Falling

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 31, 2020 (Sundance), February 5, 2021 (USA)

Genre
Drama

Cast & Crew

• Viggo Mortensen as John Peterson
• Lance Henriksen as Willis Peterson
• Laura Linney as Sarah Peterson
• Terry Chen as Eric Peterson
• Hannah Gross as Gwen Peterson

Director
Viggo Mortensen

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut in feature films

Producer
Viggo Mortensen, Daniel Bekerman, Chris Curling

Writer
Viggo Mortensen

Budget
$2 million (estimated)

Production Company
Perceval Pictures, Scythia Films, Ingenious Media

Running Time
112 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Mature themes
• Emotional intensity

Movie Story
Falling is a poignant and intense drama that explores the complexities of family relationships, memory, and the challenges of caring for an aging parent with dementia. The story revolves around John Peterson, a middle-aged man who lives in California with his husband Eric and their adopted daughter, Mónica. John’s life is disrupted when he is forced to take in his aging father, Willis, who is beginning to show signs of dementia and is no longer able to live on his own.

Willis, played by Lance Henriksen, is a stubborn and abrasive man whose conservative views and harsh personality clash with John’s more liberal and accepting lifestyle. The film shifts between the present and flashbacks to John’s childhood, revealing the turbulent relationship between father and son. The flashbacks provide insight into the roots of their strained relationship, showing a younger Willis as a strict and often cruel father whose behavior left lasting scars on his family.

As Willis’s condition deteriorates, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and volatile, leading to tense and often heartbreaking confrontations between him and John. The film delves into themes of forgiveness, the impact of past trauma, and the difficulties of reconciling with a parent who has caused deep emotional pain. Despite the hostility and bitterness that define much of their relationship, Falling also portrays moments of tenderness and vulnerability, capturing the complicated love that exists between family members.

Viggo Mortensen, in his directorial debut, delivers a deeply personal and nuanced portrayal of John, while Lance Henriksen gives a powerful performance as Willis, embodying the character’s complexity with raw intensity. The supporting cast, including Laura Linney as John’s sister Sarah, provides strong performances that add depth to the story.

Special Effects
The film does not rely on special effects, focusing instead on character-driven storytelling and the emotional depth of its narrative. The cinematography captures the contrasting environments of rural and urban life, reflecting the characters’ internal struggles and the passage of time.

Box Office Performance
Falling had a limited theatrical release and was also made available on digital platforms. Given its introspective nature and focus on familial drama, the film resonated most with audiences who appreciate character-driven stories and those interested in the exploration of complex emotional themes.

Filming Locations

• Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’re not going to change me, John. Not now, not ever.” – Willis Peterson
• “You don’t have to be like him, you know. You can choose to be different.” – Sarah Peterson

Behind-the-Scenes
Falling is a deeply personal project for Viggo Mortensen, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film. He drew on his own experiences and observations of family dynamics, particularly those involving aging parents, to create a story that is both intimate and universal. The film was well-received at film festivals, particularly for its strong performances and Mortensen’s confident direction.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Actor (Lance Henriksen) at the 2021 European Film Awards
• Nominated for Best Canadian Film at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

Final Verdict
Falling is a powerful and emotionally resonant drama that explores the complexities of family relationships with honesty and sensitivity. Viggo Mortensen’s directorial debut is a compelling examination of the struggles between a father and son, brought to life by outstanding performances from Mortensen and Henriksen. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate films that tackle difficult emotional terrain with authenticity and depth.

IMDb Rating
6.5/10