Falling

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1:42

Falling

R

2021

1h 52m

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

66%

Tomatometer

97 Reviews

63%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

FALLING follows John (Viggo Mortensen) who lives with his partner, Eric (Terry Chen), and their daughter, Mónica (Gabby Velis), in California, far from the traditional rural life he left behind years ago, while his conservative father, Willis (Lance Henriksen), lives alone on the isolated farm where John grew up. In the early stages of dementia, Willis is brought to John's California home to help him relocate. Unfortunately, their best intentions ultimately run up against Willis's adamant refusal to change his way of life in the slightest.

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Critics Consensus

As messy and complex as the relationship at its center, Falling's repetitive nature can be taxing, but its heart is clearly in the right place.

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Rex Reed

Observer

The strength, patience and universal need to forgive and bridge generational gaps Mr. Mortensen is aiming for have a devastating effect.

Rated: 4/4

Feb 11, 2021

Full Review

Adam Graham

Detroit News

It's a bold approach, but too often "Falling" comes off just as incorrigible as its lead character.

Rated: C-

Feb 11, 2021

Full Review

Tim Cogshell

FilmWeek (LAist)

It's beautifully done and intense with some very dramatic scenes.

Feb 6, 2021

Full Review

Francesca Steele

iNews.co.uk

Though it is an erratic film, it is compassionate to Willis and to love’s complexity, in the way that maybe only children can be.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 10, 2024

Full Review

Brittany Patrice Witherspoon

Pop Culture Reviews

With this stunning debut, it's truly a wonder how Mortensen didn't find his way behind the camera sooner in his career.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 14, 2024

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Rory Doherty

InSession Film

Mortensen does a commendable job of arguing how we need to accept the complex, conflicting nature of memory, but like John reflecting on the fractious relationship with his father, we’re left wondering why things didn’t turn out better.

Rated: B-

Jun 13, 2024

Full Review

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Robin F

If the aged father had been a little less volatile and rude it would make the film less grating and more believable. That said, the poignant aspects of this movie make it worth watching. Great cinematography, excellent performance by Viggo Mortensen. A

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/10/25

Full Review

Allahs H

What can I say, up until this I USED to be a Viggo fan, but after him and the Chinese guy began locking lips, I had to take a vomit break! Henrickson on the other hand turned in what may be his most masterful role! His often repeated faggo dehomo lines are classic! He should have got his Oscar off of this role!!! I lost ALL respect for Viggo because of his role with the chinkfag! Disgusting!!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

08/26/25

Full Review

Peter K

Hard to watch, but unfortunately this a is cruel, real-life presentation for some folks with aging parents. The generational-gaps as presented in this well-acted and directed piece can be visceral and the disturbing language is certainly not for the faint-of-heart.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

Full Review

Michael V

Falling is a 2020 drama film written and directed by Viggo Mortensen in his feature directorial debut 👨🏽 Not bad, but not my favourite either 😉 It’s ok, but I feel mixed about this one 😉 I’d recommend it if you like this genre, but if not then probably give it a miss 👍🏼👎🏼 D John Peterson lives with his partner Eric and their adopted daughter in Southern California. When he is visited by his aging father Willis from Los Angeles who is searching for a place to retire, their two very different worlds collide.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

Full Review

Lynne N

This film was so moving, so well crafted and honest -- I felt captured in the midst of it -- that rarely happens for me.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/29/24

Full Review

Dennis L

One of the best movies I have ever seen. Complex plot…emotionally and spiritually deep. Lots to reflect on and personally appropriate.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/23/24

Full Review

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Viggo Mortensen

Director

Viggo Mortensen

John Peterson

Lance Henriksen

Willis

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Falling: Trailer 1

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Falling: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

FALLING follows John (Viggo Mortensen) who lives with his partner, Eric (Terry Chen), and their daughter, Mónica (Gabby Velis), in California, far from the traditional rural life he left behind years ago, while his conservative father, Willis (Lance Henriksen), lives alone on the isolated farm where John grew up. In the early stages of dementia, Willis is brought to John's California home to help him relocate. Unfortunately, their best intentions ultimately run up against Willis's adamant refusal to change his way of life in the slightest.

Director: Viggo Mortensen
Producer: Daniel Bekerman, Chris Curling, Viggo Mortensen
Screenwriter: Viggo Mortensen
Distributor: Perceval Pictures
Production Co: Achille Productions, Baral Waley Productions , Zephyr Films, Ingenious Media, Scythia Films, Perceval Pictures
Rating: R (Crude Sexual References|Brief Sexuality|Language Throughout|Nudity|Offensive Slurs)
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 5, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 5, 2021
Runtime: 1h 52m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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