About the Movie
"On Falling" follows Aurora, a Portuguese warehouse worker in Scotland, who grapples with loneliness and alienation in an algorithm-driven gig economy. Isolated in both her workplace and flatshare, she searches for meaning and human connection in a system designed for efficiency over empathy. The film captures the silent but vital struggle of maintaining one’s identity amidst modern economic pressures.
Plot Summary
Aurora, a migrant warehouse picker, spends her days in a vast Scottish fulfillment center, subject to the relentless demands of an algorithm-controlled work environment. Confined to repetitive tasks and impersonal interactions, she yearns for meaningful connections. The film explores her journey to resist the alienation that threatens her sense of self, highlighting the emotional toll of contemporary labor structures.
Director’s Vision
Laura Carreira presents a poignant exploration of labor, solitude, and resistance in the digital age. Through minimalistic storytelling and immersive cinematography, she captures the dehumanizing effects of the gig economy while emphasizing the importance of resilience and human connection.
Themes
Gig Economy & Labor Exploitation: The impersonal, algorithm-driven nature of modern labor.
Loneliness & Alienation: The struggle to maintain identity in an isolating environment.
Resilience & Connection: The pursuit of meaning despite systemic challenges.
Migration & Identity: The experience of foreign workers in precarious employment.
Key Success Factors
Authentic and raw storytelling that resonates with contemporary labor struggles.
Compelling lead performance by Joana Santos.
Minimalist, immersive cinematography that enhances emotional depth.
Recognition at major film festivals, solidifying its impact.
Short Summary: On Falling (2024) by Laura Carreira is a poignant drama that explores themes of loss, resilience, and the complexities of human emotions. The film delves into the emotional journey of a protagonist who is grappling with personal tragedy and navigating the intricacies of relationships in the face of grief. Through beautifully crafted storytelling, it examines the nuances of healing, the impact of personal choices, and the fragile nature of life. With an emphasis on character development and emotional depth, On Falling invites audiences to reflect on the process of moving forward after life-altering events.
Awards and Nominations: 4 Wins & 6 Nominations
2025 Göteborg Film Festival – Nominated, Ingmar Bergman Award (Best Debut Feature)
2025 Luxembourg City Film Festival – Nominated, Grand Prix
2024 El Gouna Film Festival – Nominated, Golden Star (Feature Narrative Competition)
2024 Lisbon Film Festival (LEFFEST) – Nominated, Best Film Award (Official Competition)
2024 London Film Festival – Won, Sutherland Award (First Feature Competition)
2024 San Sebastián International Film Festival – Nominated, Golden Seashell (Best Film)
Won, RTVE-Otra Mirada Award
Won, Silver Seashell (Best Director – Laura Carreira)
2024 Thessaloniki Film Festival – Won, Best Actress (Joana Santos)
Nominated, Golden Alexander (International Competition)
Critical Reception:
The Guardian: Peter Bradshaw awarded the film 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting it as "a very impressive debut" that effectively showcases "a world of sadness and exhaustion," reflecting the oppressive nature of modern warehouse work.
In Their Own League: Calum Cooper noted that while the film starts slowly, it gradually draws viewers in, capturing the repetitive and isolating nature of warehouse work, leading to a profound emotional impact.
The Reviews Hub: The film was described as "a quiet gem" that subtly addresses themes of immigration, workers' rights, and exploitation, offering a sensitive portrayal of working-class lives.
Cineuropa: David Katz acknowledged the film as "a protest film clamouring for a better way of life," though he mentioned it feels like "a story's first act mistaken for a whole feature."
Online Reviews:
Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a positive rating, with critics commending its authentic depiction of the gig economy and the personal struggles within it.
MUBI: Critics on MUBI have praised the film's subdued tone and realistic portrayal of labor, though some suggest that certain real-world details could be more precisely rendered.
Overall, "On Falling" has been well-received for its authentic and empathetic portrayal of the challenges faced by workers in the modern gig economy, marking a strong debut for director Laura Carreira.
Production Details
Director: Laura Carreira
Writer: Laura Carreira
Producers: Mário Patrocínio, Jack Thomas-O'Brien
Cinematographer: Karl Kürten
Editors: Helle le Fevre, Francisco Moreira
Casting Directors: Diogo Camões, Lara Manwaring
Production Designer: Andy Drummond
Filming Locations: Edinburgh & Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Camera Used: Arri Alexa 35, Vantage One Lenses / Red Komodo, Vantage One Lenses
Production Companies
BBC Film (UK) – London, UK
BRO Cinema (Portugal) – Lisbon, Portugal
Loudness Films (Portugal) – Post-production
Sixteen Films (UK) – London, England
Distribution & Sales
Sales Representative: Goodfellas (France) – Worldwide rights
Distributors:
Conic (UK, Ireland)
Frenetic Films (Switzerland)
Front Row Filmed Entertainment (Middle East, North Africa, Iran – with Teleview)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30766504/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/474490
About movie: https://goodfellas.film/movie/on-falling/
Release Dates: "On Falling," directed by Laura Carreira, is set for theatrical release in the UK and Ireland on March 7, 2025.
The film has also been showcased at various international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, San Sebastián International Film Festival, and BFI London Film Festival, where it received the Sutherland Award for Best First Feature.
While specific details regarding its availability on Video on Demand (VOD) platforms have not been announced, it is common for films to become available on such platforms several months after their theatrical release
Why Recommend This Movie?
Timely social commentary on the gig economy’s human cost.
Minimalist yet powerful storytelling with strong emotional impact.
Joana Santos’ standout performance adds depth and authenticity.
Recognition at top international festivals, ensuring high credibility.
Why You Should Watch It
If you appreciate socially relevant dramas.
If you enjoy introspective, slow-burning storytelling.
If you want to see a fresh directorial voice in European cinema.
What Movie Trend Film is Following:
Social Realism/Neorealism Revival: Social realism focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary people, often working-class individuals, and the social and economic challenges they face. It emphasizes authenticity, naturalistic performances, and often uses on-location filming.
What Big Social Trend is Following:
Precarious Work and the Gig Economy: On Falling directly addresses the rise of precarious work – jobs that are temporary, insecure, often low-paid, and lack traditional benefits and protections. This is a major global trend, often associated with the "gig economy" (where workers are hired for short-term tasks or contracts rather than as permanent employees). The film highlights the emotional and social consequences of this type of work, including isolation, lack of stability, and the difficulty of building a meaningful life. This trend is linked to broader issues of economic inequality, globalization, and the changing nature of work in the 21st century.
Migration and the Experience of Immigrant Workers: The film also taps into the social trend of increased global migration and the challenges faced by immigrant workers, particularly those in low-wage jobs. It explores themes of displacement, cultural alienation, and the struggle to find belonging in a new country. This is a highly relevant social issue, given the ongoing debates about immigration policies and the experiences of migrant communities around the world.
Loneliness and Isolation: The movie present the trend about loneliness in a big city, the struggles of isolation.
Final Verdict
"On Falling" is a haunting and deeply resonant exploration of modern labor and human resilience. Through its powerful narrative and striking cinematography, it offers a thought-provoking critique of the gig economy while maintaining an intimate, personal lens. A must-watch for those interested in contemporary social issues and emerging cinematic voices.
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