Fall (2022) - 6/10

I do enjoy a simple conceptual disaster film and in its pre-title sequence, Fall gets right into all things disaster, as Becky (Grace Caroline Currey) loses her husband whilst climbing. She’s distraught with grief. Her friend a fellow thrill-seeker, Hunter (Virginia Gardner) has a plan to get Becky back in the saddle in an attempt to move on, by climbing a 2000 ft abandoned TV tower out in the middle of nowhere. That’s probably not a great idea is it. Hunter means well, but she’s perhaps not as focused on things as she should be. More concerned with her social media engagement and secret guilt, she doesn’t see that this is too much for Becky. There are a few bit part characters, but this is a two person set up with the two climbers and their chalk and cheese view on their situation. If there’s a third lead, that’s the tower. It’s old and rickety. There’s a reason it’s abandoned. Despite the issues being telegraphed to us with loose bolts and corroded metal, it’s definitely got some bite and keeps the viewer on edge. The cinematography is really cool, you feel every foot of the sunburnt tower stretching unfathomably high into the rich blue sky as the duo reach the top. That should be enough, but Hunter always wants to push further and annoying as she is, we wouldn’t have a film without her. The initial catastrophe is gripping for sure, but it really finds its feet when they realise they’re stuck at the top, injured, without water and a cell phone rapidly running out of battery. It takes its cues from films like 127 hours, but this isn’t based on real life, so really it’s closer to Frozen (no not that one), but it is really gripping. Some of the acting is a bit forced. The score too overbearing, but it’ll set your teeth an edge and have you screaming at their insane survival antics. Yes it’s one trick stuff, but it plays with it better than you’d think and easily keeps you on your toes. It’s not without flaws, but it’s worth a watch for anyone who likes a bit of tension. Adventures are fun. But always tell someone where you’re going!

6/10