Fall review — A Vertigo-Inducing Survival Thriller That Soars Above Expectations

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆   |  Thriller  |  107 minutes  |  PG-13  |  2022

By Naomi

In a market saturated by cheap scares and copy-paste masked murderers, Fall (2022) emerges as a minimalist yet gripping survival thriller that leverages a simple premise to deliver an intense, edge-of-your-seat experience. Directed by Scott Mann and co-written with Jonathan Frank, the film capitalizes on primal fears and emotional depth to craft a narrative that is both physically and psychologically harrowing. 

The story follows Becky (Grace Caroline Currey), a former climbing enthusiast devastated by the tragic death of her husband, Dan (Mason Gooding), during a climbing accident. A year later, Becky has become a recluse, grappling with grief and estranged from her father, James (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Her adventurous best friend, Hunter (Virginia Gardner), a social media daredevil, persuades her to climb the abandoned 2,000-foot B67 TV Tower in the desert to scatter Dan’s ashes and find closure. However, their ascent turns perilous when the ladder on the decrepit structure collapses, leaving them stranded atop the tower with limited supplies and no means of communication. As they struggle to battle the elements and their own fears, the women must summon every ounce of courage and ingenuity to survive.

In retrospect, the foreshadowing of their predicament at the top of the tower was a bit overt and somewhat repetitive but it still manages to hammer home the feeling of anxiousness and trepidation. The movie also allows the audience to feel incredulity, as with most horror movies where the main characters refuse to stop their escapade, even when it continuously proves to be dangerous and ill-planned. It is admittedly interesting that a movie so different from mainstream horror can do such a thing with no real “antagonist” other than nature and the inanimate structure of the tower itself. Additionally, while the movie capitalizes on physical thrills, it also brings in elements of psychological horror, blindsiding the audience and delivering haunting dialogue. 

At its core, Fall is a study on grief, resilience, and the human spirit’s capacity to endure extreme adversity. Becky’s journey from despair to determination is mirrored in the physical challenge of descending from the tower. The film uses the tower as a metaphor for the emotional heights and depths one must navigate when coping with loss. This thematic underpinning adds emotional weight to the suspense, elevating the narrative beyond a mere survival story, and adds impact to the twists that the film presents its viewers. The bouts of doubt, flecks of humour, and underlying sense of foreboding that envelopes both the characters in the film as well as the people watching. Thus, allowing the audience to connect to Becky and Hunter, despite the novel situation that they find themselves in during the movie. 

One of the film’s most striking aspects is its cinematography. Director of Photography MacGregor employs sweeping aerial shots and nauseating angles to immerse viewers in the dizzying heights of the tower. The use of practical effects and minimal CGI enhances the realism, making the peril feel immediate and tangible. The decision to film on a constructed set atop a mountain, rather than relying heavily on green screens, contributes to the authenticity of the visuals. 

Grace Caroline Currey delivers a compelling performance as Becky, capturing the character’s vulnerability and inner strength. Virginia Gardner’s portrayal of Hunter adds a dynamic contrast, embodying a fearless facade that gradually reveals deeper layers. Both of their acting throughout the film shows how they both struggle with their own issues, and how they help each other work through them. Their on-screen chemistry lends credibility to the characters’ friendship, making their plight more emotionally resonant. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, though in a limited role, provides a grounded presence that underscores Becky’s emotional journey.

Fall succeeds in transforming a straightforward premise into a suspenseful and emotionally engaging film. Through its effective use of cinematography and strong performances, it explores themes of grief and survival. While some narrative elements may stretch plausibility, the film’s ability to maintain tension and elicit empathy makes it a standout entry in the survival thriller genre. For viewers seeking a heart-pounding experience that also offers emotional depth, Fall is a climb worth taking.