The tears have dried after John Green’s Fault in Our Stars, but a fresh story is about to hit the screen. On August 22, audiences will reach for a box of tissues for If I Stay. Adapted from Gayle Forman’s novel of the same name, Chloe Grace Moretz stars as Mia Hall, a talented young cellist whose life hinges on a single, life‑altering choice.
If I Stay follows Mia Hall, a gifted cellist who slips into a coma after a serious car accident that involves her family. The coma triggers an out‑of‑body experience where she must decide whether to stay in this world or go. The film moves between the past and the present, letting Mia revisit relationships, memories, and the music that shaped her. It’s a moving, emotionally resonant journey that feels right for the end of summer, with themes of love, devotion, and personal growth at its core.
During a press stop in Canada, Chloe Grace Moretz spoke about the emotional depth of the film and how she prepared to inhabit Mia’s spirit.
INTERVIEWER: If I Stay is a very emotional movie, how did you get into the mindset for that?
CHLOË GRACE MORETZ: It was hard every day. One day I was learning that my mom died and the next day it was my brother who died, and then another day it was my dad. Every moment of every day was a tough day. It was always a really tough acting day, but it was worth it. Mia was worth it. You know what I mean? She was worth going into that emotion for and not many characters are worth that. But music helps me a lot. I listen to a lot of music to stay in character. I just try to feel it out. We were also shooting in an old insane asylum so the atmosphere on set was heavy already. So it wasn’t actually that hard to kind of just do it.
INTERVIEWER: Mia gets a new perspective on life in the film. Did you gain a new perspective by being part of this project?
CHLOË GRACE MORETZ: I think so. In different ways. Every film adds a new angle. I wrapped a play earlier in the year, and that experience shifted my outlook. I’m young, so I feel each month brings something new to learn about life and growth. With Mia, I loved her innocence. She’s genuinely innocent and a bit naive, but never foolish or reckless. She simply lives through her cello, and when that lifeline is taken away, that becomes a cultural shock. I found that balance really fascinating and rewarding to play.
INTERVIEWER: What was your favorite moment on set?
CHLOË GRACE MORETZ: My favorite moment on set was probably the on‑the‑water scene on the boat docks. It was raining, we were on skateboards, and the crew wasn’t expecting much. We improvised a quick shot that felt spontaneous, and we ended up reenacting a Titanic moment with me as Jack and my co‑star as Rose. It was a goofy, spontaneous moment that bonded the cast and crew and still sticks with me today.
Thanks, Chloe!
Be sure to catch If I Stay in theatres on August 22 and don’t forget to bring a box of tissues!