Falling

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1:42

Falling

R

Released Feb 5, 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 (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

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

Feb 6, 2021

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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

Full Review

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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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

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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

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Steve K

I like this for the same reason people do not - Viggo refuses to take the easy out and give Lance the stereotypical redemtpion arc that would have taken this into Oscar conversations. There is a reason that Lance found this character incredibly difficult to play

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/20/24

Full Review

Kyle M

Viggo Mortensen decently practiced in his ambitious debut with full command craftsmanship, benefitting from performative elevation but overall doesn't strongly show nor connect in disjointed, unbalanced fashions with intangible resolves. (B-)

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/11/24

Full Review

Cinephemeride

For his first production, Viggo Mortensen offers us a film about the difficult relationships between a conservative and authoritarian father and a son full of love despite a difficult youth. A good little film that sometimes lacks rhythm a little. Special mention to the great Lance Henriksen

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/22/23

Full Review

F A

Viggo's directorial debut is a success. Superb casting and strong performances all around. The plot revolves around an aging patriarch's dementia taking its toll on two different generations. As a viewer it becomes hard to watch these adult children continue to accept the abusive (sexist, homophobic) behaviour he doles out rather than become estranged from the old man. His abrasive responses match the unforgivable personality traits consistently exhibited as his life unfolds on screen. The portrayals are convincing; dialogue is very strong and flashbacks help fill in the plot. Scenery shot in northern Ontario (posing as New York State) is beautiful. Great to see cameos by Canadians David Cronenberg and Paul Gross.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/05/23

Full Review

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Viggo Mortensen

Director

Viggo Mortensen

John Peterson

Lance Henriksen

Willis

Laura Linney

Sarah

Sverrir Gudnason

Young Willis

Hannah Gross

Gwen

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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: Ingenious Media, Zephyr Films, Perceval Pictures, Scythia Films, Baral Waley Productions , Achille Productions
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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