The Fault In Our Stars

The teenage romantic drama, this is hardly an empty market. Over the last decade there has been no shortage of them, which is why it will take a lot for any films of the genre to stand out. Regrettably The Fault In Our Stars suffers from the fact that this is a story that has been done before, there are certain elements that seem fairly easy to predict.

However, there are several twists in this story that help to keep the plot one step ahead of the viewer’s own guesses. At a support group teenage cancer sufferer Hazel (Shailene Woodley) meets and falls for Gus, a teenager who also suffers from the disease and has lost his leg as a result (Ansel Elgort). The two begin to bond over their desire to meet an author of Hazel’s favorite book.

Already it’s obvious that there are a few new refreshing elements that make sure that the film does not follow a formulaic route. For example, this film is far from a story about a teenage girl coping with death. That is a large element of the plot, but is also includes a nice amount of comedy. It treats the viewer to humor rather than self-pity, and respects their intelligence enough to avoid the usual cliche that seem to come as standard with these kind of films.

The acting perfectly matches the tone of the film. This young and impressively talented cast perfectly convey all of the emotions that the viewer needs to experience on their behalf. They can be comedic whenever it is necessary and dramatic likewise. The chemistry between Woodley and Elgort makes the characters relationship easily believable. The writing also assists this essential part of the story. The both seem resilient to their situation, but it does not stretch to unimaginable levels. You really believe that if it was not for the cancer, they would be ordinary teenagers.

Whether people still remember this film in six months is doubtful, not to sound cruel but it will take a much larger audience than what it has earned so far to stay in our minds. I have no doubt that it will be open for numerous awards, but beyond that I can’t really make a good prediction as to whether or not it will be remembered. But for now at least, teenagers can turn to this sweet and delicate, yet powerfully emotional film. If you are a fan of traditional tearjerkers but feel ready for something a little new at the same time, look no further. 

Result: 7.2/10