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Falling

Play trailer 1:42 Poster for Falling R 2021 1h 52m Drama LGBTQ+ Play Trailer Watchlist
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66% Tomatometer 97 Reviews 63% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
FALLING follows John (Viggo Mortensen) who lives with his partner, Eric (Terry Chen), and their daughter, Mónica (Gabby Velis), in California, far from the traditional rural life he left behind years ago, while his conservative father, Willis (Lance Henriksen), lives alone on the isolated farm where John grew up. In the early stages of dementia, Willis is brought to John's California home to help him relocate. Unfortunately, their best intentions ultimately run up against Willis's adamant refusal to change his way of life in the slightest.

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Falling

Falling

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Critics Consensus

As messy and complex as the relationship at its center, Falling's repetitive nature can be taxing, but its heart is clearly in the right place.

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Critics Reviews

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Rex Reed Observer 02/11/2021
4/4
The strength, patience and universal need to forgive and bridge generational gaps Mr. Mortensen is aiming for have a devastating effect. Go to Full Review Adam Graham Detroit News 02/11/2021
C-
It's a bold approach, but too often "Falling" comes off just as incorrigible as its lead character. Go to Full Review Tim Cogshell FilmWeek (LAist) 02/06/2021
It's beautifully done and intense with some very dramatic scenes. Go to Full Review Francesca Steele iNews.co.uk 12/10/2024
3/5
Though it is an erratic film, it is compassionate to Willis and to love’s complexity, in the way that maybe only children can be. Go to Full Review Brittany Patrice Witherspoon Pop Culture Reviews 07/14/2024
3/5
With this stunning debut, it's truly a wonder how Mortensen didn't find his way behind the camera sooner in his career. Go to Full Review Rory Doherty InSession Film 06/13/2024
B-
Mortensen does a commendable job of arguing how we need to accept the complex, conflicting nature of memory, but like John reflecting on the fractious relationship with his father, we’re left wondering why things didn’t turn out better. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Rhonda S @Santr249 2d I can't get into this. It jumps around. I don't know who these people are. I don't know what I'm watching. Came to rotten tomatoes to say, no thanks. See more Robin F @RT47921139 Oct 10 If the aged father had been a little less volatile and rude it would make the film less grating and more believable. That said, the poignant aspects of this movie make it worth watching. Great cinematography, excellent performance by Viggo Mortensen. A See more Peter K @Vacadoug Jul 8 Hard to watch, but unfortunately this a is cruel, real-life presentation for some folks with aging parents. The generational-gaps as presented in this well-acted and directed piece can be visceral and the disturbing language is certainly not for the faint-of-heart. See more Michael V @RT01374702 03/09/2025 Falling is a 2020 drama film written and directed by Viggo Mortensen in his feature directorial debut 👨🏽 Not bad, but not my favourite either 😉 It’s ok, but I feel mixed about this one 😉 I’d recommend it if you like this genre, but if not then probably give it a miss 👍🏼👎🏼 D John Peterson lives with his partner Eric and their adopted daughter in Southern California. When he is visited by his aging father Willis from Los Angeles who is searching for a place to retire, their two very different worlds collide. See more Lynne N @RT77716985 09/29/2024 This film was so moving, so well crafted and honest -- I felt captured in the midst of it -- that rarely happens for me. See more Dennis L @RT95171841 07/23/2024 One of the best movies I have ever seen. Complex plot…emotionally and spiritually deep. Lots to reflect on and personally appropriate. See more Read all reviews
Falling

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Cast & Crew

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Viggo Mortensen

Director

Viggo Mortensen

John Peterson

Lance Henriksen

Willis

Laura Linney

Sarah

Sverrir Gudnason

Young Willis

Hannah Gross

Gwen

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Falling

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Falling

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Movie Info

Synopsis FALLING follows John (Viggo Mortensen) who lives with his partner, Eric (Terry Chen), and their daughter, Mónica (Gabby Velis), in California, far from the traditional rural life he left behind years ago, while his conservative father, Willis (Lance Henriksen), lives alone on the isolated farm where John grew up. In the early stages of dementia, Willis is brought to John's California home to help him relocate. Unfortunately, their best intentions ultimately run up against Willis's adamant refusal to change his way of life in the slightest.
Director
Viggo Mortensen
Producer
Daniel Bekerman, Chris Curling, Viggo Mortensen
Screenwriter
Viggo Mortensen
Distributor
Perceval Pictures
Production Co
Achille Productions, Baral Waley Productions , Zephyr Films, Ingenious Media, Scythia Films, Perceval Pictures
Rating
R (Crude Sexual References|Brief Sexuality|Language Throughout|Nudity|Offensive Slurs)
Genre
Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 5, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 5, 2021
Runtime
1h 52m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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