The Fallout

This moving and profoundly moving film follows high school girl Vada Cavell, who is expertly represented by Jenna Ortega, as she traverses the difficult emotional terrain of trauma and bereavement. The film fearlessly addresses the aftermath of a school shooting by emphasizing the silent, inner suffering of those left behind rather than the actual violence. It's a compelling examination of how people deal-or don't deal-with unspeakable loss, highlighting the many and frequently alienating ways that trauma presents itself. The movie stays away from sensationalism in favor of a close-knit and honest depiction of Vada's journey as she struggles with anxiety, survivor's guilt, and the disintegration of her once-normal existence.

The genuine portrayal of teenage emotion and the subtle but significant changes in relationships after such a devastating tragedy are what really make this film stand out. All of the performances are excellent, but Ortega's stands out because he conveys the film's quiet tension in a powerful way. Mirroring the messy reality of healing, the story doesn't provide simple solutions or tidy conclusions. Instead, it offers a perceptive and sympathetic examination of the long-lasting effects of violence on developing brains, emphasizing the value of self-discovery, connection, and discovering glimmers of hope in the midst of gloom. Long after seeing, the movie continues to have an impact, inspiring contemplation on resiliency, vulnerability, and the pursuit of purpose in a world that has been irreparably changed.

Staff:

Directed by: Megan Park

Written by: Megan Park

Produced by: Shaun Sanghani, David Brown, Giulia Prenna, Joannie Burstein, Rebecca Miller, Cara Shine, and Todd Lundbohm

Starring: Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Niles Fitch, Will Ropp, Julie Bowen, John Ortiz, Lumi Pollack, and Shailene Woodley.

Cinematography: Kristen Correll

Edited by: Jennifer Lee

Music by: Finneas O'Connell

Production companies: Clear Horizon, SSS Entertainment, The Burstein Company, 828 Media Capital, and Clear Media Finance

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema

Release date: January 27, 2022

Running time: 92 minutes