FilmSnobReviews

Title: The Fallout
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Megan Park
Starring: Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Niles Fitch
Runtime: 1 hr 32 mins

What It Is: Vada (Ortega) is a high schooler, much like any other. She goes to school and has hobbies. However, when a tragedy strikes Vada and her classmates she’s forever changed. Talking about it and living through it with a classmate (and new friend) Mia (Ziegler) has helped but can anything really ever recover from the events of that faithful day at school? Will Vada and Mia ever be the same or will the demons forever haunt their memories

What We Think: This is a completely shattering experience. Megan Park brings it! Not only does she kill it behind the camera she also wrote this potent piece. It’s a clearly presented and honest story. It’s not all doom and gloom though. There’s a really hopeful spirit to it all. Jenna Ortega is an absolute star. Maddie Ziegler is super surprising with her performance. I think Park is such a genius with what’s happening here. Speaking strictly about the writing it is excellent. The character are built on a foundation of truth to reality and feel like whole people. You feel what they feel and that’s a testament to Park on the whole.

Our Grade: A-, For a film that gives off gargantuan vibes it’s all put together in a package that works far more then it doesn’t. From the brilliantly written script to the fantastic acting this is a film that upon release will have audience both crying in their seats and cheering the protagonists. If not for some slight pacing issues this would be one of 2021’s best. Outside of that it’s still a wonderfully put together piece. Check it out if you can find it. It’s certainly worth your time.