Before I Fall 2017
Directed by
Ry Russo-Young
Made by
Open Road Films (II)
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Before I Fall (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Samantha Kingston awakens at 6:50 am on February 12, a day known as Cupid’s Day. She’s greeted by her friends: queen bee Lindsay Edgecombe, Ally Harris, and Elody, all giddy about Sam’s plans to lose her virginity to her boyfriend, Rob Cokran. During a lecture on Sisyphus, roses are passed around, with Sam receiving one from Rob and another from Kent McFuller, a long-time friend who harbors feelings for her. Although Kent invites her to a party at his house, her enthusiasm is lacking.
At lunch, the group mocks Juliet Sykes, the outsider whom they label as a “psycho.” The tension escalates when Juliet appears at the party, leading to a confrontation with Lindsay that ends in public humiliation for Juliet, who leaves in tears. Tragically, as Sam and her friends drive home, they hit something and get into a fatal crash.
However, Sam awakens in her room, again on Cupid’s Day. Thinking it was merely a bad dream, she proceeds through the day, only to relive the same events and crash again. Gradually realizing she’s trapped in a time loop, Sam suggests they have a sleepover instead of attending the party, successfully evading the crash. Despite this minor triumph, she later learns that Juliet has committed suicide, discovering that Lindsay and Juliet were once very close friends.
As Sam continues to relive the day, she begins to abandon her previous priorities, opting instead to express her feelings to those around her and cherish time with loved ones. She reaches out to Anna Cartullo, a girl she once bullied, and grows closer to Kent. After an underwhelming encounter with Rob, she finds solace in Kent, who reminisces about their protective moments in childhood.
In another loop, a significant moment unfolds when Sam and Kent share a kiss at the party. Kent recalls a time Sam bravely defended him against a bully during a difficult period in his life. When tension arises between Lindsay and Juliet, Sam follows them through the woods, hoping to reconcile. Here, Juliet opens up about her struggles, revealing the root of Lindsay’s bullying.
Ultimately, Juliet’s tragic act of running in front of Lindsay’s car leads Sam to a moment of realization—she must change her behavior to break the cycle. With a newfound determination, she chooses kindness over indifference, sending roses to both Juliet and Kent, parting ways with Rob, and openly expressing her feelings for her friends.
At the party, she kisses Kent and declares her love for him. In a climactic moment, she intervenes to save Juliet from a tragic fate, but while doing so, she sacrifices herself, dying as a result of the collision. In her final moments, she recalls all the cherished experiences she’s had. Her spirit witnesses Juliet standing over her lifeless body, and when Juliet remarks, “You saved me,” Sam simply replies, “No. You saved me.”
Timeline
Track the key events of Before I Fall (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Cupid's Day Begins
Samantha Kingston wakes up at 6:50 am on February 12, known as Cupid's Day. Excited for the day ahead, she is greeted by her friends Lindsay, Ally, and Elody, who are all enthusiastic about her plans to lose her virginity to her boyfriend, Rob Cokran.
Flowers and Friends
During a lecture on Sisyphus, Sam receives roses from both her boyfriend Rob and her long-time friend Kent, who secretly has feelings for her. Although Kent invites her to his party, Sam's interest wanes as her mind is occupied with Rob.
Mocking Juliet
At lunch, Sam and her friends ridicule Juliet Sykes, an outsider they deem a 'psycho.' This act of bullying showcases the group's toxicity and foreshadows the consequences of their actions as Juliet becomes increasingly isolated.
The Party Breakdown
The atmosphere turns sour at Kent's party when a confrontation arises between Juliet and Lindsay, leading to public humiliation for Juliet. This incident leaves Juliet heartbroken, and Sam's complicity in the bullying weighs heavily on her conscience.
Fatal Accident
As Sam and her friends drive home from the party, they tragically hit something, resulting in a fatal car crash. This unexpected event marks a turning point in the story, setting off the time loop that will force Sam to confront her actions.
Awakening in the Loop
Sam awakens again in her room on Cupid's Day, initially believing it was a bad dream. She soon realizes she is trapped in a time loop, forced to relive the same day and the events leading to the crash.
Evasion of the Crash
Determined to change her fate, Sam suggests a sleepover instead of attending the party, successfully avoiding the fatal accident. This minor success leads her to a deeper understanding of the implications of her actions.
Juliet's Tragic Decision
Despite avoiding the crash, Sam is devastated to learn that Juliet has committed suicide. This revelation pushes Sam to examine her life and the impact of her neglectful behavior towards others.
A Shift in Priorities
As the loop continues, Sam begins to reach out to others, expressing her feelings and reconciling with those she has wronged. This shift enables her to reconnect with Kent and rediscover the importance of compassion.
Connection with Kent
In a heartfelt moment at the party, Sam shares a kiss with Kent while reminiscing about their childhood bond. This significant development symbolizes her growth and blossoming self-awareness.
Revelation in the Woods
Sam follows Lindsay and Juliet into the woods in hopes of mediating their conflict. During this crucial encounter, Juliet opens up about her struggles, revealing the motivations behind Lindsay's bullying.
Sam's Newfound Determination
Realizing the destructive cycle she is part of, Sam resolves to change her behavior. She takes proactive steps to show kindness by sending roses to both Juliet and Kent, marking a decisive shift in her character.
Kiss and Declaration of Love
At the final party, Sam kisses Kent and declares her love for him, solidifying her transformation and newfound appreciation for authentic connections. This moment also signifies her breaking away from the superficiality of her previous relationships.
Self-Sacrifice
In a climactic turn of events, Sam intervenes to save Juliet from a tragic fate, sacrificing herself in the process. This act of bravery serves as the ultimate expression of her growth, demonstrating the profound impact of her changed perspective.
Final Moments and Legacy
As her spirit departs, Sam reflects on the cherished experiences she’s had in her life. She has a poignant encounter with Juliet, who acknowledges Sam’s heroism, revealing the profound connection that has developed through their shared tragedies.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Before I Fall (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Samantha Kingston
Samantha Kingston is a popular high school girl initially focused on her social status and relationship with Rob. Through her time loop experience, she undergoes profound character development, becoming more empathetic and understanding of those around her. By the end, she exemplifies bravery and selflessness, prioritizing the wellbeing of others over her own desires.
Kent McFuller
Kent McFuller is Samantha's childhood friend who harbors deep feelings for her. He represents the unrecognized yet profound connections that exist beneath the surface of teenage dynamics. Throughout the movie, Kent displays patience and loyalty, ultimately becoming a source of comfort and clarity for Samantha in her time of turmoil.
Juliet Sykes
Juliet Sykes is the target of bullying and ostracism, symbolizing the struggles of many young individuals. Her character arc is tragic, reflecting the impact of peer pressure and the dire consequences of cruelty. As the story unfolds, her relationship with Samantha highlights the necessity of empathy and the importance of addressing one's actions.
Lindsay Edgecombe
Lindsay is the quintessential queen bee, ruling the social hierarchy of high school. Her character embodies the pressures of maintaining popularity at the expense of moral integrity. Throughout the film, her actions towards Juliet reveal her insecurity and fear of losing status, ultimately sparking a catalyst for Samantha's evolution.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Before I Fall (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Modern Day
The events take place in contemporary times, reflecting the social issues and emotional turmoil faced by teenagers today. This period is marked by a sense of urgency and the exploration of personal relationships, bullying, and the impact of social status among peers. Themes of self-discovery and consequence are prevalent as characters confront their actions.
Location
Sam's town, the woods, Kent's house
The movie is set in a typical suburban town where the characters navigate the complexities of teenage life. Key locations include a high school, a party venue, and the woods, symbolizing both adventure and the darker realities of their lives. The town embodies the social dynamics of youth, highlighting the pressures and struggles faced by adolescents.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Before I Fall (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Redemption
The theme of redemption is central to the narrative, as Samantha seeks to rectify her past mistakes and the way she has treated others. Her journey through the time loop forces her to confront the consequences of her actions and ultimately leads her to embrace kindness and empathy. This pivotal transformation reflects the importance of personal growth and making amends.
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Bullying
Bullying is a critical theme in the story, notably highlighted through the character of Juliet Sykes, who faces cruel mockery. The film explores how bullying affects individuals, leading to tragic outcomes, and emphasizes the need for compassion. Samantha's path of understanding and reaching out to those she has wronged is a call for kindness in the face of cruelty.
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Love
Love in this movie manifests not just romantically, but also among friends and in the context of self-love. Samantha's evolving feelings towards Kent and her realization of what truly matters underscores the film's message about cherishing relationships. It emphasizes how love can drive individuals to change for the better and make sacrifices for others.
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