If I Stay is a romantic drama film directed by R.J. Cutler, based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Gayle Forman. The screenplay was written by Shauna Cross. The movie stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Mia Hall, a talented young cellist who faces a life-altering decision following a tragic car accident. The film explores themes of love, loss, and survival, focusing on Mia’s emotional and psychological journey as she comes to terms with the aftermath of the accident.
The film was released on August 22, 2014, and became a commercial success, resonating with audiences who enjoyed its emotional depth and powerful performances.
Plot Summary
If I Stay tells the story of Mia Hall, a 17-year-old girl who is an accomplished cellist with dreams of attending Juilliard and a loving boyfriend, Adam (Jamie Blackley), who is a budding musician. Mia’s life is forever changed when she and her family are involved in a severe car accident. Mia survives the crash, but she is left in a coma in a critical condition. After the accident, Mia finds herself in a state of limbo, able to hear and see everything around her but unable to interact with the world.
While her body lies in a coma, Mia must make an agonizing decision: whether to stay alive and continue her journey or let go and join her deceased family. The film alternates between her life before the accident—showing her relationship with her family, boyfriend, and friends—and her time in the hospital, as Mia grapples with her grief and loss.
Mia’s emotional turmoil is heightened by her love for Adam, whose band is gaining success. The film portrays their relationship in flashbacks, showing how Adam’s music helped her cope with the pain and uncertainty of her situation. Mia’s journey becomes a battle for survival and a search for meaning in the face of tragedy.
Main Cast and Characters
- Chloë Grace Moretz as Mia Hall: Mia Hall is the protagonist, a talented and introspective teenager who must make the difficult choice of whether to live or die following a life-changing accident. Chloë Grace Moretz delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Mia, capturing the emotional depth of the character.
- Jamie Blackley as Adam Wilde: Adam is Mia’s boyfriend, a guitarist in a rock band. He is a source of comfort and support for Mia before and after the accident. Jamie Blackley plays Adam as a passionate and caring character who struggles with his own emotions while trying to help Mia.
- Mireille Enos as Kat Hall: Kat is Mia’s mother, a free-spirited and loving woman who has a strong influence on Mia’s life. Mireille Enos brings warmth and depth to the character, making her loss in the story even more impactful.
- Joshua Leonard as Denny Hall: Denny is Mia’s father, a fun-loving and supportive figure. His tragic death in the accident leaves a profound effect on Mia.
- Liana Liberato as Kim: Kim is Mia’s best friend, a supportive presence throughout Mia’s journey. Liana Liberato portrays Kim with compassion, providing an emotional anchor for Mia in her time of grief.
- Stacy Keach as Grandpa: Mia’s grandfather, who serves as one of the few familial connections she can rely on during her hospital stay.
- Alyssa Giannetti as Nurse: The nurse who takes care of Mia during her time in the hospital, showing compassion and understanding as Mia faces her painful decision.
Themes and Style
If I Stay explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of relationships. Mia’s journey is not just about deciding whether to live or die but about understanding the impact of her relationships on her life. The love story between Mia and Adam is central to the film, emphasizing how music, connection, and shared experiences help the characters navigate life’s most difficult moments.
The movie also examines the bond between Mia and her family, especially the relationships she has with her parents and her best friend, Kim. The contrast between Mia’s life before and after the accident highlights the fragility of life and how quickly it can change.
The style of the film combines realistic drama with elements of romance and music. Mia’s love for the cello and Adam’s rock band play crucial roles in the storytelling, serving as metaphors for Mia’s emotional state. The flashback structure allows viewers to understand Mia’s life before the tragedy, making her decision in the present even more poignant. The music is an integral part of the narrative, with scenes set against the backdrop of Mia’s cello playing and Adam’s band, which reinforces the emotional resonance of the film.
Audience Reception
If I Stay received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised Chloë Grace Moretz’s performance and the emotional core of the film. Moretz’s portrayal of Mia was widely regarded as the film’s standout, with her ability to convey Mia’s internal struggle and emotional depth being a highlight. The film’s exploration of grief and loss resonated with many viewers, particularly those who have faced similar experiences in their own lives.
However, some critics felt the film was overly sentimental and predictable, with the melodrama sometimes outweighing the depth of the characters’ experiences. Despite these critiques, the movie found an enthusiastic audience, especially among fans of the novel and those who enjoy romantic dramas.
The film’s visual style, particularly its use of flashbacks and dreamlike hospital sequences, was praised for its ability to convey Mia’s emotional journey in a creative way. The soundtrack, which includes songs from the likes of the Band of Horses and others, was also well-received for enhancing the film’s atmosphere and emotional impact.
Box Office and Success
If I Stay performed well at the box office, grossing approximately $78 million worldwide against a production budget of around $11 million. This success solidified the film’s appeal to a broad audience, particularly young adults and fans of romantic dramas.
Conclusion
If I Stay (2014) is a poignant and emotional drama that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the difficult choices we face in life. With a standout performance from Chloë Grace Moretz and a heartfelt story that resonates with audiences, the film offers an introspective look at what it means to survive and move forward after tragedy. While some may find it sentimental, the emotional depth and the exploration of Mia’s relationships make it a memorable and impactful viewing experience.
