The balance of life is fragile.

Mia Hall, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz, learns this heavy lesson when she finds herself looking upon her own motionless body on the black pavement of a snow covered Oregon backroad. Mia’s world is turned upside down in an instant after she discovers her younger brother Teddy and ex-rocker parents teetering between life and death. Her entire life flashes before her eyes in an intense out-of-body experience where she observes the current events at hand as well as those of her past.

Existing as a devout and successful cellist, Mia’s application to Juilliard disturbs the ruckus of her rocker style family but she embraces her domestic tranquillity. The cello is the only thing that gives her serenity and security, until Adam, played by Jamie Blackley, the soon to be love of her life comes, into the picture.

Before everything seemed to be so clear; get accepted into Juilliard and pursue a career as a musician. Adam’s unexpected presence disturbs this clarity. Should she stay in Portland and move in with the man of her dreams? How does she know if she is doing the right thing?

All of this flashes before her eyes while she is in a coma at the hospital after her accident. She begins to see her life from another perspective. Looking onto all the people that are there for her outside of her family, she sees how much she truly has and how important it is to preserve these things while she still has them.

Director R.J. Clutler does an amazing job of reflecting the true emotion, vulnerable nature and confusion felt by Mia while in this terrifying situation. The film provoked thoughts about the most important people in life and transported the viewer into a first person outlook.

The cast portrayed true emotions that could be felt by each member of the audience. If you are wanting a movie that will make you cry “If I Stay” is for you. This intertwined love story was a balance of  joy and desperation. One that will be remembered.