"If I Stay" review features the performance of the latest teen drama to hit the big screen starring Chloe Moretz. These observations were taken from the standpoint of several reviewers who, despite their differing opinions, are united in saying that the film is a bona fide tearjerker.
As mentioned by the New Yorker in their "If I Stay" review, the title highlights the main conflict in the story. It centralizes on the dilemma of the main character Mia (Chloe Moretz). Having gone through a tragic accident involving her and her family, she is fraught with the task of choosing between living and dying.
The incident left her a roaming spirit caught in a predicament that will ultimately decide her fate. It all started with the tragic accident that involved her and her family as they were traveling on their way home from her audition.
A talented cellist, Mia was looking forward to a bright future. Completely supported by her loving family, she was on the verge of embarking on a new chapter of her life. On top of that, she was a young lady in love. She has fallen in love for the first time with Adam (Jamie Blackley), a young rocker.
Based on the "If I Stay" review of the New Yorker, the story concentrated on Mia deliberating on whether or not it was worth it to continue living, or just let go. Reportedly, the creators executed the entire film in good taste and infused it with that unmistakable somber tone. Its pacing patiently follows Mia's internal struggle to arrive at a decision.
Time Out said that the movie offers more substance than what most people would expect from a film whose target audience is comprised mostly of preteen girls. The engaging flashbacks that Mia dealt with in making her decision tugged at the emotions.
They went on to commend director RJ Cutler whose serious approach to depicting young girl's coming-of-age pains highlighted the emotions embedded in the plot, which challenged Chloe's and Adam's acting prowess.
Cinemalogue corroborated their evaluation, saying that the film would really make viewers cry. However, it noted that the scenes were orchestrated to specifically tug at the audience's heartstrings. According to the reviewer, it gives the film a less genuine feel to it, as it focuses more on the emotional weight of the events in her life rather than the depth of their meaning.
