Anatomy of a Fall

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

If you were to deliver an elevator pitch for this film (would we call it a lift pitch? Doesn’t roll off the tongue as fluidly) you would say something like “classic murder mystery but without any of the usual stress, tension or theatrics”.

Granted, that doesn’t sound too thrilling, but this is the most gently compelling whodunnit you’ll ever see. Sit back and relax to a very easy-going and methodical approach to discover how a dead body ended up at the bottom of a two-story building, with only his wife and partially-sighted son around to give evidence. Did he jump or was he pushed. Quite literally an anatomy of a fall. Applause here.

Sandra Hüller, Germany’s own Cate Blanchett, earns an Oscar nom for her lead role as the sole suspect, nonchalantly taking heat from all sides while calmly maintaining her innocence as if someone had simply accused her of a mild offence. She sets your ears ablaze when she finally lets rip. Also marvel at a native German delivering a great performance in both English and French. Can’t help but feel deeply inadequate.

Keeping in line with the subtlety, as the traumatised son Daniel, Milo Machado Graner gives a heartbreaking performance. Again, the inadequacy.

Writer/director Justine Triet delivers a thorough exploration of a marriage filled with passion, regret, blame and envy. And an unintentionally hilarious performance from a drug-addled dog.

9 Sick-as-a-Dog Thumbs Up 👍🏻