Miss Flicks

On Falling: Film Review

In a world where blockbusters and huge big-budget films dominate cinemas and the box office, it’s refreshing to watch On Falling, a film about ordinary people living real, relatable lives.

Laura Carreira’s feature directorial debut tells the story of Aurora (Joana Santos), a Portuguese migrant worker who serves as a picker at a huge fulfillment centre in Scotland. Aurora is trapped in a cycle of menial work and is trying hard to find a new job. Work constrains and defines her, and she doesn’t have much of an identity outside of it because she doesn’t have enough money for hobbies and social activities.

Aurora lives a lonely existence. She has a solitary job, no meaningful friendships and has to make do with small talk with her work colleagues and flatmates in her shared accommodation. She is desperate for physical touch, intimacy and genuine connection, and I felt unbelievably sad for her.

On Falling reminded me of Wim Wenders‘ Perfect Days, as it’s a simple film that depicts the mundane and uneventful day-to-day life of an isolated person. You don’t see these stories on screen very often, and they’re so important. This one feels like an accurate depiction of the migrant experience, or low-paid workers in general, who can just about scrape together enough money for rent, bills and food, nothing else. This film feels like it could be a documentary because it is so real and honest and has an observational quality.

Santos delivers a subtle yet effective performance as Aurora. Although Aurora doesn’t speak much or say what’s on her mind, you can tell what’s going on by looking at her expressive face. She is particularly impressive in a moving job interview scene, which was my highlight of the film. I didn’t love where her story ended, though – I wanted more!

On Falling may be too slow and quiet for some, but this heartbreaking film is well worth your time.

In cinemas from Friday 7th March

Read my interview with director Laura Carreira here.