If I Stay (12A)

BASED on Gayle Forman’s novel of the same name, If I Stay is the latest in a series of teen romance novels turned into big screen weepies.

Like The Fault in Our Stars, this film packs a hefty emotional punch, dealing with themes of loss and tragedy, as well as the typical angst of being young and in love.

Chloe Moretz plays Mia, a teenager living in Portland and an aspiring cello player.

When she and her family get into a car crash she leaves her body spiritually and must decide whether to save herself.

The film makes use of flashbacks of Mia’s life to build her character and story, while also giving Mia an insight into what her life has been like and what is at stake should she choose to die.

The film is clearly aimed towards a female teenage audience, with the main plot revolving around Mia’s romance with her new boyfriend Adam, a rock star who has ambitions of making it to the big time.

The usual clichéd script and cheesy Twilight-esque gazing into each other’s eyes are present here, however unlike many of the romance films aimed at a teen audience, the film deals with some quite adult issues.

One of the main problems with Mia’s and Adam’s relationship is that they are both aspiring musicians.

The career vs. relationship plot is a path rarely trodden by these kinds of films, and brings a welcome tone of maturity over the relentless flirting and kissing.

As Mia’s decision grows harder by the hour, and her life plays out in front of her eyes, the final segment of the film reaches its emotional climax, resulting in an at times heart-wrenching viewing.

Moretz’ lead performance as Mia is mostly excellent, particularly during her flashbacks; however the hospital scenes consist of her running from room to room and dropping to the floor in an emotional heap.

It’s a shame as Moretz is clearly one of the most exciting young stars emerging from Hollywood.

It seems that the source material let her down in this instance.

Otherwise, the central performances from Jamie Blackley as Adam and Mireille Enos and Joshua Leonard as Mia’s parents were solid and convincing, adding weight to the film’s emotional finale.

Director R.J. Cutler’s work is assured, particularly visually, utilising a soft filter during the flashbacks as well as wintery colours evoking feelings of warmth and love.

The films minor flaws mostly come in the form of the random musical numbers dotted throughout the film, which become increasingly cheesy and sickly sweet.

The film’s script may polarise viewers too. Hopeless romantics will lap it up, while the more cynical will be left cringing.