The Falling

Set in the late 1960s, The Falling from 2014 is a British coming-of-age psychological drama, directed by Carol Morley. The film features stellar performances by a talented ensemble cast which includes Maxine Peake, Maisie Williams, and Florence Pugh. Bursting with symbolism and dominated by teenage angst, the story is largely a study in unsettling atmosphere and growing tension that takes place in a clear-cut world of adolescent girls on the brink of their sexuality awakening.

The film is set in a sincerely reproduced English girls' school where traditions weigh heavily and everything looks like it has been eternally soaked in rain. No sunshine, just the endless shades of gray that provide the perfect screenshot for what will unfurl. This setting alone is enough to create tension prior to the introduction of characters.

Maisie Williams, who soared to prominence for her role in "Game of Thrones", delivers a striking performance as Lydia, a charismatic schoolgirl who shares an intense friendship with the enigmatic and free-spirited Abbie, played by Florence Pugh. Together, they navigate the turbulent waters of their formative years, embroiled in the intricate world of adolescence, where friendship could mean everything, and the dynamics between them could have serious implications.

Adding depth to the narrative is the equally strong performance from Maxine Peake, who plays Lydia's agoraphobic mother. A character who embodies repression and denial, her peculiar insistence to keep her daughter shielded from life's harsh realities proves to be one of the most captivating subplots of the movie. The character breakdowns keep viewers intrigued and invested in the film as the plot unravels.

Lydia’s and Abbie’s world is plunged into chaos when a mysterious fainting epidemic breaks out at the school. What starts as isolated cases soon spreads, with numerous girls succumbing to these inexplicable fainting spells. The Falling explores this mysterious phenomenon as a metaphor for adolescent change, hinting towards manifestations of repressed sexual tensions, as well as a silent but powerful protest against the constraining environment of the school and possibly a rebellion against societal pressures.

As the school, its staff and students grapple with this strange hysteria, the movie delivers a mood-driven narrative that skates the fine line between psychological thriller, ghost story, and a social commentary on the stresses and pressures of adolescence.

In her storytelling, director Carol Morley beautifully alters the focus between the individual and the collective, painting a vibrant picture of female adolescence while also exploring the toxic sides of such institutions. It is mesmerizing to see her portrayal of the dynamics between teenage girls, as they grapple with a whole new world of emotional states, hormonal surges, sexuality, and the desire for freedom and independence within a restrictive environment.

The film uses its outstanding cinematography to subtly underline the tension and unease, further emphasized by an atmospheric musical score. The artistic elements dovetail to establish an eerie, dream-like ambience, creating a sort of poetry out of the disaster.

In conclusion, The Falling is not just about a mysterious fainting illness. It's about the complexities of adolescence, the complexities of female friendships, and the cryptic ways a group of people (in this case, girls) might react to pressure and change. It is a haunting, lyrical narrative of growing up and its associated pressures that will stay with viewers once the credits roll. Despite its intriguing plot, it is not for the faint-hearted, mainly because of its exploration of heavy themes such as repression, rebellion, sexuality, and identity. But for fans of atmospheric dramas and psychological studies of adolescence, The Falling is a rewarding and thought-provoking watch.