Watch Fall

Fall is a suspenseful thriller that delivers a gripping narrative centered on friendship, survival, and the primal fears that come with extreme heights. The film stars Grace Caroline Currey, Virginia Gardner, and Mason Gooding and is directed by Scott Mann, who is known for crafting intense, high-concept thrillers that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The story follows the journey of best friends Becky (played by Grace Caroline Currey) and Hunter (played by Virginia Gardner). Becky is a young woman attempting to cope with a recent personal tragedy that has left her life fragmented. Her adventurous and fearless friend Hunter suggests an extreme and daring escape to help her overcome her grief: to climb a massive, remote, and abandoned radio tower. The duo sets out with the goal of literally rising above their troubles by reaching the top of the 2,000-foot tall structure.

The tower, remnants of another era, stands desolate in a vast stretch of wilderness, offering a challenge that the thrill-seeker Hunter can hardly resist and Becky reluctantly embraces. The allure of accomplishing such a climb is also meant to help Becky reignite her passion for life, as climbing was an activity she previously shared with her loved one.

As they ascend the precarious structure, the film's cinematography capitalizes on the dizzying heights and the isolation of the environment to instill a profound sense of vertigo and tension in the viewer. The camera work expertly conveys the vastness of the landscape below and the perilous nature of their endeavor. The simple act of looking down becomes a trigger for a visceral reaction, as the tower looms ominously, standing as their sole link to the world far below.

Throughout the climb, the dynamics of Becky and Hunter's relationship become more apparent, as does their reliance on each other. The physically demanding and mentally taxing climb provides ample opportunity for character development and reveals the depth of their bond. Through their dialogue and interactions, we get glimpses into Becky’s mental state and the way Hunter’s companionship serves as a lifeline, challenging Becky to push beyond her limits and confront her fears.

Their ascent is fraught with dangers, although these challenges bring moments of exhilaration and achievement, the overarching sense of peril never wanes. The tension ramps up as the climb progresses, with the two facing increasingly difficult obstacles that test not just their physical endurance, but also their mental fortitude and emotional strength.

Partway through their journey, a shocking turn of events leaves them stranded on the tower. With no way to go down, their climbing excursion turns into a desperate fight for survival. The height that once symbolized triumph and escape now represents a terrifying trap. They are left without any means of communication, far from the reach of immediate rescue, and must rely on each other and their wits to devise a plan to signal for help.

Fall does more than merely portray a physical confrontation with height; it also explores the psychological effects of isolation and the need for human connection. As hours turn to days, the suffocating grip of despair and the weight of their situation becomes palpable. The audience watches as the characters battle inner demons, oscillating between hope and hopelessness, while the gnawing threat of dehydration, exposure, and injury looms large.

The performances by Currey and Gardner are central to the film's impact, as they create fully-realized characters whose plight is both believable and emotionally resonant. Their on-screen chemistry is tangible and their ability to express a wide range of emotions—fear, strength, vulnerability, and resolve—carries the narrative. Supporting actor Mason Gooding adds another layer to the story, providing a link to the life left behind and further highlighting the stakes of the characters' dire situation.

Additional layers of tension are artfully added through the film’s sonic landscape—every creak of the aged metal, the howling wind, and the eerie silence of the looming precipice enhancing the immersive experience.

Fall distinguishes itself among survival thrillers by juxtaposing the vast beauty of nature with the immediate dangers that lie within it, honing in on human resilience, the indomitable will to live, and the power of friendship under the most extreme conditions. The film delivers a visceral experience that clings to the viewer long after the credits roll, a testament to the director’s vision and the compelling performances of the cast. It is a reminder of both the fragility and the incredible strength present within the human spirit when faced with overwhelming odds.

Fall is a 2022 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 62.