REVIEW: Anatomy Of A Fall, New Palme d’Or-Winning Psychological Thriller
Justine Triet crafts a compelling and thought-provoking film about a married couple in the Cannes Palme d’Or-winning psychological thriller Anatomy of a Fall.
The film stars Sandra Hüller as novelist Sandra Voyter, whose husband dies in a remote location at their home in a snow-covered, secluded chalet. Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado-Graner, Antoine Reinartz, Samuel Theis, Jehnny Beth, Saadia Bentaieb, Camille Rutherford, Anne Rotger, and Sophie Fillieres also star alongside Hüller.
The narrative takes a tragic turn when Sandra’s husband experiences a fatal fall from a remote cabin in the French Alps, leaving him deceased. This event thrusts the surviving partner, Sarah, into an emotionally charged and controversial trial within the French court system, with their blind 11-year-old son at the heart of the legal proceedings.
Anatomy of a Fall intricately explores the complexities of the couple’s relationship, placing their most intimate details on center stage in the French court system.
My question on female representation at the live press conference for the opening ceremony of @festivaldecannes with a response from Ruben Östlund, President of the Jury which includes Maryam Touzani, Denis Ménochet, Rungano Nyoni, Brie Larson, Paul Dano, Atiq Rahimi,… pic.twitter.com/7CsIZchZUS
— Nikki Fowler (@NikkiFowler28) May 17, 2023
Sandra Hüller delivers an impressive and complex performance as the successful author whose life has now mirrored her art, making her a convenient scapegoat for prosecutors aiming to secure a conviction in the mysterious death of her spouse. Sandra’s latest body of work leaves all eyes on her and the mental state of herself and her husband, who was floundering alongside her success.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness the couple’s private moments and arguments through the lens of their blind son, who begins to piece together the puzzle of his parents’ relationship. The film raises questions about the nature of the tragedy, blurring the lines between murder and suicide.
Opening press conference. Ruben Östlund, President of the Jury. Maryam Touzani, Denis Ménochet, Rungano Nyoni, Brie Larson, Paul Dano, Atiq Rahimi, Argentinian. Damián Szifron + Julia Ducournau. #CannesFilmFestival pic.twitter.com/41aCiNkrmD
— Nikki Fowler (@NikkiFowler28) May 16, 2023
With exquisite score, cinematography, and editing, Anatomy of a Fall challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and question the presented realities, weaving a captivating story from the perspective of an accomplished female author navigating the complicatedness of her marriage.
View the trailer below, and watch Anatomy of a Fall in theaters here.
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