Signature Entertainment presents Fall exclusively in UK Cinemas from September 2, 2022.
Synopsis
Experience a heart-pounding tale of survival from the producers of 47 Meters Down where sacrifice may just be the only way out. A fast drop and a sudden stop awaits Becky (Grace Fulton, Shazam!) and Hunter (Virginia Gardner, Halloween) as they find themselves trapped 2,000 feet up an abandoned radio tower in the desert. Highly trained and resourceful, these climbers marking the tragic passing of a friend were not ready for every eventuality. A series of unfortunate events see their gear and supplies taken from them and as temperatures rise and vultures begin to circle, the chance of survival begins to fall rapidly.
Review
“Fear reaches new heights” proudly proclaims the poster for Scott Mann’s Fall, a film which precisely understands its position in the marketplace. There is an increasing pressure on big screen content to break ground, to be thought provoking and to seek purpose. That doesn’t need to be the case and Fall lands squarely in the box of not giving two-f*cks about what people think. It exists as a pure slice of horror-escapism and is wholly successful in achieving that.
Written by Mann and Jonathan Frank, Fall‘s relatively simple premise finds two women – played by Grace Fulton and Virginia Gardner – searching for solace atop a 2,000 feet tower. short sequence at the beginning of the film sets up some backstory which adds context to their mission. It also sets up some much needed conflict which helps to keep the narrative moving forwards when the action begins to lull.
This kind of single-location survival movie isn’t new. Its tried and tested formula has proven itself successful time and time again in Hollywood history. Fall perfectly applies all of the tropes required to follow the formula perfectly, leaving plenty of room for using strong visuals to build tension. Cinematographer MacGregor doubles down on the 2,000 foot tower to create some truly nauseating scenery. There were times I felt genuinely sick as it became entirely believable that these two women were stuck miles above ground.
The production nails utilising their budget to dramatic effect. Shots are carefully angled so reduce the reliance of visual effects. Maximising those effects heavy shots when they are required. It does sometimes give the sense that Fulton and Gardner may be stood on a platform in the studio carpark but that’s inherently part of the fun of these lower budget survival films. Also, it doesn’t matter. With everyone in the cast and crew fully committed to the premise, the performances sell the emotion of the situation perfectly.
Fall diligently applies the trope of stringing out their pairs dwindling resources. Much of the fun comes from watching them struggling to ration water and phone batteries. Using the small amount of tools they have to hand to try and contact help. Fall does bring some unique takes by giving the pair a drone and also having a handy trick up their sleeves for charging their devices. Throw in a pair of hungry vultures and just when the story begins to lull, things get really interesting.
Mann and Frank’s script doesn’t manage to swerve the inevitable generic plot twist. Though I admit I didn’t see it coming, the twist itself is crazy enough to propel the film through its final moments. It does also give the audience the opportunity to see a really grim (yet hilarious) last-ditch attempt to call out for help.
Fall‘s success does hang on the shoulders of Fulton and Gardner who both put in great performances. The material handed to them allows both to be more than simple caricatures. Despite the rather dire circumstances, their personalities are able to shine through and we get a strong sense of their relationship leading up to this moment. Becky’s (Fulton) arc dealing with the loss of her husband (Mason Gooding) genuinely adds an extra layer which helps the audience to root for her eventual survival.
Verdict
Fall doesn’t break any new ground, it doesn’t have to. Instead the film relies on incredible tension and some nausea inducing visuals to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
⭐⭐⭐.5
