Before I Fall Movie Review (2017)
A mystery drama about a popular high school student forced to relive the day of her death over and over again, Before I Fall is an atmospheric film with an intriguing premise and a protagonist whose growth becomes increasingly rewarding to watch.
The first time I watched the movie Groundhog Day was in the movie theater in 1993. I remember enjoying it and renting it from Blockbuster when it came out on VHS. That second time was a different experience for me. I still enjoyed Bill Murray and the comedy, but I felt as if I’d seen it dozens of times already because he repeats the same day over and over. It was a good lesson for me about movies structured that way. Don’t overstay your welcome.
Before I Fall is about popular high schooler, Samantha, a girl who spends all of her time with her clique of friends, Ally, Elody, and queen bee, Lindsay. It is “cupid day” at school, and students have purchased roses to send to each other during class. There will also be a party at Kent’s house, who has a crush on Sam, and Sam’s friends know she plans to sleep with her boyfriend, Rob, for the first time that night. During the party, an unkempt, wild outcast named Juliet arrives and accuses Lindsay of being a horrible person. Lindsay responds, embarrassing Juliet, who runs off, and the four popular girls get into Lindsay’s car to drive home. On the road, they are in an accident, and Sam wakes up in her bed, forced to live this same day over and over.
Based on a novel of the same name (which I haven’t read and didn’t know before watching), I can see how this film might be a good read. Sam is the narrator, and she describes how she feels and thinks as she goes into each new day.
This movie is very Mean Girls-meets-The Map Of Tiny Perfect Things, but with a much more serious tone. If you remember being in high school, it captures the vibe well, particularly for those who attended with the same kids from elementary school. You love your best friends, but you also secretly hate them for reasons that you can’t disclose. There is the kid that you used to be friends with, but now one is cool, and the other is an outcast. And then there’s the semi-nerdy kid who can’t vocalize his crush.
While Before I Fall is YA-oriented, the time-loop mystery and various relationships feel very relatable, no matter your age. Sam becomes more introspective as she lives each day, and I found myself hoping she would make decisions that might make her happier. We aren’t aware of the long-term consequences of our actions at that age, we don’t have the perspective, so the coming-of-age aspect to this story, where she keeps trying the day anew, is framed differently from other films.
Before I Fall is a compelling and moody drama that approaches self-discovery in a refreshing way. I am guessing that the book includes many more details about Sam, her friends, her family, and her life, but I enjoyed the film. And surprisingly, it was over before I knew it.
Runtime: 98 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.25/5 Stars
Available: To rent on Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
