While Hazel laments that her life isn't normal, she provides the foundation for a more poignant tale of what it means to love and be loved.įollowing critical and commercial success in The Descendants and Divergent, respectively, Shailene Woodley offers her sharpest performance to date. From the opening moments, it's clear The Fault in Our Stars seeks to be a spotlight for the truth (both the victories and the horrors) of those who have been touched, either directly or indirectly, by cancer (among other illnesses). Some viewers might be put-off by a story of teenage love but the narrative strives for much larger insight than simply following the ups and downs of a budding romance.
While the plot centers on a tale of star-crossed lovers, The Fault in Our Stars is in fact a surprisingly authentic and moving story of life in the shadow of death. That said, even though certain aspects of The Fault in Our Stars rely on teenage romance tropes, clever directing choices from Boone, challenging performances, and an uncompromising premise, elevate the final film far above its melodramatic contemporaries. Understandably, discerning moviegoers have become doubtful of young adult novel adaptations - following a string of hit or miss Hollywood cash grabs in the genre. Weber ( (500) Days of Summer) from author John Green's 2012 young adult novel of the same name - with Josh Boone ( Stuck in Love) sitting in the director's chair. The Fault in Our Stars film was adapted by writing partners Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Following the meeting, Hazel and Augustus strike up a fast and flirty friendship but as Augustus encourages Hazel to break out of her shell, challenging her to live before it is too late, she is reminded of her biggest fear: she's a grenade, terminally ill, and when her day comes, she wants to protect everyone from the blast - even if it means holding someone she is growing to love at arm's length. Augustus is living cancer free, after doctors amputated his right leg, but attends the group in support of his best friend, Isaac (Nat Wolff), who is days away from an operation that will leave him blind. The sessions are a chore - until she meets osteosarcoma survivor Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort). Reluctant to cause her parents additional stress, Hazel agrees to attend the meetings. Hazel fills her days with books, reality TV, and studying - until her mother (Laura Dern) pressures Hazel to join a support group for young cancer patients. After the disease spreads to her lungs, Hazel entered an experimental study to help battle the cancer but, in spite of minor improvements to her overall comfort, she remains hooked to an oxygen tank, is easily tired, and, as a result, lives a hermitic life.
The Fault in Our Stars follows sixteen year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) who has fought thyroid cancer since she was thirteen. Fans of the book as well as uninitiated moviegoers looking for a thought-provoking character piece will find plenty to enjoy and ponder in Boone's latest film.