Film sends anti-bully message

By Raegan Scharfetter

Before I Fall follows the seemingly perfect life of stereotypical popular girl Samantha Kingston and her friends. Through a tragic event, they see how their bullying affects social outcast Juliet Sykes.
Photo courtesy Open Road Films

Before I Fall, based on the Lauren Oliver novel, hits box offices March 3, and it falls nothing short of eye-opening.

The film focuses on the perspective of high school senior Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch) and her life as the stereotypical pretty popular girl. With the perfect friends, the perfect guy and the seemingly perfect future, what else could Sam ask for?

After long years of bullying social outcast Juliet Sykes (Elena Kampouris), Sam and her friends have no idea what damage they have contributed to. Juliet later commits suicide by running in front of Sam’s friend Lindsay’s car and killing all of the girls inside.

Sam finds herself waking up the next morning and every morning after that reliving the same day over and over. As the days pass and her questions continue to grow, Sam begins to learn the power of a single day and the difference it can make, not just in her life, but in the lives of those around her.

The film sends out an important message that everyone, especially impressionable teenagers should hear. Kindness goes a long way.

The film shows a raw representation of what happens in today’s world of bullying and the distance a helping hand can go.

Before I Fall is a great film for anyone who might be in need of an eye-opening message and a renewed vision of kindness.