Before I Fall Review: Teen Struggles, Time Loops, and the Cost of Popularity

Before I Fall: A Deep Dive into Teen Angst, Time Loops, and the Price of Popularity

“Before I Fall,” directed by Ry Russo-Young in 2017, explores the seemingly perfect life of Samantha Kingston. This film is not a typical teen movie. It offers a journey folded in high school drama. Based on Lauren Oliver's novel from 2010, it asks: what if you must relive your last day multiple times? This premise ignites possibilities. “Before I Fall” attempts to explore them, sometimes well, sometimes less so.

Plot and Premise: The Unraveling of a Perfect Life

Samantha Kingston, played by Zoey Deutch, appears to have it all. Popularity? Yes. A handsome boyfriend? Yes. A future filled with promise? Yes. We meet Sam on February 12th, Cupid Day at Thomas Jefferson High School. This day sees the exchange of “Valograms,” roses that serve as social currency. It’s loaded with teenage anxiety. But this existence shatters quickly.

On a day like any other, tragedy strikes. A car crash seemingly ends Samantha’s life. Instead of nothingness, Sam awakens to find it's February 12th again. She becomes trapped in a time loop, forced to relive the same day endlessly. This isn’t a glitch; it's a cruel reset that compels her to reassess her life and choices.

As Sam endures this bizarre prison, she starts to unravel her seemingly perfect life. Secrets emerge about those close to her, like dust in an attic. The popular clique, her boyfriend, and her family are more complicated than she thought. The time loop serves as a plot device but also promotes self-discovery. Sam confronts her death and the person she has become. She sees how small actions can truly matter. A repeated day can make a significant difference.

Oliver's novel and the movie provide a modern take on teenage angst. It breaks away from typical high school tropes, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the impacts of choices. Although the time loop recalls “Groundhog Day,” "Before I Fall" finds its niche in examining teenage pressures through this extraordinary backdrop.

Themes and Messages: Rebirth, Redemption, and the Ripple Effect

The film nudges audiences to reflect on life’s preciousness. Facing potential death while reliving her last day offers Sam a unique view. She begins to treasure the mundane aspects of life—her family, friends, and the simple flow of a day. This reminder urges us to savor each moment.

“Before I Fall” shows the harsh realities of teenage social dynamics. It reveals inner cruelty among cliques and the pressure to fit in. Yet, it offers paths to redemption. Sam's journey embraces her mistakes, those moments she participated in cruelty, choosing to break free from those patterns. This message resonates beyond just teenagers: it’s never too late to change course or make amends.

The film highlights the effects of seemingly trivial actions. Initially, Sam seeks to exploit her time loop for selfish gain. However, she learns that even small acts of kindness or compassion create significant consequences. This is vividly seen in her interactions with Juliet, who appears as an outcast facing bullying.

The film also subtly touches on suicide. Juliet’s struggles highlight hidden pain in teens. It underscores the need for empathy and support. The film doesn’t seek simple answers but showcases the damaging effects of bullying and the critical need for understanding and help. Thus, "Before I Fall" moves past typical teen cinema and addresses weighty issues relevant to young viewers and beyond.

Characters: Samantha and Juliet – Two Sides of the Teenage Coin

Samantha Kingston anchors the story. At first, she embodies a typical popular girl. The time loop demands she confront her insecurities and shallowness. Her character evolves significantly. We see her change from a self-centered teenager obsessed with status to someone showing empathy and genuine care. She sheds layers of social conditioning to reveal her true self.

Sam enjoys popularity but carries lingering insecurities from past bullying. This trauma shadows her present actions, perhaps explaining her need for validation within the popular group. Zoey Deutch effectively showcases both "popular Sam" and "time-loop Sam,” making her relatable despite early questionable choices. We watch her wrestle with moral dilemmas and witness her awakening to past consequences.

Juliet contrasts sharply with Sam's popularity as an outsider. Her role becomes crucial throughout the narrative. Initially enigmatic and troubled, Juliet's character shapes Sam's ultimate realization and redemption arc. The film’s climax hinges on their relationship, featuring a pivotal moment where Juliet whispers, "You saved me." This line unlocks the essence of Sam's journey within this time loop. Juliet catalyzes Sam's transformation by forcing her to face the bullying dynamics within her clique.

Ending and Resolution: A Sacrifice and a Realization

The ending of "Before I Fall" holds ambiguity and open interpretation, contributing to its strengths and potential weaknesses based on viewer preference. At first, the narrative takes a dark turn. Earlier iterations show Sam witnessing a tragic scene where Juliet, driven by bullying despair, commits suicide by walking into traffic. Sam's friend Elody dies in that same tragic event, emphasizing harsh realities of teenage cruelty.

However, as Sam relives February 12th, she changes her choices and begins unraveling events leading to that crash. Through repeated interactions with Juliet, Sam grasps Juliet's deep pain and realizes how her clique has exacerbated the suffering. In a crucial moment, Sam intervenes, preventing Juliet from running into traffic. She pulls Juliet back, seeking to talk her down.

Sam offers support to Juliet, trying to prevent her from suicide. This intervention seems to change events. However, Juliet tragically runs into traffic again and dies. Sam understands that Juliet was meant to be the victim. The crash was an accident that caught Sam and friends in tragedy. This alters the narrative significantly.

As Sam moves through her final day, calmness fills her. She acknowledges her flaws and makes amends. Sam experiences true empathy and connection. She decides to live with purpose, cherishing those around her. The film concludes with Sam accepting fate. Her journey was about saving Juliet and recognizing her value through another’s sorrow. The ending reflects life's fragility and human interconnectedness.

Symbolism: Valograms – Roses as Social Currency

In "Before I Fall," symbolism plays a key role. The Valogram represents social status at school. Long-stemmed roses with notes, exchanged on Cupid Day, go beyond gestures. They indicate popularity. Many Valograms signify social acceptance; few can highlight exclusion. This showcases pressures in teenage culture.

The visual nature of Valograms exposes superficial social dynamics. They illustrate importance placed on validation, showcasing anxieties of acceptance. The film immerses viewers in this reality through pink and red roses. As Sam evolves, the meaning behind Valograms shifts. She begins valuing deep connections over fleeting popularity.

Roses, initially symbols of status, subtly represent potential and lost life regarding Juliet. Their beauty mirrors life’s fragility and the fleeting nature of teenage popularity amid larger life questions.

Conflict: Internal Struggle – Popularity vs. Doing What is Right

The conflict in "Before I Fall" is internal. Samantha faces a moral dilemma: popularity or doing what is right. Initially, she remains entrenched in her social group. This involves questionable actions that reflect her priorities. Through the time loop, Sam confronts her choices and their implications.

On February 12th, Sam repeatedly chooses differently. Each iteration tests her moral compass. Will she prioritize status or challenge the group? Her statement, “I’m going to be a different person," signifies her change. This marks her character growth and moral commitment.

The film illustrates character development clearly. It showcases the gap between who Sam is initially and who she needs to become. Starting as a shallow teen absorbed in popularity, she evolves through the time loop. This personal journey drives her to seek redemption and self-discovery.

Setting: Ridgeview, Connecticut – A Small Town Stage

Within Ridgeview, Thomas Jefferson High School serves as the main stage. This environment reflects broader themes of identity, peer pressure, and social stratification. Cupid Day and its Valogram exchange highlight the performative nature of their interactions. The school resonates with many viewers navigating similar social scenarios.

While the film mentions Ridgeview, it was filmed in British Columbia. This offers a deliberately ambiguous Americana aesthetic. This choice likely broadens its themes' appeal, illustrating the universality of teenage angst and social pressures across cultures.

Filming Locations: Squamish and Vancouver – Bringing Ridgeview to Life

Though set in Connecticut, "Before I Fall" was primarily filmed in British Columbia. Principal photography began in Squamish in November 2015. Quest University served as the stand-in for Thomas Jefferson High School. The campus provided an appealing backdrop for high school scenes.

Shooting also occurred in Vancouver, utilizing its diverse settings. These locations convincingly depict Ridgeview while ensuring cost-effective production. Filmmakers crafted a believable representation of an American small town high school and its community.

Critical Reception: Decent but Predictable

"Before I Fall" received mixed reviews from critics. It did not gain universal acclaim but avoided being panned. Many praised Zoey Deutch’s performance, applauding her portrayal of Samantha. The time loop concept captured some interest for its exploration potential.

Common criticisms focused on the film's predictability. While engaging, some found the time loop formulaic and familiar, especially for those aware of the "Groundhog Day" theme. Critics noted stereotypical elements typical of teen movies, undermining deeper thematic ambitions.

Another criticism stemmed from the ending. Its ambiguity left some viewers wanting more closure regarding Sam's fate. Despite imperfections, "Before I Fall" remains a thought-provoking film for young adults. Its themes of self-reflection, redemption, and choices resonated with many viewers.

the execution was not always flawless.

Comparisons: Groundhog Day and Mean Girls – Echoes and Departures

"Before I Fall" invites comparisons to films with similar themes. The most direct is "Groundhog Day." This 1993 comedy features Bill Murray. Both films use time loops as a core plot device, making the protagonist relive the same day. But "Groundhog Day" leans into comedy. It has a whimsical tone. "Before I Fall" opts for a dramatic, introspective approach.

“Before I Fall” shares the loop concept with "Groundhog Day." Yet it navigates different themes. "Groundhog Day" focuses on self-improvement and finding meaning. It often does this through humor and wit. In contrast, "Before I Fall" dives into darker teen life aspects. It explores bullying, social pressure, and life’s fragility. However, it hints at hope for redemption. Both films use the loop for character growth but uniquely reflect their different tones and themes.

Another film that comes to mind is "Mean Girls." This 2004 teen comedy has a similar "mean girl" dynamic. Some critics saw echoes of it in "Before I Fall." The film shows high school cliques' cruelty and superficiality. In its opening scenes, Sam and her friends navigate the social ladder. They engage in classic teen behavior that may remind viewers of "Mean Girls." However, "Before I Fall" soon shifts away from humor and satire. It becomes more serious and introspective. While addressing mean girl dynamics, it explores deeper themes of morality, redemption, and life’s value, departing from "Mean Girls."

Target Audience: Young Adults and Parental Guidance

“Before I Fall” targets a young adult audience. It adapts Lauren Oliver's popular YA novel, bringing a built-in reader base. The film's themes of teenage angst, social pressure, and identity formation resonate with young viewers. They encounter similar challenges in real life. The high school backdrop, focus on teen relationships, and exploration of relevant issues attract YA viewers.

Despite this focus on young adults, the film carries a parental guidance recommendation, especially for younger audiences. Disturbing themes like suicide and bullying appear. Coarse language may also be unsuitable for children. Recommendations advise parental guidance for kids aged 14-15. It suggests against viewing for children under 14 due to these mature themes. While the film provides valuable messages about empathy, it also warns about sensitive content. Parents should assess younger viewers' maturity before allowing them to watch.

Similar Movies: Time Loop Tales like Happy Death Day

For those who liked the time loop in "Before I Fall," several films explore similar narratives. One notable example is "Happy Death Day." This 2017 horror-comedy also employs a time loop. In it, a college student relives the day of her murder repeatedly. Like Sam, the protagonist uses the loop to solve a mystery. She aims to break free from the cycle. However, "Happy Death Day" dives more into horror and comedy. It offers a lighter, more entertaining take on the time loop compared to the serious tone of "Before I Fall."

While they share a time loop structure, their genres and themes vary. "Happy Death Day" is more slasher-focused, with comedic elements. It uses the loop to generate suspense and humor. "Before I Fall," however, is a drama centered on character development and thematic depth. Viewers looking for more time loop tales can check out "Edge of Tomorrow," "Source Code," and "Run Lola Run." Each presents unique takes on the time loop concept.

Moral: Appreciating Life Before It Slips Away

The central message of "Before I Fall" is timeless: appreciate life before it slips away. Samantha's loop journey leads to self-discovery and awakened appreciation for existence. Faced with the potential loss of her life, she receives the strange gift of reliving her last day. This experience gives her a fresh perspective. She discovers the beauty and significance in ordinary moments she once took for granted.

The film carries a lesson about self-awareness. Sam learns to appreciate her life before it changes or disappears. It's not just about grand actions or extraordinary feats. It emphasizes daily moments, relationships, and simple joys that create a meaningful life. Sam's change shifts her focus from surface-level concerns to genuine connections, empathy, and gratitude for each day. This message transcends the film’s context. It serves as a universal reminder to cherish the present.

Falling Point: Navigating the Aftermath of Climax

In narrative structure, "falling action" follows the climax, leading to resolution. This part clarifies climax events, eases tension, or wraps up loose ends. In "Before I Fall," a key climax moment is when Sam stops Juliet's suicide attempt or when Juliet ultimately chooses to take her life.

The film's falling action is brief. It centers on Sam's final version of February 12th, her calm acceptance, and intentional living that day. This period clarifies the climax's thematic implications. It highlights Sam's transformation and her renewed appreciation for life. It mitigates tension built throughout the movie, providing resolution, albeit ambiguous. This section resolves plot threads concerning Sam's personal journey, culminating in a poignant character arc that resonates thematically.

Point of the Movie: Small Actions, Big Differences

Ultimately, "Before I Fall" conveys the message about small actions having significant impacts. It's a story of a girl who relives her last day to grasp what happened and understand that tiny actions can create big differences. Sam's repeated days show how seemingly minor choices can ripple, altering events and affecting others’ lives.

The film prompts viewers to reflect on their actions and consequences. It implies that every interaction and choice matters in daily life. Even mundane moments can lead to change, whether positive or negative. Sam’s journey highlights this power and the need for responsibility regarding our impact on the world. "Before I Fall" emphasizes that beyond its fantastical time loop premise is an extraordinary truth: that small acts of kindness, empathy, and conscious choices can foster significant positive changes. It's an empowering message urging mindful living. Each day and moment presents an opportunity to make a difference.