abbie.
- Glass Half Full Kate (Kate McKinnon): An eccentric member of the support group who tries to keep a positive attitude.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Abbie: “Just ’cause you’re dying doesn’t mean your life stops.” – Abbie says this to Myron in their support group, encapsulating the film’s message of living in the moment.
- Abbie: “I want you to be happy.” – Abbie says this to Sam when trying to find him a new girlfriend.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Irreplaceable You Reviews
Personal Review
This movie was a tough watch. Seeing such a strong love story face such an unfair challenge really hit me. I loved the performances, especially Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who brought so much heart to Abbie. The support group scenes were surprisingly touching, and Christopher Walken was fantastic. It’s definitely a movie that stays with you, reminding you to cherish every moment.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of romantic dramas”
- “Viewers who enjoy tearjerkers”
- “Those interested in movies about love and loss”
- “People who appreciate Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s acting”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Deals with terminal illness and death”
- “May contain mature themes and discussions of mortality”
- “Some strong language”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “A tear-jerker that jerks no tears. Endearing story, likable leads, tremendous supporting actors. The movie is painfully dull and flat. There’s no build up to pull viewers in and engage them. Abbie uses dating apps to find a new girl for her fiancé to be with after she dies. It’s uncomfortable, unfunny and unbelievable.
- IMDB: “Good movie with a sad ending. 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.
Audience Reactions
Christopher Walken’s performance stole the show with his heartfelt portrayal.: Viewers appreciated the movie for its raw emotion and relatable characters.
The film’s exploration of grief and acceptance resonated deeply with many.: Despite the heavy subject matter, people found the film to be ultimately uplifting.
Overall Consensus: A bittersweet romantic drama that explores love, loss, and acceptance with strong performances but may be too emotionally heavy for some.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This was Stephanie Laing’s directorial debut for a feature film; she is primarily known as a producer, particularly for her work on ‘Veep’.”
- “Bess Wohl, the screenwriter, is primarily an actress, making this her first screenplay credit.”
🖥️ How to Watch Irreplaceable You?
Irreplaceable You is currently available for streaming on Netflix. While it is not available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV as of this writing, this may change in the future. Check your local streaming and on-demand services for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Irreplaceable You, you might like these similar films:
- A Walk to Remember (2002): Deals with similar themes of young love and terminal illness, with one partner helping the other achieve their dreams before passing.
- Me Before You (2016): Explores the complexities of relationships in the face of terminal illness and the choices people make regarding their lives.
- The Fault in Our Stars (2014): Centers on young adults with cancer who find love and support within a support group, similar to Abbie’s experience.
🛒 Irreplaceable You Related Products
- Irreplaceable You Movie Poster: High-quality print of the official movie poster, perfect for fans of the film and collectors. Vibrant colors and durable material.
- Movie-Themed ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ Throw Pillow Cover, 18 x 18 Inch: Premium quality linen pillow cover with high resolution print. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
🎧 Soundtrack
Irreplaceable 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
Irreplaceable You is a romantic drama about a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer who tries to find a new girlfriend for her fiancé before she dies.
Yes, Irreplaceable You is a tearjerker that deals with themes of love, loss, and mortality. While it has moments of humor, it’s primarily a drama that can be emotionally challenging to watch.
Irreplaceable You is currently streaming on Netflix.
🔥 Bonus Content
|| Gugu Mbatha-Raw Vomiting ||
Ever wondered what it takes to portray raw emotion on screen? Check out this intense scene from Irreplaceable You featuring Gugu Mbatha-Raw. It’s a powerful moment that really shows her acting range – pretty intense, right?
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