Before I Fall

Samantha Kingston is a senior at Liberty High School in Portland, Oregon, and she's got it all: popularity, boyfriend, and a tight-knit circle of friends. On what appears to be an ordinary day, Samantha attends a party with her friends, Althea, Izzy, and Lindsay, and heads home with her boyfriend, Kent. The party turns deadly when a driver hits Samantha and leaves her for dead, but she somehow miraculously revives. As Samantha tries to process what happened, she wakes up to the same day repeatedly. Each time, the day ends with her death at the hands of the same driver, but somehow, she relives that fateful day over and over. Panicked and confused, Samantha struggles to understand the reality of her situation. She's trapped in a time loop, doomed to repeat the same day for reasons she can't comprehend. Initially, Samantha tries to alter the course of events to change the outcome, but her attempts only lead to a series of tragic and chaotic consequences. She realizes that her actions, no matter how well-intentioned, are merely prolonging the inevitable. As the day repeats, Samantha's perception of the world and her own identity begin to shift. She starts to see her peers, her family, and even herself in a different light. As Samantha navigates the repetitive day, she takes a step back to observe those around her, particularly her friends. She discovers the complexities and vulnerabilities of Althea, who is struggling with the pressure of being popular, the pain of Izzy, who is dealing with an abusive home life, and the superficiality of Lindsay's relationships. Samantha also reevaluates her own behavior, realizing the emptiness of her socialite life. This epiphanic process helps Samantha connect with her friends on a deeper level, allowing them to form genuine bonds and relationships. Samantha also comes to understand that Kent, her boyfriend, is not as attentive or caring as she had thought. His disinterest in Samantha becomes apparent as she tries to hold onto the fleeting time they have, only to be met with his distracted and dismissive attitude. This newfound awareness helps Samantha develop a sense of compassion and empathy towards those around her. Throughout the repeated day, Samantha undergoes a transformative journey, confronting her own insecurities and flaws. As she begins to understand the imperfections and complexities of her own life, she starts to form genuine connections with her friends and develop a sense of responsibility towards those around her. However, as the day repeats, Samantha realizes that changing the course of events is futile. She understands that she's stuck in this time loop until she learns the value of living in the present, of truly caring for others, and of letting go of her superficial concerns. As she grapples with the concept of her own mortality, Samantha comes to terms with the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing those around her. Ultimately, the day finally ends, and Samantha passes away as the driver hits her. But this time, it's different. She looks into the eyes of Izzy, who has finally found the courage to confront her abusive father, and Althea, who has taken a step forward towards self-acceptance. She sees Lindsay, who has let go of her superficial image, embracing her own uniqueness. And she sees Kent, who has been awakened to the realities of love and relationships. As Samantha watches, she smiles, understanding that through this time loop, she has helped her friends grow, learn, and become more compassionate and understanding individuals. This newfound appreciation for life and relationships is a poignant testament to the power of love, friendship, and redemption. By reliving the same day, Samantha Kingston finds the courage to let go of her fears and doubts, embracing the beauty of the present moment and the value of the life she lived.