Written by Kiara Co
Saving Zoë is based on the novel of the same name by Alyson Noël and it stars Laura Marano and Vanessa Marano who play sisters in the movie and also sisters in real life. The movie also includes Michael Provost (Insatiable), Nathaniel Buzolic (The Originals), Giorgia Whigham (Sierra Burgess is a Loser), Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians), and Christopher Tavarez (Avalon High). The film is set about a year after the murder of Echo’s sister, Zoë, when her sister’s boyfriend gives her sister’s diary.
This drama was quite interesting and it had a good balance, but the end of Saving Zoë was heartbreaking. Laura Marano carried the movie by giving an emotional and amazing performance. Saving Zoë was not an easy watch at all and it could possibly be too heavy for some viewers as it shows the harsh reality of what some teens have been through, especially in this generation.
Within the film, it shows how you may possibly think you know somebody so well and they seem close to you, but may not actually know something about them. By the end of the movie, you feel pity for both Echo and Zoë. You feel bad for Zoë because of the way she died and it’s not easy to comprehend or digest for the way she was killed. As for Echo, you feel bad because of how she has to cope with the death of her sister to then figuring it out on her own.
This movie is somewhat reminiscent of 13 Reasons Why. Firstly, the way the concept is shown through flashbacks while the protagonist having to find out the cause of death of somebody they love. Secondly, the police couldn’t even fully find out what happened. Thirdly, the message of the story as it brings awareness to issues that aren’t often openly discussed including sexual exploitation plus how the internet could be harmful and impact somebody else’s life.
Due to the flashbacks for most part of the film, it felt quite confusing at first. It seemed too choppy as a film and at some points, Zoë somewhat pops up which looks like she’s out of place. Was that necessary? It could be confusing, especially the transition from flashback to present and to Zoë’s appearance, although those scenes of Zoë’s recurring appearance are Echo’s internal thoughts and vision of Zoë.
However, after all those weird transitions, this movie was not confusing to watch. This movie becomes more understandable and interesting to watch, especially when Echo is making progress in figuring out the case.
Saving Zoë was not predictable to watch, which was well appreciated. The pace of the moving was well done and it wasn’t too fast or too slow. The parts of the story was shown at the right time within the right amount of time.
What was noticed in this movie was the light faded filter used in this movie and it was used for a fair amount of time within the movie. Maybe if there was a different distinct tone used for certain scenes, it would have been easier to know which was the past, present, and vision. This would have made the movie more interesting and less confusing for the audience.
Sadly with the title named Saving Zoë, the story really is not “saving” Zoë. Zoë really is dead. Yes the truth of why she died was solved, but was she really saved? Even Echo, who almost could have been harmed, but by guessing, she was saved because the case has been solved. Echo can finally be at peace.
If you are interested in drama and 13 Reasons Why types of stories, then watching Saving Zoë is for you!
