Sound of Falling Review: A Haunting Ode to Shared Suffering Among Women
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German director Mascha Schilinski's ambitious second feature, Sound of Falling, is a visually stunning and boundary-pushing epic that explores four generations of women's lives in a rural German farmhouse. The film, which premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala, weaves a complex tapestry of shared grief, anger, and patriarchal oppression, defying traditional narrative structures. Schilinski's masterful control of the visual language creates a dreamlike atmosphere, inviting the viewer to become an active participant in the storytelling process. The camerawork, courtesy of Fabian Gamper, is breathtaking, capturing the spectrum of womanhood through innovative camera angles and deliberate pacing. At its core, Sound of Falling is a powerful exploration of womanhood, delving into themes of violence, disdain, and hardship. The film's four female protagonists, Alma, Erika, Angelika, and Lenka, are not from the same family, but their voices and experiences are intertwined, revealing a deep connection across generations. Schilinski's bold approach to time and space creates a sense of disorientation, mirroring the women's experiences of being marginalized and silenced. The film's use of non-linear storytelling and fragmented narratives adds to the sense of unease, as the viewer is forced to piece together the puzzle of the women's lives. One of the most striking aspects of Sound of Falling is its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from fear to empathy. A particularly haunting scene, in which Angelika deliberately falls to her death, is a visceral and disturbing portrayal of the consequences of patriarchal oppression. Ultimately, Sound of Falling is a film that challenges the viewer to confront the darker aspects of human nature and the ways in which society perpetuates suffering. Schilinski's masterpiece is a powerful exploration of womanhood, one that lingers long after the credits roll.