Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

If I Stay is the cinematic equivalent of a Kleenex commercial—designed to make you cry, succeeds at that goal, and then you forget about it. The premise is emotionally intense: a talented 17-year-old watches her life from outside her coma and decides whether to live or die. That's heavy, and the film doesn't shy away from the grief and loss.

But here's the problem: it's predictable, sentimental, and ultimately pretty shallow. Critics were lukewarm at best (36% on Rotten Tomatoes), and even audiences who liked it admit it's a formulaic tearjerker. The whole resolution hinges on whether Mia's boyfriend's love is enough to make her want to live, which is... not the most empowering message for teens figuring out their identity beyond romance.

Chloe Grace Moretz does her best to ground the mushy material, and if your teen loved the book, they'll probably want to see it. But be warned: this is a 'preview first' situation. The crash is graphic, the grief is sustained, and the sexual content (though implied) pushes the PG-13 boundary. It's not inappropriate for 14+, but it's also not something you want a 12-year-old stumbling into on movie night.

Bottom line: It's fine for older teens who want a good cry and can handle mature themes. Everyone else can skip it without missing much.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14-17 who can handle heavy themes of death, grief, and life-or-death decisions, and who are mature enough to discuss the film's narrow focus on romantic love as life's primary meaning. Younger teens or those sensitive to loss should skip it. Adults who enjoy YA romance dramas might appreciate it, but most will find it forgettable.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

62

The film centers on genuine family love and first romance, with Mia's supportive parents and her relationship with Adam portrayed earnestly. However, it leans heavily into melodrama and sentimentality that can feel emotionally manipulative. The implied teenage sexual content and the 'pagan worldview' flagged by some reviewers (meaning choices driven purely by romantic attachment rather than broader values) undercut the otherwise positive family dynamics. The tone is age-appropriate for teens 14+ but the maudlin pacing and predictable emotional beats make it feel like a Hallmark card stretched to feature length.

Imaginative

38

This is a by-the-numbers YA adaptation that hits every expected beat: talented girl, brooding rocker boyfriend, tragic accident, out-of-body limbo, tearful decision. Critics consistently describe it as 'predictable,' 'pedestrian,' and 'gooey.' The classical music vs. rock romance angle is the only creative flourish, but even that feels formulaic. Chloe Grace Moretz's performance elevates the material, but the film doesn't invite curiosity, exploration, or fresh thinking—it's a paint-by-numbers weepie designed to extract tears, not spark imagination.

Safe

58

PG-13 for mature thematic material including a graphic car crash, the death of family members, and a teen coping with whether to live or die—heavy stuff that will hit hard for younger or sensitive viewers. The 'some sexual material' includes implied teenage intimacy that pushes boundaries for a 14+ rating. Moderate violence in the crash scene, references to underage drinking, and mild profanity round out the concerns. It's not gratuitous, but parents should absolutely preview before letting a 13-year-old watch—this isn't a surprise-death Marvel movie, it's a sustained meditation on grief and loss that can overwhelm kids not ready for it.

Enriching

55

The film tackles serious questions about choice, mortality, and what makes life worth living, which can spark meaningful conversations with older teens. Mia's passion for classical music and her pursuit of Juilliard model dedication and artistic ambition. However, the resolution hinges almost entirely on romantic love rather than broader purpose, which is a narrow (and somewhat troubling) message for teens navigating identity. The emotional intensity might help teens process grief, but the predictable, sentimental execution limits its depth. It's more cathartic than thought-provoking, and the entertainment value is middling—critics found it 'well-meaning' but ultimately forgettable.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Chloe Grace Moretz delivers a grounded performance that elevates the sentimental material
Tackles heavy themes of mortality, grief, and choice that can open up meaningful conversations with older teens
Faithful adaptation of Gayle Forman's beloved YA novel—if your teen loved the book, they'll likely appreciate seeing it on screen
Models family support and genuine first love (even if the romance is a bit overwrought)
Classical music scenes showcase artistic dedication and the pursuit of excellence

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What to Watch For

The car crash and its aftermath are intense—graphic depictions of the accident and sustained grief over family deaths will be too much for younger or sensitive viewers
Implied teenage sexual content and romantic melodrama that leans heavily on 'love conquers all' messaging
Underage drinking references and mild profanity scattered throughout
The pacing is slow and sentimental—kids used to Marvel-level action will find this a slog
The entire premise hinges on whether romantic love is enough reason to stay alive, which is a narrow (and potentially concerning) framework for teens still figuring out identity

Conversation Starters

"Mia's whole decision comes down to Adam. What else do you think makes life worth living beyond romantic relationships?"
"Have you ever had to make a choice between two things you really wanted, like Mia choosing between Juilliard and staying with Adam?"
"The movie shows Mia's family as super supportive. How does your family support your passions or interests?"
"If you could pursue any dream like Mia going to Juilliard, what would it be? What would you be willing to give up for it?"
"The crash happens so suddenly. How do you think people cope when life changes in an instant like that?"

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