Then Came You (2018)

Then Came You is the kind of small, sweet movie that sneaks up on you: a funny, tender “palate cleanser” that uses a familiar setup to deliver something sincerely felt. Asa Butterfield makes the hypochondriac hero’s anxieties oddly relatable, while Maisie Williams brings a bright, mischievous spark that keeps the film buoyant even when it brushes against heavier emotions. The vibe is warm and gently offbeat, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with the kind of quiet sincerity that earns its tears rather than demanding them. It won’t be for everyone if you’re allergic to crowd-pleasing sentiment, but if you’re in the mood for an endearing friendship story with real heart, it’s an easy yes.

Then Came You is clearly aiming for a heartfelt, quirky tearjerker about two misfits pushing each other toward life, with a bucket-list hook designed to make you laugh and sniffle in the same scene. The problem is it rarely rises above the most familiar beats of the genre, leaning hard on clichés and a predictably sentimental arc that can feel more sugary than sincere. If you’re allergic to “inspirational illness” stories or you need emotional moments to feel earned rather than prepackaged, this may come off superficial and a bit lifeless. On the plus side, if you’re in the mood for something gentle, undemanding, and comfortingly formulaic, the performances and warm intentions might be enough to carry you through.