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The Falling

Maisie Williams is extraordinary in the lead role as a band of school girls fall foul of an epidemic that causes them to faint. With no sign of any other health issues, the school teachers and parents are lead to believe this could all be a hoax at the hands of the attention seeking Lydia (Williams) who's close clique friends fall victim first.

There are undertones of something much more sinister than a coming of age tale in 60's England and after several observations it's still not clear as the reason why the children have these episodes. What is clear is that Carole Morley's brand of storytelling is as intriguing as it is gripping. The ambiguity behind the happenings is only part of the story as there's complex teachers, a home relationship between Lydia and her mother (Maxine Peake) on the brink of collapse and the death of close friend Abbie (Florence Pugh) all culminating in a spiral of madness for a young girl struggling to balance popularity and victimisation.

The relationship between Williams and Pugh, is mesmerising to watch and to learn that it has an end only adds to the heartache growing inside William's character. Be warned, there are scenes that may make you feel uncomfortable but these schoolgirls are innocent at heart and only darkened by their surroundings and darkness tiered down from their teachers especially that of disciplined head teacher (Greta Scacchi).

There's a darkness around the children that plagues from Lydia with a domino effect, and as the teachers try to control the children's behaviour though strict discipline, the conditions of the children only intensify. Set in the midst of the sexual revolution of the 1960's there are some uncomfortable scenes that only add to Williams confused state of mind and without her friend to comfort her, the difficulties that surround her only worsen her state of mind.

In many parts, 'The Falling' is a coming of age story and blurs the line between friends and unconscious followers. At its heart, this is Lydia's story but is as much about the effects of those around her as the mystery behind the girls behaviour spreads.

Whether Morley's undertones of witchcraft are purposeful or accidental, 'The Falling' is a bewitching tale that is a slow build up to very little. The film's attraction to a mainstream audience may be lost in its openness to be akin to an open ended book to be read by an open mind. Whether that be one more familiar with 'Downton Abbey' or 'The Wicker Man', there is something for a hardened film fan in any genre, just don't expect the answers to be served on a plate.

Director: Carol Morley

Released: 31st August 2015

Running Time: 102 minutes

Age Rating: 15

 

Reviewer: Martyn Wakefield

RATING


Plot: 4
Fear: 2
Gore: 0


R4/5​

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