The Fallout

Where to begin with this film? To start, I was an emotional wreck by the end. I haven't cried this much in a movie since Toy Story 3. Megan Park takes on a subject that is so intense and manages to handle it deftly like a seasoned pro in her directorial debut. The score by Finneas is a fantastic work that truly elevates the film by accentuating and complimenting the acting. Now, the true stars of this film are the masterful performances. Jenna Ortega delivers the performance of a lifetime. I've seen some of her other work from her early days at the Disney Channel to her strong supporting turns in You and Scream (2022) but this is incredible. She deserves an Oscar for this performance and anything short would be disappointing in my eyes. Maddie Ziegler has a breakthrough in a dramatic turn for the ages. She was truly fantastic in a nuanced and deep performance. Niles Fitch and Will Ropp both have tremendous supporting turns and offer up depth and alternate perspectives to Ortega's Vada. Lumi Pollack steals scenes as Amelia and brings a tremendous gravity to her character that makes her one to watch in the future. Julie Bowen and John Ortiz have great scenes as Vada's parents and truly have chemistry with Ortega that offers up some fantastic pieces in the late game of the film. Shailene Woodley has a minor role as Anna, Vada's therapist, but she brings class and power that fills the screen. All in all, this is one of the best films I've ever seen and is packed with a powerhouse ensemble led by an Oscar-worthy turn by Jenna Ortega and a breakthrough performance by Maddie Ziegler. I would highly recommend it to those who are able to watch as it does deal with very intense and sensitive themes, I recognize some might not feel as comfortable. 5/5 - Must See