Is the Fallout Based on a True Story? Know its Plot, Ending ,and Review
by Aishwarya R | Updated Apr 28, 2023
The Fallout
The Fallout is a thought-provoking drama film that explores the emotional impact of a school tragedy on a high schooler named Vada, played by Jenna Ortega. The film, directed and written by Megan Park, delves into the aftermath of a school shooting, examining how the event affects Vada's relationships with her family, friends, and her outlook on the world.
Throughout the movie, we see Vada struggling to come to terms with the trauma she has experienced. She is haunted by memories of the shooting and is unable to escape the constant reminders of the tragedy. Her relationships with her parents and best friend are strained, as they struggle to understand and support her in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The film takes a raw and emotional approach to the subject matter, showing the devastating effects of gun violence on young people. The performances by the cast, including Maddie Ziegler and Niles Fitch, are powerful and moving, capturing the complexity and depth of the characters' emotions.
The Fallout is a poignant film that tackles a difficult subject matter with sensitivity and honesty. It is a compelling watch that sheds light on the long-lasting impact of school shootings on those who survive them.
Is the Fallout Based on a True Story?
No, The Fallout is not based on a true story. Megan Park, the writer and director of "The Fallout," revealed that the film wasn't inspired by any specific school shooting incident but rather her own personal frustrations and sadness over the subject. Being a Canadian, she didn't have firsthand experience with school shootings, but she believed that her lack of personal experience made her the right person to tell this story.
Park put herself in the shoes of high schoolers and reflected on how she would react to the constant fear they experience. She found that the aspect of the story had not been explored enough and wrote the script in just two weeks after extensive research.
"The Fallout" marks Park's directorial debut, although she has previously directed shorts and music videos and acted in various projects, including the ABC teen-drama series "The Secret Life of the American Teenager."
Jenna Ortega, who plays the lead role of Vada, admitted in an interview that she sometimes felt uncomfortable immersing herself in the subject matter of the film. She believed that it was critical for the country's leaders to provide a solution to the crisis of school shootings and to offer support and understanding to young people struggling with the aftermath of these traumatic events.
Fallout Plot
In "The Fallout," a high school student named Vada experiences a traumatic event when she is caught in a school shooting while using the bathroom. Vada hides in a stall with her classmates Mia and Quinton, whose brother is killed in the shooting.
After the tragedy, Vada struggles with depression and isolates herself from her family and best friend Nick. She cannot bring herself to use the bathroom where she hid, and even the sound of a soda can being crushed causes her to have an accident. To cope with her trauma, she turns to drugs and alcohol and engages in a sexual relationship with Mia.
Vada's behavior creates tension with Nick, and she turns to Quinton for comfort, but he gently rejects her. Vada's relationship with her family also suffers until her younger sister, Amelia, admits that she felt guilty for calling Vada during the shooting. Vada reassures Amelia and begins to reconnect with her loved ones.
As Vada attends therapy sessions, she makes progress in dealing with the aftermath of the shooting, although her relationship with Nick remains uncertain. In the final scenes, Vada waits for Mia outside of a dance class when she receives a notification about another school shooting. The news triggers a panic attack in Vada, highlighting the ongoing impact of gun violence on those who survive it.
Fallout Ending Explained
The Fallout is a movie that deals with heavy themes, including gun violence and its aftermath. The ending of the movie is left open to interpretation, with some viewers finding it ambiguous.
In the final scenes of the film, we see Vada taking part in a school play that reflects on the tragedy that took place. The play is a cathartic experience for Vada and the other students, as they are able to express their feelings and thoughts about the shooting in a creative way.
After the play, Vada is seen outside the school, where she encounters the shooter's younger brother, who has been ostracized by his classmates due to his association with his brother's actions. Vada approaches him and they have a brief conversation, with Vada expressing empathy towards him and acknowledging the complexity of his situation.
The ending is open-ended, and viewers are left to interpret what happens next. Some may see it as a sign of hope and healing, with Vada extending compassion and understanding towards someone who has been impacted by the tragedy in a different way. Others may view it as a reminder of the ongoing consequences of gun violence, with the shooter's brother still facing judgment and isolation from his peers.
The ending of the Fallout is left up to interpretation, but it is clear that the film aims to spark conversations about the complex issues surrounding gun violence and its impact on young people.
Fallout Review
The Fallout has received generally positive reviews from critics. As of April 2023, it holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 7.4/10 based on 66 reviews.
Critics have praised the film for its authentic portrayal of the aftermath of a school shooting and its impact on the lives of those affected. They have commended the performances of the cast, particularly Jenna Ortega, who has been praised for her nuanced portrayal of the lead character, Vada.
Many reviewers have also praised Park's direction, highlighting her sensitive and nuanced handling of a difficult subject matter. They have noted her ability to create an emotionally resonant film that is both thought-provoking and cathartic.
However, some critics have found the film to be too somber and emotionally heavy, with some reviewers noting that the film could be difficult to watch for those who have been affected by school shootings. Despite these criticisms, The Fallout has been widely praised for its honest and authentic portrayal of a difficult subject matter and has been hailed as a powerful and affecting film that deserves to be seen.
Is the Fallout Based on a True Story - FAQs
The Fallout follows a high schooler named Vada who experiences emotional fallout after surviving a school shooting. She struggles to cope with the trauma and her relationships with her family and friends are forever altered.
The Fallout was directed by Megan Park, who also wrote the screenplay.
The Fallout was released on March 12, 2021.
The stars of the Fallout movie include Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, and Niles Fitch.
The Fallout is rated R for language, drug use, and some sexual content.