While book to film adaptations can be polarizing in terms of staying true to the source material, this week we’re taking a look at the If I Stay trailer…but mostly for its cinematic elements. Without knowing anything about the book, the trailer does an excellent job of laying out the story. It has a ton of chill-inducing moments including the first line, “Falling in love with Adam was like learning to fly.”

The music featured throughout the trailer does an amazing job underscoring the juxtaposition of a potential tragedy with the excitement and joy of growing up and falling in love. Another two of our favorite moments include Mia playing the cello and Mia rushing up to touch Adam’s hand behind the glass in the hospital.

The stars went down to Comic Con to promote the film and there was a glowing reception. It’s tracking to do really well at the box office, with a ton of preexisting awareness and many many people already expressing a desire to see the movie. While in the vein of TFIOS (it may help that that movie was a big success), If I Stay should be successful and stand alone as a movie based on its own merits. Gayle Forman wrote the book and has been involved in the process. While the movie is different from the book, it retains the true spirit and Forman has gone on record saying she was pleased with the process. Be sure to read next week when we go in depth on the book to film process of If I Stay.