Anatomy of a Fall (2023) Movie Review

The movie, which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, delves into the complexities of marriage from various perspectives, emphasizing the challenge of truly understanding others. While the film is daring and lengthy, occasionally feeling distant and self-indulgent, it culminates in impactful scenes, akin to the intensity of a heated argument with a partner.

Hüller portrays Sandra, a famous author, whose life becomes intertwined with her profession, exploring the unique ways writers draw inspiration from those around them. The narrative unfolds in a remote French Alps cabin, where an interview about Sandra's life takes an unexpected turn. Her husband, Samuel, disrupts the interview with blaring music, setting off a chain of events leading to his mysterious death in the snow.

"Anatomy of a Fall" meticulously details the investigation and trial surrounding Samuel's death over two-and-a-half hours. The film exposes how personal history surfaces when a death remains inconclusive. The scrutiny extends to every decision made during their marriage, offering a compelling portrayal of the complexities surrounding Sandra. Witnesses, including Samuel's therapist and the interviewer, provide insights based on limited perspectives, illustrating the challenge of comprehending the full picture.

In essence, "Anatomy of a Fall" skillfully navigates the intricacies of a marriage unraveling through a compelling courtroom lens, leaving viewers pondering the nuances of human relationships and the challenges of truly understanding others.

In "Anatomy of a Fall," director Justine Triet skillfully avoids the typical mystery game tropes. Unlike some filmmakers who rely on manipulation and suspense, Triet's approach enhances the film when she ditches these tactics. While there is a puzzle to be solved, that's not the main focus. Triet delves into how couples communicate—or fail to—and the consequences of such breakdowns. The fact that Sandra and Samuel speak English instead of their native languages, and their son Daniel deals with reduced eyesight, highlights the theme of not fully understanding or seeing each other.

Sandra Hüller's performance as Sandra is remarkable, with much of her character's motives and hidden struggles portrayed internally. Every aspect of the character is carefully considered, making it a realistic and deeply felt portrayal. The film avoids melodrama, and when it does reach an emotional climax in a flashback, it feels authentically shattering. Unlike a hypothetical inferior version that might rely on over-the-top drama and mystery, this film prioritizes character development. The trust between Triet and Hüller grounds each scene, holding the narrative together.

At times, the 151-minute runtime might seem excessive, but it contributes to the film's literary quality rather than feeling like a standard genre story. The duration allows us to sense the coldness in Sandra and Samuel's home, both from the snowy surroundings and the emotional distance within the family. "Anatomy of a Fall" poses profound questions about overcoming resentment, infidelity, and the lack of trust in relationships. It recognizes that it doesn't have all the answers, gaining its power from acknowledging the complexity of its characters.