Content that may disturb children

Under 5
In addition to the violent scenes mentioned above, Before I Fall has some scenes that could scare or disturb children under five years. For example, there’s a fatal car accident in which Sam apparently dies. The car is shown rolling.

From 5-8
Children in this age group are likely to be disturbed or confused by the plot of Before I Fall, which features a girl reliving a day over and over again after apparently dying.

From 8-13
Children in this age group might be disturbed by the movie’s themes.

Over 13
Younger viewers in this age group might be disturbed by the movie’s themes.

Sexual references

Before I Fall has some mild sexual references. For example:

• There are references to wearing protection while having sex. Characters say things like ‘No glove, no love’ about using condoms.
• Characters flirt with each other.
• Characters talk about losing your virginity.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

Before I Fall shows some use of substances. For example, teenagers drink at a party while their parents are out of town. One character gets drunk and throws up as a result of having drunk a lot. The same party features several times throughout the movie.

Nudity and sexual activity

Before I Fall has some partial nudity and sexual activity. For example:

• Many teenage characters kiss at a party, as well as in the lunch room at school.
• There is one scene involving sex, which shows a young couple in bed together. They’re only half-dressed.
• One female character exposes her bra to several others, although this is done in a funny way rather than a sexual way. 

Product placement

The following products are displayed or used in Before I Fall: Apple products like iPhones and Macbook computers.

Coarse language

Before I Fall has some coarse language and derogatory phrases or insults.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Before I Fall is based on a young adult novel that depicts a journey of personal growth and development.

Sam moves through five stages of grief over the course of the movie. As she does this, she begins to readjust her priorities and discovers that the things she previously valued are much less important than she thought. As a popular high school student from a wealthy family, she initially feels a sense of privileged entitlement that sets her apart from the social misfits in her class. But this gradually shifts as she goes through a process of acceptance that permanently changes her.

The movie’s themes and coarse language make it most suited to older teenagers. It isn’t recommended for viewers under 14 years, and parental guidance is recommended for children aged 14-15 years.

You might like to talk with your children about the movie’s main themes. You could also discuss the consequences of bullying and of the risky behaviours shown in the movie.