THE FALLING

Cinemavixion Review

Carol Morley's "The Falling" transports viewers to a rigid English girls' school in 1969, where the intense bond between best friends Abbie and Lydia forms the emotional core. The film masterfully captures the stifling atmosphere of the era, juxtaposed with the burgeoning adolescent anxieties of its protagonists. When a tragic event rocks the school, it triggers a bizarre and unsettling fainting epidemic, a phenomenon that serves as a potent metaphor for suppressed emotions and societal pressures. Morley's direction is both delicate and assured, allowing the performances of Maxine Peake, Maisie Williams, and a standout Florence Pugh to shine. The film's mystery-tinged narrative and evocative cinematography create a compelling, dreamlike quality, exploring themes of grief, sexuality, and conformity with a sensitive yet unflinching gaze. It's a thought-provoking piece that lingers long after the credits roll, praised by critics for its unique atmosphere and powerful performances.