Review by Jon Donnis
Sometimes films are made which are totally predictable, almost from the very start to the very end, you the viewer can call out in advance pretty much everything that will happen. Fall is one of those films. But that doesn't always mean the film is bad, we as humans like patterns, we see them everywhere, we like to be able to predict things, as it makes us feel better about ourselves, throw in a story that will set your anxiety levels to the very top, and you can sometimes end up with a pretty decent outcome.
The film starts with Becky (Grace Caroline Currey) and Hunter (Virginia Gardner) climbing a mountain, along with Dan (Mason Gooding), everything is going well until Dan falls to his death. As you can imagine this is not an ideal situation.
Before you know it, Becky and Hunter have decided to honour Dan by climbing a 2000 foot, abandoned radio tower in the middle of nowhere, to not only conquer their fears and push their limits, but also so they can release Dan's ashes from the top.
Of course, the abandoned radio tower is covered in rust, and as they climb it quickly becomes clear that the ladder is barely being held into place by the rusty screws.
As I said you already know everything that is going to happen, don't you?
Despite knowing what is going to happen, you will still find yourself shouting at the screen, calling people stupid, yet also sitting on the edge of your seat while you wait for the worst to happen.
And that is where this film is very clever, and very well filmed.
Granted it takes a good 20 minutes before they start the climb, and let's be realistic, that is what you want to see. Of course, there is a storyline in there, revelations about the characters personal lives, that is all expected, but it really isn't that important.
Also worth noting is a ridiculous subplot that is used as an excuse to have Virginia Gardner with a heaving bosom, a smart director knows exactly what he was doing there.
PS. There is a little twist at the end, but don't tell anyone.
The Good
For what is a very limited plot point, the film does a really good job of creating tension, and dragging out the peril. You will shout at the screen, you will call people stupid, you will come up with a hundred smarter decisions the girls could have made, and that is all the fun of watching the film.
Beautifully shot, and even the couple of dodgy CGI moments are forgivable in the grand scheme of things.
Beautifully shot, and even the couple of dodgy CGI moments are forgivable in the grand scheme of things.
The Bad
When a film has a limited plot point, everything needs to be kept tight, and I think at over 95 minutes excluding the credits, the film is a little long, they could easily have shaved off 20 minutes without affecting the enjoyment of the film.
Overall
Completely predictable film which I thought was a lot of fun. Just because you know what is going to happen, doesn't in any way detract from what is a nice little film that actually has a really satisfying ending.
I score Fall a solid 8/10
Signature Entertainment presents Fall on Digital Platforms 14th November and Blu-ray & DVD 28th November
