Ray J's Review - The Fallout (An HBO Max Film)

Good afternoon everyone! Here is a fresh review for you all of the incredibly moving new film "The Fallout" (now streaming on HBO Max), starring Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Julie Bowen, Will Ropp, Lumi Pollack, Shailene Woodley, Niles Fitch, and John Ortiz.

Vada Cavell (played phenomenally by Jenna Ortega) is a spunky ray of sunshine with not a care in the world, until her outlook on life is forever changed after a mass shooting occurs at her high school😔 Feeling completely numb, and grief stricken from the tragic event, Vada ends up finding comfort in her fellow classmate, Mia Reed (played by Maddie Ziegler)...a talented dancer, and social media influencer whom she sought shelter with in the girls bathroom at the time of the shooting. However, in the midst of finding comfort in a time of mourning, let's just say Vada & Mia begin to go about handling their grief in some ways that could be potentially harmful. Sadly, in the path of trying to take the pain away, Vada eventually begins to become distant from her concerned family, and best friend Nick (played by Will Ropp).

"The Fallout" is a highly emotional, and compelling film that I think presents grief in a way today's generation can appreciate, and relate to🙂🙏 The topic of school shootings is always hard to digest, and is truly an issue in this country. I thought that the topic was handled with care here, as was the subject of grief!

One of the scenes that truly stood out to me was a scene that takes place between Vada, and her younger sister Amelia (played by Lumi Pollack), who she has a phone call with just minutes before the shooting occurs. The conversation was truly chilling, as Amelia expresses blaming herself for "almost" getting Vada killed after taking her call, and confessing her fear of "what if a shooter comes to my school"?

All of the acting performances were really great in this film, but Jenna Ortega just continues to impress me! What a grounded transition she has made from Disney "Stuck In The Middle" starlet to serving up the acting performances she has treated audiences to lately! Bravo👏👏 I also thought Maddie Ziegler's performance felt surprisingly raw as well, and definitely deserves some props if I do say so myself!

Consensus: Lead by an impressive performance by Jenna Ortega, and a surprisingly raw Maddie Ziegler, "The Fallout" carefully tackles the hard to swallow subject of school shootings in a relatable film for today's generation💚🙏

The Ray J's Reviews rating is:

5 out of 5 lime green hearts

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