Before I Fall 2017

As the alarm clock pierces the morning silence, Samantha Kingston finds herself waking up to another iteration of February 12th - a day that will become eerily familiar as the hours unfold. Her friends, Lindsay Edgecombe (the undisputed queen bee), Ally Harris, and Elody, are already buzzing with excitement about Sam’s plans to take her virginity to boyfriend Rob Cokran later that night. The morning routine is punctuated by the unexpected arrival of roses, courtesy of Rob and a former grade school friend, Kent McFuller, whose lingering crush on Sam remains unabated. While initially unenthused by Kent’s invitation to a party at his house, Sam can’t help but notice the subtle undertones of vulnerability that underpin his words.

The group dynamic is further complicated by their treatment of Juliet Sykes, an outsider who is mercilessly mocked and belittled by Lindsay and her clique. As the day wears on, Juliet’s presence becomes increasingly palpable, culminating in a confrontation at the party where she is brutally humiliated and ultimately driven away in tears. The group’s callous behavior towards Juliet serves as a stark reminder of the cruel undercurrents that run beneath their seemingly carefree existence.

As Sam and her friends make their way back from the party, the night takes a devastating turn when their car crashes, apparently claiming the lives of all on board. But Samantha Kingston is not one to accept defeat so easily. She wakes up once more, only this time with the faint realization that something is amiss - the events of the previous day have been eerily replayed. The loops continue, each iteration offering a fresh chance for Sam to reframe her actions and make amends.

As she navigates the never-ending cycle, Sam’s priorities shift from trying to alter the course of events to focusing on the relationships that truly matter. She begins to air her grievances with those around her, before turning her attention towards fostering deeper connections with those she loves. Amidst these repetitive days, she takes small steps towards redemption by reaching out to Anna Cartullo, a student she had previously bullied, and growing closer to Kent - a bond strengthened by their shared memories of childhood.

As the night wears on, Sam and Kent share a tender moment, their lips meeting in a soft, gentle kiss. The memory of Kent’s father passing away still lingers, but it’s the heroism displayed by Kent’s sweetheart that truly resonates with him - the way she stood up for him against an unforgiving bully, her bravery a beacon of hope in his darkest hour. As the sounds of discordant laughter and shattering glass fill the air, Sam’s attention is drawn to the commotion unfolding outside, where Lindsay and Juliet are locked in a heated confrontation that will change everything. With a sense of foreboding, Sam joins the fray, only to discover the root cause of Lindsay’s anguish: the devastating impact of her parents’ bitter divorce on her fragile psyche, resulting in an affliction that has left her isolated and alone. The revelation sets off a chain reaction of events as Juliet takes her own life, her tragic fate serving as a wake-up call for Sam - one that will reshape her very existence.

As the loop rewinds once more, Sam awakens with a newfound sense of empathy and compassion, a profound understanding of what is required to break the cycle. With this epiphany comes a resolve to spread love and kindness wherever she goes, a decision cemented by her thoughtful gestures: sending roses to both Juliet and Kent, ending things with Rob, and sharing heartfelt words of appreciation for those around her. The party atmosphere takes on a new tone as Sam and Kent share another kiss, their love now free from the constraints of time. This time, however, it’s not just about the thrill of the moment - it’s about the power of redemption and the unwavering commitment to saving others, including Juliet.

In a heart-stopping climax, Sam finds herself facing yet another opportunity to intervene, this time with the fate of Juliet hanging precariously in the balance. With seconds ticking away, Sam seizes her chance, pushing Juliet out of harm’s way just in time - only to realize that her selfless act has come at a terrible cost. As her life slips away, Sam is met with a flood of cherished memories, each one a testament to the beauty and fragility of human connection. And as she gazes up at Juliet standing over her lifeless body, Sam’s final words are a poignant acknowledgment of their intertwined fates: “No. You saved me.”