FALL (2022, UK/USA, 107m, 15) ***
Thriller
dist. Lionsgate (USA), Signature Entertainment (UK); pr co. Tea Shop Productions / Capstone Studios; d. Scott Mann; w. Jonathan Frank, Scott Mann; pr. David Haring, James Harris, Mark Lane, Scott Mann, Christian Mercuri; ph. MacGregor (Colour | 2.00:1); m. Tim Despic; ed. Robert Hall; pd. Scott Daniel; ad. Pete Hickok.
cast: Grace Caroline Currey (Becky Connor), Virginia Gardner (Shiloh Hunter), Mason Gooding (Dan Connor), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (James Conner), Jasper Cole (Steve), Darrell Dennis (Randy), Bamm Ericsen (Police Officer), Julia Pace Mitchell (Diner Server), Evie Mann (Flower Girl), Joseph Mann (Page Boy), Nick Lynes (Confused Truck Driver), Branden Currey (Bar Man).
For best friends Becky (Currey) and Hunter (Gardner), life is all about conquering fears and pushing limits. But after they climb 2,000 feet to the top of a remote, abandoned radio tower, they find themselves stranded with no way down. Now Becky and Hunter’s expert climbing skills will be put to the ultimate test as they desperately fight to survive the elements, a lack of supplies, and vertigo-inducing heights. For the most part, this is a taut, technically impressive, and well-acted thriller, with the two leads delivering impressively physical performances. The story potentially loses its audience in its final act, with a cheat that will alienate some and serve to dramatically weaken it, followed by a rescue that takes place off-screen.
