Mia Hall (Chloe Moretz) is a young, shy teenager in high school with a passion for musical instruments—especially the cello, whilst Adam (Jamie Blackley) is an up and coming Rock Star, in love with himself and music. When the two teenagers meet, a strong connection is made, and they begin to realise that despite their differences, they are well suited to each other.
The time frame of the film moves quickly and soon it becomes apparent that a year has passed since the two lovers have begun dating, although their awkward encounters would lead us to believe otherwise.
Mia decides reluctantly to go on a family trip for a few days, but tragically, whilst driving along the icy roads, her father is not concentrating fully and by the time he realises a truck is speeding towards their car, it is too late. The horrific accident leaves Mia, her parents and her brother comatose.
Most of If I Stay is based around an out-of-body experience with Mia watching herself lie motionless day after day. She also begins to have flashbacks to her time with Adam.
She is told by the nurse (whilst she is still in a coma) that it is up to her whether she lives or dies. This means that she has to decide whether to die and be with the rest of her family (who have since been declared dead) or to live and carry on her life with her boyfriend and friends without her family.
The fantastic acting from the two main characters as well as the rest of the cast portrays to the viewer how fast things you love can be torn away from “Today.” Although it is cheesy, it feels like life which contrasts the tone of the rest of the film.
Like most films created from books, it doesn’t measure up to the story as well as fans of the book may have hoped.
Nevertheless, it’s a great film and highly recommended to anyone who is thinking about going to see it.
The movie received a 7/10 and managed to stay at number one in the box office for 4 weeks before dropping 1 space to number 2.
By Franki Dean.
