The Fallout is the critically-acclaimed high-school drama movie coming to HBO Max this January. The tense drama follows the story of Vada Cavell (played by Jenna Ortega) and her emotional trauma and recovery following a high school shooting.
The film received praise from critics when it premiered at the South by Southwest film festival, including the score by Finneas O'Connell, known as FINNEAS. Now, almost one year later, The Fallout is coming to HBO Max. Newsweek has everything you need to know.
When Is The Fallout Out On HBO Max?
The Fallout will premiere exclusively on HBO Max on Thursday, January 27.
To watch the dramatic movie, you can subscribe to HBO Max now for $14.99.
What Is The Fallout on HBO Max About?
The Fallout on HBO Max follows the blossoming friendship between two high school students who experience a school shooting. The duo met whilst hiding in the school toilets as the attack took place, turning their lives and friendship on its head. The movie also follows how the shooting played out on social media.
As Vada and Mia (Maddie Ziegler) navigate the emotional trauma of their shared experiences, they receive guidance from their friends, parents, and loved ones who try to help them navigate their trauma.
The official synopsis teases via HBO Max teases: "Bolstered by new friendships forged under sudden and tragic circumstances, high schooler Vada (Jenna Ortega) begins to reinvent herself while re-evaluating her relationships with her family, friends, and her view of the world.
"Moving away from her comfortable routine, she starts taking chances with a series of quicksilver decisions that test her own boundaries and push her in new directions. As she spends more time with Mia (Maddie Ziegler), they grow closer, and Vada slowly redefines herself through their shared experiences, leading her further away from that day and closer to living her life in the now."
The Fallout marks Jane the Virgin star Megan Park's directorial debut. Speaking to Women and Hollywood,Park said: "Making The Fallout was a journey I never expected to take and one that has changed me forever. If by seeing this film just one teen feels less alone, less afraid, or somehow understood, that will make the journey worth every step."
She added: "I sat down to write the film after almost a year of wanting to talk about the subject of school shootings. I was upset and enraged and really scared. I knew I didn't want to make a movie that would ever incite more violence or be triggering to anyone who had been through this experience — I felt a huge responsibility to do it justice but to also make it really honest.
"I also felt that if I was a teenager right now, I'd be terrified to go to school every day. I wanted to tell that side of the story."
Who Is In The Cast of The Fallout on HBO Max?
YOU Season 2 and Scream star Jenna Ortega plays the lead role of Vada Cavell in The Fallout.
Maddie Ziegler, best known for appearing in Sia's music videos and as Velma in West Side Story stars as Mia Reed.
The Way Back's Will Ropp stars as Nick, a victim's advocate opposite This Is Us star who portrays Quinton, a student seriously injured by the shooting.
Big Little Lies star Shailene Woodley takes on the role of a therapist named Anna and Fast & Furious legend John Ortiz stars as Carlos Cavell.
Lumi Pollack also stars in The Fallout alongside Christine Horn, Austin Zajur, and Yindra Zayas.
Woodley recently praised Park's film on her Instagram account and the cast. Woodley and Park were once co-stars on The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
She wrote: "sooooo. my OG girl @megan_park has slayed my heart over and over again since our secret life of the american teenager days with her creativity + ability to see through the masks we all wear in order to absorb the full human experience ... but, she has taken that slay to a whole new level with @the_fallout_movie. @jennaortega + @maddieziegler + @nilesfitch + @lumipollack + the ENTIRE cast give this film such a moving and entrancing truth with their work ...
"it's no secret to any of us the effects irresponsible gun use + violence has on our society ... especially on young people trying to live their best lives in public schools.
"megan has written + directed a movie that will touch your SOUL and have you thinking about it for days, months, years later.
"I'm so proud of you dude. i couldn't be more inspired by the way you so uniquely use your force to tell stories that not only MATTER, but also that are told in innovative, beautiful, honest, and real ways."
Is There A Trailer For The Fallout on HBO Max?
Yes, there is a trailer for The Fallout and the movie looks seriously emotional. The trailer even begins with a warning for potential viewers: "What you are about to see involves issues of trauma. Viewer discretion is advised".
In the short trailer set to Billie Eilish's "when the party's over" Vada and Mia can be seen meeting in the school bathroom for the first time. They appear to be from different worlds, Vada seems like your average high school student and Mia seems pretty glamorous, dressed in heels and applying make-up in the bathroom.
However, moments later gunshots can be heard and they are forced to hide in a bathroom stall, fearing for their lives.
The trailer then flashes forward to the aftermath of the school shooting as Vada and Mia and their family try to process what happened.
The trailer is enough to make you feel all sorts of emotions, so you better pack your tissues when you sit down to watch The Fallout on HBO Max.
The Fallout premieres Thursday, January 27 on HBO Max.
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