The Fallout is a film about the unseen faces of a tragedy, those who can’t turn their pain into effecting positive change in the world because they are too afraid to leave their bedrooms. Three teenagers form a unique and dynamic bond as they navigate the never linear, often confusing journey to heal in a world that feels forever changed.
The Fallout is a 2021 American drama film written and directed by Megan Park in her feature film directorial debut. The film stars Jenna Ortega as Vada Cavell, a high school student who navigates significant emotional trauma following a school shooting. The film also stars Maddie Ziegler, Julie Bowen, John Ortiz, Niles Fitch, Will Ropp, and Shailene Woodley in supporting roles. The score is composed by American musician and actor Finneas O’Connell.
The Fallout had its premiere at South by Southwest on March 17, 2021, and was released on January 27, 2022, on HBO Max by New Line Cinema (via Warner Bros. Pictures). It received acclaim from critics, who praised the directing, screenplay, and O’Connell’s score, and lauded Ortega’s performance.
About the Story
High school student Vada goes to the restroom in the middle of class after her little sister Amelia calls her when she has her first period. While she is in the bathroom, a school shooting occurs. Vada hides in a stall with her schoolmates Mia and Quinton, whose brother is killed in the shooting.
In the weeks following the incident, Vada becomes depressed and isolated from her family and best friend Nick. She cannot bring herself to enter the bathroom where she hid, resulting in her urinating herself when she hears the sound of a soda can being crushed. In order to cope with her trauma, she takes ecstasy, and Nick has to help her through the resulting high. After another night of drinking, Vada and Mia kiss and have sex.
Vada and Nick argue about her poor coping mechanisms, resulting in her venting to Quinton and then trying to kiss him, who gently rejects her as he is not emotionally ready for a relationship. She withdraws further from her family and friends, including Mia.
Later, Amelia admits to Vada that she assumed Vada resented her for the phone call that had put her in more danger. Vada assures her that that is not the case, and the two reconnect. Vada reconciles with her parents and Mia. By her next therapy session, Vada has made genuine progress in coming to terms with what happened, though she admits that she and Nick might not reconcile.
The Fallout (2021)
Directed by: Megan Park
Starring: Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Niles Fitch, Will Ropp, Lumi Pollack, Julie Bowen, Shailene Woodley, Christine Horn, Austin Zajur, Yindra Zayas, Nancy Arnstein, Tiffany Rae Jones
Screenplay by: Megan Park
Production Design by: Justin Dragonass
Cinematography by: Kristen Correll
Film Editing by: Jennifer Lee
Costume Design by: Tasha Goldthwait
Set Decoration by: Katie Carey
Art Direction by: Alex Rose
Music by: Finneas O’Connell
MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, and teen drug and alcohol use.
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 17, 2021
Visits: 41
