Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” isn’t your typical whodunit. It’s a cleverly crafted legal drama that throws you right into the heart of a murder mystery and then slowly peels back the layers of a complex marriage to reveal the truth. And as someone who loves a good multilingual film, I was hooked from the start.
The film opens with a shocking discovery: Samuel, a renowned author, is found dead from a fall from his chalet in the French Alps. His wife, Sandra, a German writer, quickly becomes the prime suspect. Their blind son, Daniel, is the only witness, and his testimony becomes crucial to the investigation.
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Sandra and Samuel’s relationship. Through a series of flashbacks and intense courtroom scenes, we witness their passionate love, their bitter arguments, and the underlying tensions that simmer beneath the surface.
Sandra, brilliantly portrayed by Sandra Hüller, is a fascinating character. Is she a grieving widow or a calculating killer? The film keeps you guessing, constantly shifting your perspective and challenging your assumptions. And the multilingual aspect adds another layer of intrigue. Sandra primarily speaks English, while her husband effortlessly switches between languages, highlighting the cultural and linguistic nuances within their relationship.
The courtroom scenes are where the film truly shines. The legal proceedings are meticulously detailed, and the tension is palpable. Seeing Sandra navigate the French legal system, a system foreign to her, adds another layer of complexity to her already precarious situation.
But “Anatomy of a Fall” is more than just a courtroom drama. It’s a nuanced exploration of truth, perception, and the subjective nature of memory. The film challenges us to question our own biases and consider the multiple perspectives within any story. And the ending? Let’s just say it’s not your typical Hollywood resolution. It leaves you pondering the complexities of human relationships and the elusive nature of justice.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, “Anatomy of a Fall” is a must-see. It’s a powerful and emotionally resonant film that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.
Rating: R (USA)
Release date: November 17, 2023 (United States)
Running Time: 152 minutes
Languages: English and French
Rating: 7.5 Mainasty Masterpieces
| French | Anatomie d’une chute |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Justine Triet |
| Written by | Justine Triet Arthur Harari |
| Produced by | Marie-Ange Luciani David Thion |
| Starring | Sandra Hüller Swann Arlaud Milo Machado-Graner Antoine Reinartz Samuel Theis Jehnny Beth Saadia Bentaïeb Camille Rutherford Anne Rotger Sophie Fillières |
| Cinematography | Simon Beaufils |
| Edited by | Laurent Sénéchal |
