Introduction
Ry Russo-Young directed the 2017 fantasy drama film Before I Fall, which is based on the young adult novel written by Lauren Oliver. The film follows the story of Samantha Kingston, a high school senior who discovers that she is reliving the same day multiple times. Initially, it comes across as a mystery or a form of punishment, but as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that this peculiar experience is Samantha’s opportunity to truly grasp who she is, as well as who she is in relation to the world.
Through the combination of an emotional narrative and a series of poignant moments, Before I Fall encourages audiences to reflect on the ways in which they relate to one another and how far a single day can truly go. The film touches on important themes, including, but not limited to, the concept of an individual’s kindness or empathy and self-growth.
Plot Overview
Samantha Kingston is one of the most popular students in her high school. Like many teenagers, her life is comfortable, filled with a close-knit group of friends, a boyfriend, and a social status to envy. On February 12, she is looking forward to another typical day, Cupid Day, which is a school tradition with roses, laughter, and frolic. However, the day unfolds quite differently.
After a party with friends, she experiences a life-altering event. Rather than waking up to the normal rhythms of the day, she finds herself in her bed, a fully 24 hours before her expected wake up. This disorientation quickly shifts into exhaustion as she realizes she is reliving February 12 day again and again.
Initially, she dismisses such occurrences as a weird one-off or an odd dream. However, as the repetition of the day continues with no clear resolution, she becomes acutely aware of the countless micro phenomena which she had previously taken for granted, including the difficulties her peers face, the bullying amongst her friends, and the way in which her decisions, no matter how small, can have profound ramifications.
As the cycle goes on, Sam tries new ways to approach the day. The stages she undergoes include confusion, frustration, rebellion followed by clarity. She starts reflecting on her nearest friends — Lindsay, Ally, and Elody — and her family, along with school acquaintances, like Kent, her ever-concerned classmate, and Juliet, the often overlooked and misunderstood quiet girl.
In the course of this experience, Sam learns to appreciate the significance of being fully there, showing empathy, and making the best out of every second, The cycle of a single day is a strong testament to the lengths one person’s action can influence.
Main Characters
Samantha Sam Kingston (played by Zoey Deutch)
As the protagonist, Sam’s character has to undergo the most change in the course of the story. Initially, she is one of the ‘standard’ seniors: famous, self-assured, and living the fragile, shallow life of a teenager. With the repetition of the day, Sam is able to change undergo profound character change. Deutch’s performance is remarkable in showing how Sam changes from a conformist into someone who contemplates the deeper significance of existence and relations.
Lindsay Edgecombe (portrayed by Halston Sage)
As Sam’s closest friend, Lindsay is a bold, funny, and confident figure who leads their group. She is emotionally hurt on the inside, showcasing a strong exterior to the world. Sam’s realization of the deeper meaning of her behaviors, especially toward people like Juliet, becomes a turning point in Sam’s journey.
Kent McFuller (portrayed by Logan Miller)
Kent is a gentle young man and Sam’s classmate who admires her from a distance. He is a considerate and kind person, unlike most people in Sam’s friend group. Over the course of the narrative, Sam comes to appreciate his genuineness and begins to see him differently.
Juliet Sykes (portrayed by Elena Kampouris)
Juliet is a quiet, artistic, and often teased student. She is a part of the lonely and neglected group in the student body. Sam’s deepening understanding of Juliet’s tale is one of the most poignant and powerful parts of the film. The narrative with her strives to examine empathy, the condition of one’s soul’s isolation, and the need to reach out and engage.
Themes and Messages
- The Power of Choice
In Before I Fall, the key takeaway is that every choice carries weight. The film captures the idea that every consideration, be it a word of comfort, a welcoming smile, or a nod of appreciation, comes with its share of consequences. In a way, the film acts as a reflection, urging its audience to be more mindful and purposeful.
- Seeing Beyond the Surface
Sam is a quintessential example of a self-centered individual. Over the course of a single day, she learns to appreciate the muted struggles of the people close to her, including the care her little sister tries to hide. These realizations illustrate the silent battles that her friends are engaged with. Embracing this new angle catalyzes not just personal reflexivity, but societal understanding.
- Self-Discovery and Growth
The dominant part of the film is definitely Sam’s character arc. Reflecting and testing out new ideas leads her to a more fulfilling existence. Sam learns to focus on the strength of her decisions and discovers that she is capable, in an encouraging way, of moving beyond social norms. Experiencing this arc is hard-won emotional development.
- Time as a Gift
While the time loop serves as an odd narrative prop, it represents a chance to considerate something a lot deeper: the opportunity to slow down and pay attention. Most people rush through life as a default. With all the challenges that we are faced with, it is imperative to remember the fact that beauty, opportunities, and meaning can reside in just a day.
Cinematography and Style
The film is captivating and features the charming elements of nature, the soft lighting, and the tonal arc of the movie’s emotions. The softer, more modern songs used throughout the film do a wonderful job aiding in setting a calming tone. The redundancy with the day’s repetition is handled in a way that carefully peels off layers of the day without being needlessly repetitive.
Conclusion
Through the use of a creatively structured fantasy, Before I Fall explores deep, and at times, challenging human emotions and personal life lessons. The film serves as a gentle nudge to think about how we utilize every day and how we, through our actions, affect the people around us. With a powerful Zoey Deutch performance and a careful script, the movie did not rest on the fantasy premise, but rather, went on to capture the realities of lived human experiences.
Especially suited for young adults, Before I Fall gives a story that captures the imagination and stimulates the heart to be a better person and appreciate the people around us. It notices that living the life to the fullest each day is a privilege, and each day is a gift, what we do with that gift counts more than we might think.
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