2022 was an average for most moviegoers and the films that did appear to stand out didn’t garner consensus amongst critics. However, no cinematic year is without surprises. Often a movie arises from what seems like wisps of air and exceeds all expectations. These are the “sleepers” and of all the 2022 films, Scott Mann’s cinematic release Fall more than earned this title. 

Raising Terror to New Heights

Fall is a terrifying thriller with a 107-minute run time of pure pulse-raising edge-of-your-seat drama. It becomes apparent early on that this film is to be experienced. And the experience is jaw-dropping. Mann fixes a vice grip on the viewer’s parietal lobe and doesn’t let go.

Unbelievably, Fall was not crafted to be a full feature. Instead, Mann and his co-writer Johnathan Frank framed it as a short. Eventually, the two were led to expand the piece. As fate would have it, they pitched their project, someone bit, and the rest is history.

Thematic Simplification of the Complex

Thematically, Fall is unambiguous. It’s about fear and trying to regain control after a tragedy. The film presents a complex process in a way that invokes the senses. There are levels of grief and it’s challenging to face the world after a monumental tragedy changes your life’s course. Imagine being forced to face fear in the most extreme way possible. That is the nucleus of Fall. 

Few Characters, but Big Action

What Mann does with few characters and one prominent backdrop is impressive. Grace Currey and Virginia Gardner are amazing. Their range is incredible. The depth of emotion both convey is indeed worthy of mention. They masterfully pull the viewers into the story, creating an immersive experience. The watcher can feel every measure of angst and apprehension that Becky feels. When she dangles, we dangle. When Becky stretches to reach beyond to survive, so does the audience. The frustration, the anxiety, and the sense of hopelessness are real to us all.  There is no denying the casting is spot on. That leads to the mention of Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who serves as an additional treat. Even in his limited screen time, he makes an indelible mark as the empathetic father at the end of his rope.