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Silent Fall

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Silent Fall

R

Released Oct 28, 1994

1h 41m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

28%

Tomatometer

18 Reviews

38%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Having seen the murder of his parents, autistic youth Tim Warden (Ben Faulkner) is sent to therapy with Dr. Jake Rainer (Richard Dreyfuss). Jake tries to talk with the silent child about what he saw, but he gets more details about the Wardens' household dynamics from Tim's teenage sister, Sylvie (Liv Tyler). As he spends more time with the siblings, Jake learns that the Wardens' marriage was not as perfect as it seemed, and he uncovers other new details that might help solve the crime.

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Sheila Johnston

Independent (UK)

As a thriller, it's a dead loss, mainly due to a dearth of suspects - this film must have had the lowest extras budget of last year.

Mar 29, 2019

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

Variety

Poorly scripted by Akiva Goldsman, this murder mystery (helmed by Bruce Beresford) represents an awkward synthesis of autism and family abuse as social problems, failing to deliver suspense or excitement on any level.

Rated: C-

Feb 1, 2007

Full Review

Time Out

Beresford draws the best from a fine cast. Only when he tries to up the thrill quotient near the end are the contrivances of Akiva Goldsman's debut script revealed, like cracks in the smooth surface of a frozen lake.

Jun 24, 2006

Full Review

Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

As long as it sticks to relationships, Silent Fall is above average. It's only when it tries to become a standard murder mystery that it becomes ordinary.

Rated: 2.5/4

Mar 10, 2022

Full Review

Caffeinated Clint

Moviehole

A tense and terrific thriller. Tyler is a standout.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 17, 2008

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Enrique Buchichio

Uruguay Total

Rated: 3/5

Mar 11, 2003

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Audience Member

This movie is one that I have watched over and over again. A gripping storyline and thrilling drama, it entertains every time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

An interesting mystery Drama about an autistic little boy who is the only Witness to the murder of his parents. The boy rarely speaks at all and when he does, he mimics the voice of another person. Its kinda weird and predictable but the movie is interesting enough to make you wanna watch it play out. Liv Tyler is really good in this aswell.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

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Audience Member

Even if a bit predictable, the movie had some levels of suspense and intrigue attached to it. It was a good movie, not bad, great or excellent, but good.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

Not as bad as i was expecting. More like a tv movie really though.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Audience Member

Lack of complexity and depth to be a truly entertaining whodunit.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Audience Member

Pretty damn predictable, and rather unbelievable in a number of ways, but kind of endearing in the interactions between Dreyfuss and the child.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

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Bruce Beresford

Director

Richard Dreyfuss

Dr. Jake Rainer

Linda Hamilton

Karen Rainer

John Lithgow

Dr. Rene Harlinger

J.T. Walsh

Sheriff Mitch Rivers

Ben Faulkner

Tim Warden

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TRAILER

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Synopsis

Having seen the murder of his parents, autistic youth Tim Warden (Ben Faulkner) is sent to therapy with Dr. Jake Rainer (Richard Dreyfuss). Jake tries to talk with the silent child about what he saw, but he gets more details about the Wardens' household dynamics from Tim's teenage sister, Sylvie (Liv Tyler). As he spends more time with the siblings, Jake learns that the Wardens' marriage was not as perfect as it seemed, and he uncovers other new details that might help solve the crime.

Director: Bruce Beresford
Producer: James G. Robinson
Screenwriter: Akiva Goldsman
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Morgan Creek Entertainment, Kouf/Bigelow Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 28, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 12, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.7M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Surround

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