Review of If I Stay (2014) by Tyler R — 25 May 2015

Despite an average runtime, this film sure did feel like it spent an eternity doing, well, nothing. If I Stay shows a girl who, after a horrible car crash, is stuck in limbo and must decide whether or not life is worth living.

This is pretty dark material for your average YA adaptation, but the execution is pretty standard, if not substandard. Acting wise, you get what you expect from a YA adaptation, with the exception of a couple really good actors who are really wasted.

Chloe Grace Moretz pretty much carries the entire film on her shoulders, but not even she can rise above what is ultimately another typical Hollywood love story. Plot wise, the film can get nastily deceptive.

We are shown flashbacks that are meant to act as cases either for or against her wanting to live, but, without spoilers, emotions are toyed and messed with, with the film pulling emotions left and right.

The film plods along as we watch the relationship pan out, and by the time it ends, all that is left is a hollow, emotionless feeling.