The Fall
What a piece of art. This movie might be the best I’ve seen in quite a long time. I’m quite speechless, though I’ll articulate this as best as I can.
The narrative is a masterpiece. The useage of Roy’s story to reflect the emotional states of all the characters and story beats is honestly genius. I loved piecing together each of the different symbolic elements wherever he started his narration. The details were top notch, and the pacing was absolutely perfect. The time spent between each world was incredibly well separated. The transitions between them are also seamless; they feel super clean and despite the huge differences it was never jarring.
The actual plot is devastatingly real. It was possible one of the most heartbreaking I’ve watched in quite a time, and yet is worth every second. Roy’s character was portrayed extremely well. His visible and very human descent is done so well. Despite his morally gray actions, it’s very clear of his motivations and mental state. I am incredibly excited to watch this movie just so I can take it apart and truly appreciate the depth put into his character. It’s clear there was a lot of work put into him, and it shines through with how he is shown. His way of speaking and mannerisms all compliment his personality in enough of a way that makes him feel so incredibly human.
Which makes what happens so much worse. You grow irrevocably attached to them. And watching Alexandria be used for pills by a desperately heartbroken Roy is painful. Watching her try to wake up the man she unknowingly helped die is painful. Watching her go through all this for a Hail Mary attempt at comforting him is painful. And watching her push through ALL of it and still successfully be a reason for him to live, is so gratifying.
The way she processes the surgery and other traumatic experiences is incredibly unique. It is truly chilling at times and really lets you sit with how much happened to this kid so young. It’s brilliant.
And the cinematography is beautiful. It’s shifting, sprawling. Filled with color and wonder to emulate the inner workings of a seemingly colorless outer world. It feels alive yet ancient in the most legendary way possible. Really captures the essence of being told a story as a kid. So much possibility, the worlds feel endless.
The acting is brilliant, everyone does so well. I never once thought someone was unnatural or stilted. Alexandria’s ability was pretty surprising for her young age.
Overall I honestly see no flaws in this movie. Even as someone who was not expecting such a serious theme for it to carry through, for what it wants to do, it does perfectly. I never once was distracted or uninterested. I can only hope more people watch this masterpiece.
It’s incredibly inspiring as an aspiring artist myself, and it is definitely due a rewatch soon. This will absolutely be one of my all time favorites. I await with anticipation the day I get to introduce this to others.