Zoey Deutch Delivers Breakout Performance in Teen Drama ‘Before I Fall’

Alex Aronson

On the exterior, one may dismiss “Before I Fall” as simply another flavorless young adult adaptation, but something very raw digs deep within the film, which makes it stand out above the rest. Based on Lauren Oliver’s bestselling novel, director Ry Russo-Young succeeds in gaining honest and emotional moments that allude to a thought-provoking conclusion. In a modern day, teen drama version of “Groundhog Day,” “Before I Fall” follows the story of Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch), a high school senior who gets stuck reliving the same day over and over again. She soon attempts to untangle the mystery around her death and discovers everything she’s in danger of losing.

Samantha’s posse – Lindsay (Halston Sage), Ally (Cynthy Wu), and Elody (Medalion Rahimi) – rule the school, but Russo-Young also allows us to see just how cruel these girls can be as they bully the quiet loner, Juliet (Elena Kampouris). Even though Samantha starts out as just another bully, she eventually opposes her friends when she takes a stance against the cruelty.

The repeated day in question, “Cupid Day,” allows Samantha the opportunity to relive the same day, make up for lost time, correct her mistakes and figure out what she really wants out of life. She struggles with her family relationship and her relationship with her popular boyfriend, of whom she is supposed to lose her virginity to that night. Unfortunately, by the time she comes to the final realization that she must make the most of each moment and day – it is too late. The underlying issues surrounding virginity and bullying pad the thoughtful end message, which emerges from this atypical teen drama.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about the movie is the performance given by Zoey Deutch. The young actress, who bares a striking resemblance to her mother, actress Lea Thompson, provides a captivating performance that remains as emotional as it is raw. Deutch proves she can carry a picture with a particular level of grace and honesty. It is clear that a true movie star is on the horizon. Supported by an ear-catching soundtrack, kudos should also be given to Russo-Young, whose direction allows for real emotion to shine through in the context of a teen melodrama.

“Before I Fall” opens in theaters March 3.