It may feel and look absurd a few times, but there is no denying that Scott Mann’s survival thriller Fall is effective in eliciting the right responses from its audience.
And that’s mainly why this low-budgeted movie is so much fun to watch.
It brings to mind survival movies like Jaume Collet-Serra’s The Shallows and Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours. I loved both movies, which is why I was rooting for this one to not suck, at the very least.
I wanted it to be good. I was praying it doesn’t fall flat on its face.
Fall has a simple premise: how does one survive while atop a 2,000-foot tower in the middle of nowhere?
It’s this simplicity that offers the promise of greatness. It’s all about the elements and the characters’ wits and grit. No convoluted plot or storylines that confuse. No killer or any external threat except time and the elements (although there are vultures here).
But that’s also where the danger lies. It’s going to take a well-written script to ensure the movie delivers on its promise.
Fortunately, it does. It’s riveting. It’s gripping and can be likened along those edge-of-your-seat thrillers.
But first you have to get through its first fifteen minutes or so.
The fun doesn’t start until after that. So stick around even if the early scenes feel like something you’ve already seen (and hated) before, because they’re essential in establishing Becky’s and Hunter’s succeeding actions and decision-making.
Here’s the thing: don’t expect mind-blowing action in the film. But what it can do is raise your tension so high, you may find yourself holding your breath at certain moments. It’s an effective edge-of-your-seat flick thanks in part to good cinematography and green screen magic.
The shots have effectively established the terrifying heights. Whenever the camera stoops to peek below, you’ll feel the dizziness that comes with looking down from a high spot. It’s made even more intense when you hear the strong breeze that sounds strong enough to push someone over.
What’s more petrifying about the movie is the uncertainty. We know that these girls will be up there with no other means of getting down; we know the danger that awaits and yet we also know that at least one of them has to survive but we also know that it’s not going to be easy.
So how are they going to do it?
For me, that was the bait that reeled me in and the hook that pulled me along. And I’m glad that the movie didn’t fall flat on its face and let me down.
