The Fallout
Movie Trailer
Release Date
January 27, 2022 (HBO Max)
Genre
Drama
Cast & Crew
- Jenna Ortega as Vada Cavell
- Maddie Ziegler as Mia Reed
- Niles Fitch as Quinton Hasland
- Will Ropp as Nick Feinstein
- Lumi Pollack as Amelia Cavell
- John Ortiz as Carlos Cavell
- Shailene Woodley as Anna
Director
Megan Park
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Fallout is Megan Park’s directorial debut.
Producer
- Shaun Sanghani
- David Brown
- Rebecca Miller
- Cara Shine
Writer
- Megan Park
Budget
N/A (Independent film)
Production Company
- SSS Entertainment
- Clear Horizon
- 828 Media Capital
Running Time
92 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Mature themes including trauma and mental health
- Strong language
- Drug use
- Sexual content
Movie Story
The Fallout is a poignant and emotionally charged drama that delves into the aftermath of a tragic school shooting through the eyes of Vada Cavell (Jenna Ortega), a high school student whose life is irrevocably changed by the event. The film begins with Vada going through a typical day at school until a sudden and violent incident throws her into a nightmare. She, along with popular student Mia Reed (Maddie Ziegler) and Quinton Hasland (Niles Fitch), who loses his brother in the shooting, find themselves sheltering together in a bathroom during the chaos.
In the days and weeks following the shooting, Vada struggles to process the trauma. Her relationships with her family, friends, and even her sense of self begin to shift. She becomes distant from her best friend Nick Feinstein (Will Ropp), who channels his grief into activism, while Vada turns to Mia, someone she barely knew before the incident, for comfort. The two form an unexpected bond, finding solace in each other’s company as they navigate the emotional fallout of the tragedy.
Vada’s journey is depicted with raw honesty as she grapples with panic attacks, depression, and a sense of isolation. She seeks therapy, guided by her counselor Anna (Shailene Woodley), and begins to explore ways to cope with her new reality. The film explores the different ways young people respond to trauma, highlighting the complexity of grief and the importance of support systems.
Megan Park’s direction focuses on the internal experiences of the characters, using a naturalistic style that brings authenticity to their emotions and interactions. The Fallout is not just a story about the impact of a school shooting, but a broader exploration of teenage identity, resilience, and the struggle to find a way forward after an unspeakable tragedy.
Special Effects
The Fallout does not rely heavily on special effects, as the film’s power lies in its character-driven narrative and the performances of its cast. The cinematography and sound design work together to create an intimate atmosphere, reflecting the internal states of the characters as they navigate their trauma.
Box Office Performance
As an independent film released directly on HBO Max, The Fallout did not have a traditional box office run. However, it was widely praised by critics and audiences for its sensitive handling of difficult subject matter and its strong performances, particularly by Jenna Ortega.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “You don’t get to decide what hurts me.” – Vada Cavell
- “I don’t know how to keep going when everything feels so different.” – Vada Cavell
- “You’re not supposed to figure it all out right now. Just let yourself feel what you need to feel.” – Anna
Behind-the-Scenes
The Fallout marked Megan Park’s debut as a feature film director. The film was inspired by the increasing prevalence of school shootings in the United States and sought to explore the emotional and psychological impact on survivors rather than focusing on the event itself. Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Vada has been widely acclaimed, and the film has been praised for its realistic and empathetic depiction of teenage life and trauma. The film premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Award in the Narrative Feature Competition.
Awards
- SXSW Film Festival: Grand Jury Award for Narrative Feature
- Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) Awards: Nominated for Best Streaming Movie
Final Verdict
The Fallout is a deeply moving and thoughtfully crafted film that captures the complexities of grief and trauma through the eyes of a young protagonist. Megan Park’s sensitive direction and the powerful performances by the cast, particularly Jenna Ortega, make this a must-watch film that resonates with the current cultural moment. The film’s exploration of how trauma can shape and sometimes redefine young lives is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, offering a nuanced look at healing and resilience.
IMDb Rating
7.0/10