Fall is a survival thriller directed by Scott Mann who also, together with Jonathan Frank, co-wrote the script, starring Grace Fulton and Virginia Gardner.
A well produced survival movie that keeps the viewer in a tense grip throughout the feature. It is close to an immersive experience thanks to the visuals, a poignant story and a narrative that takes a dramatic and unexpected turn bringing it full circle.
Premise
Becky is grieving and traumatized by the loss of her boyfriend to a tragic fall while they were rock climbing. Hunter, her best friend and climbing partner convinces her to join in a challenge to climb one of the tallest communication towers in the US. When they reach the top there is a mishap, and they find themselves stuck 2,000 feet up. The descent will be far more difficult than they had expected, and it is then that their survival instincts start to surface.
Review
This a movie that barely counts with two lead actresses who have to do a tour de force both on and off screen. If something goes wrong in their performances everything would go down the drain. The same applies to the movie itself that bets on being an interesting thriller with the bare minimum, and with what seems to be very few props, it also takes a risk at having to depend entirely on maintaining the high-tension for its duration where no one will be able to sit-back and relax. An hour and 42 minutes of adrenaline pumping through the veins and nail-biting, unless your hands are clawed into the armrests of your seat in survival mode.
The shots and takes are impressive. Taken from a high altitude with drones, it creates a sensation of vertigo in the viewer. It is a gratifying yet challenging viewing experience, almost immersive in quality. Technically it is enviable, particularly in the directorial and editing departments. The sound effects and score further elevate the tension.
As for the storyline, well, it is relatively straightforward, but it does have a major twist. A very potent twist that adds to the movie some narrative depth. This movie is a full-fledged sensory experience, rather than a tale, one would think, until the last 20 minutes when it surprises us with a timely confession by one of the protagonists.
Considering what Fall has to offer, it gives it its all, and it is difficult to get a higher technical turnover from this screenplay, which does not strive to be a grand odyssey, although it does become an interesting story – you might even shed a tear to subdue all the tension built up. This is a genuine survival thriller that will have the audience holding their breaths till the end.
Do you remember the movie Cliffhanger (1993)? Well times the tension by a few.
Our Opinion
It is a remarkable movie, with a solid premise and interesting turns. Shrewdly directed, and edited, it is an experience that will not leave you unaffected. It is not for the faint of heart nor for those with fear of heights.
Other Reviews
Mann crafts this ride like a horror movie, with enough jump scares, gory sights and twists that make you howl while hanging on to its every vertigo-inducing frame.
Radheyan Simonpillai: NOW Toronto
“‘Fall’ is a technical feat of a thriller, yet it’s not without a human center. It earns your clenched gut and your white knuckles”
Owen Gleiberman: Variety
Cast
Virginia Gardner / Hunter
Grace Caroline Currey / Becky
Jeffrey Dean Morgan / James
Mason Gooding / Dan Connor
Jasper Cole / Dog Walker Dan
Darrell Dennis / Randy
Julia Pace Mitchell / Waitress
See full credits >>
