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Falling
2020 112 min Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America R 18+
★6.6
Drama
Director: Viggo Mortensen
Trailers
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EN
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Description
John Peterson lives with his partner Eric and their adopted daughter in Southern California. When he is visited by his aging father Willis from Los Angeles who is searching for a place to retire, their two very different worlds collide.
Worldwide:
$9,828
Starring
Viggo Mortensen
Actor
Lance Henriksen
Actor
Laura Linney
Actor
Awards
San Sebastián International Film Festival 2020
— Sebastian Prize
Goya Awards 2021
— Best European Film
European Film Awards 2020
— Best Actor
Key opinion
Falling is a highly intimate, ambitious directorial debut by Viggo Mortensen that explores the generational trauma of a fractured father-son relationship. While praised for its powerful performances and evocative cinematography, the film divides viewers on its narrative structure and the balance between its provocative social themes and character development.
| Acting | Lance Henriksen delivers a formidable, career-defining performance as the abrasive and tyrannical father, anchoring the film with his raw emotional presence. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography uses tranquil, picturesque frames and natural settings to create a strong visual contrast between the protagonist's interior world and his memories. | |
| Theme | The film is a deeply personal, autobiographical-inspired work that provides an uncompromising look at the cyclical nature of family trauma and the burdens of forgiveness. | |
| Pacing | The non-linear structure, which alternates between modern-day conflicts and past childhood memories, is effective for some as a contemplative character study, but others find the narrative pacing disjointed and lacking in resolution. | |
| Culture | Viewers are polarized by the ideological framing; some appreciate the nuanced portrayal of the clash between traditional and modern worldviews, while others perceive the character dynamics as overly simplistic or driven by social messaging. |