Falling Movie Review (2020)
A somber family drama about a man bringing his aging father into his home despite years of hurt between them, Falling quietly explores the difficult question of what we owe the people who raised us, even when they failed us, with beautiful cinematography and extraordinary performances.
As many of you know, I am a Chicago theatre critic, so I watch plays and musicals regularly. I recently reviewed a play called The Swallow that focused on the idea that for many parents, and particularly those in older generations, vacation photos and first teeth being lost are the way they relate to who their children are. The children, though, who are now adults, want to be seen for who they really are, not the memories their parents have of them. That is not enough anymore. Not for a real, deep relationship.
Falling is about aging father, Willis, and his 50-year-old son, John. Willis is battling dementia, and his mean and combative nature makes it extremely difficult to be with him or care for him. John and his husband, Eric, do their best to manage the negativity being thrown at them as their daughter, Monica, bonds with her grandfather, and they visit doctors and potential living spaces for Willis to move to.
Written, directed, and starring Viggo Mortensen, this slow-burning film can be difficult to watch at times. Willis says horrible things to his son, embarrassing things to everyone else, and alludes to other questionable actions that have you wondering whether it’s the truth or the dementia.
Much of the movie is seen in flashback, some of the memories from John’s perspective and others from Willis’. You can’t be sure what’s true because you both have an unreliable narrator and a lot of emotional pain. We remember things through our experiences, which is why every story has sides, but either way, these memories are powerful.
Falling is beautifully shot, with mostly intimate moments and picturesque wintry scenes. But just like the narrative, it is quiet and bleak. So something that might feel calm and hopeful, with this different tone, often feels cold and empty.
What I got most from this movie is the same thing I got from the play. What is your responsibility for caring for a parent that abused you – or continues to abuse you? Does it mean you’re a good person if you swallow the dysfunction and take it so that the aging parent is safe and healthy? Is continuing the generational trauma worth it, when your child hears some of the things the abusive parent says to you, even if they are kind to her? I don’t have answers to these questions, but they’re part of a very important discussion, and I’m glad this movie raises them.
Falling is an emotionally heavy film with exceptional performances by Lance Henriksen and Viggo Mortensen as father and son. It’s a heartbreaking watch, but a meaningful one.
Runtime: 112 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: R
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Available: Free on Tubi and YouTube, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
