It’s never easy for anyone to navigate the complex emotional spectrum following any traumatic incident, much less a child. That’s the crux of The Fallout, Megan Park’s stunning directorial debut that tenderly handles one teenage girl’s struggle to continue navigating the goings-on of ordinary life after surviving a devastatingly life-altering school-shooting. Built on a rich, deeply affecting performance from Jenna Ortega, this is in turns one of the most uplifting and poignant filmic examinations of grief in some time; made all the more gut-wrenching by its inciting event’s relevance in today’s world.
Vada (Ortega) is your average American high-schooler who spends her time hanging out with friend Nick (Will Ropp), watching endless streams of YouTube videos and bickering with sister Amelia (Lumi Pollack) – until what should be a normal day at school becomes a life changing event following a devastating school shooting. Extremely shaken, Vada finds comfort in a friendship with the previously impenetrably cool Mia Reed (Maddie Ziegler), after huddling together for survival in the bathroom while the shooting unfolded. It’s clear that the girls are both unsure of how to proceed with life as usual and take comfort in navigating this uncharted territory together, experimenting with drugs, alcohol and sex in an attempt to distract themselves from the crushing fear they feel and perhaps move beyond the event.
Where other films like last year’s emotional wreck-fest Mass tackled the subject of school shootings through a more mature, parental lens, The Fallout is unique in that it places the focus squarely on the children and the survivor’s guilt experienced by those lucky enough to make it through such a traumatic event. Park doesn’t rely on length monologues or big speeches to convey the complex emotions and horrifying realities, favouring a clear visual language like Vada filling a box with funeral programs over time – a powerful image that says far more than dialogue could convey.
The film is also unique in the messaging it presents in regards to these tragedies. Vada drifts through life – never truly present unless with Mia, Nick immediately jumps into protesting for systemic change, Mia turns to alcohol to see her through the darker moments, Amelia pretends nothing has happened in an attempt to pick up with her sister where they left off, and even Vada’s parents seem unsure how to handle themselves around their daughter. Park posits that there is in fact no right way to deal with this experience; all these reactions are unique and completely valid responses that allow the individual to disconnect from the fear and trauma they feel. Vada’s approach may isolate her from her friendship with Nick, but rather than Park shifting Nick to an antagonistic role, we understand that his response simply differs from Vada and that neither is more right or wrong than the other.
Jenna Ortega continues to prove herself as one of the best upcoming actresses of her generation, with a captivating performance that completely embroils you into Vada’s emotional journey. It is soul-crushing to see this confident, care-free young girl’s world turned completely upside down; becoming a shell of her former self as she searches for understanding and space to process her emotions, but equally as heart-warming to witness the small moments of joy creep back into her life through the tiniest smile on her face. Even in the moments where you may not like or agree with Vada’s actions, Ortega always sells it as a completely natural and reasonable response to the situation that has befallen her. It is impossible for us to know exactly what she is feeling short of going through the event ourselves and Ortega brilliant performance portrays the closest possible approximation; with one overwhelmingly powerful facial expression in the final scene delivering a powerful message alongside the terrible realisation that all this hard work and growth could be reversed in an instant.
The Fallout isn’t always an easy watch, but it is a deeply moving and captivating look at one girl’s journey through a situation that should never happen to anyone. Jenna Ortega gives one of the best performances of the year as the grief-stricken Vada struggling to understand her emotions and Megan Park complements it with smart, empathetic writing that never seeks to explain how Vada should feel or suggest she should have gotten over it. Everyone’s experience with trauma is different and The Fallout is one of the most understanding, investing pieces of art to tackle the subject in some time.
The Fallout stars Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Lumi Pollack, Niles Fitch, Will Ropp, John Ortiz, Julie Bowen & Shailene Woodley – Streaming on HBO Max in the US and Binge in Australia now.