If I Stay

Direction
Cinematography
Acting
Screenplay
Score
4.1

Based on Gayle Forman’s best-selling novel, If I Stay tells the story of Mia (Chloe Grace Mortez). She thought she had it all figured out after many years wondering what the future holds. She was going to music college and learn to play the cello even better than she did already. The child of ex-rocker parents, Mia was destined to a life in the music, though not exactly what her parents had planned for her. Everything was going her way until one day a fatal accident happens on a ordainary family trip and she is left in a coma.

While having an out-of-body experience, Mia tells her story and what has led up to this point in her life. For her Adam (Jamie Blackley) was a big part of that. Adam, she thought was The One. After trying to immerse herself in his world which was so very different from her own so believed they would make it together. She loved him and he loved her, but with their conflicting future plans of her wanting to go to Julliard and him touring with his band, alas love was not meant to be. During her time looking at her life from the outside, she slowly realises that there is so much to live for. Until further bad news comes her way which changes everything. She must decide if she wants to wake up and live in a world that is completely different that she had planned or whether she will leave this world for a happier place.

At the heart of this film is the message that time is precious. Don’t waste any second of it. It is an emotional film but in some ways that is what makes it so good. At a time when her world is falling apart, Mia finds that the people closer to her are those that will give her the most strength.It is also the story of young love and what it takes to make that work. If you like your heart warming films or if you want to have a little cry, then If I stay is the film to go and see. Just bring along the tissues!