‘Anatomy of a Fall’ Redefines Courtroom Drama Making the Film a Thoroughly Immersive Experience

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-covered French Alps, “Anatomy of a Fall” is co-written by director Justine Triet and Arthur Harari. In this picturesque setting resides Sandra’s family: her husband and their son Daniel, an intelligent, visually impaired 11-year-old boy who navigates the world with the help of their faithful dog, Snoop.

This is the best-written courtroom drama and character study I have ever seen. The depth of the characters and the sharpness of the dialogue are unparalleled. It won the well-deserved Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The courtroom scenes are meticulously crafted, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the entire movie. The tension, drama, and attention to detail make every moment gripping and unforgettable. You can’t ask for anything more in a legal drama; every scene delivers, making the film a thoroughly immersive experience.

One morning while returning from a walk with Snoop, Daniel makes a harrowing discovery: his father Samuel’s lifeless body lying beneath a third-floor window, blood oozing out of his head. The sudden and tragic event propels “Anatomy of a Fall” into a gripping tale of mystery and emotional turmoil. As investigators try to find the reasons for Samuel’s death, the film unravels the complex layers of family dynamics, never-ending secrets, and lies.

Daniel recounts to the investigators that before he left home, he overheard his mother, Sandra, talking with his father. However, as viewers, we recall that when Daniel departed with Snoop, Sandra was indeed on her balcony, but there was no sign of Samuel in the frame. 

As the investigation deepens, more inconsistencies emerge. Sandra begins to weave a web of half-truths and deception. When questioned by the authorities and her lawyer, Sandra glosses over details, including a bruise on her hand about which she lies to her lawyer and the investigating officers. Her storytelling abilities as a writer and mixing truth with fiction complicate the efforts to find the truth behind Samuel’s death.

“Anatomy of a Fall” masterfully blurs the line between reality and fiction, portraying Sandra as a complex character who intertwines genuine sorrow with calculated storytelling. Amidst the stunning yet unsettling backdrop of the Alps, the film goes into the depths of human emotions and the precarious nature of truth, leaving the audience to decipher the tangled web of mystery.

Sandra’s relationship with her lawyer and confidant, Vincent (played with great intensity by Swann Arlaud), crackles with an undeniable chemistry throughout the film. Vincent’s assurance of Sandra’s innocence remains ambiguous because as viewers we can’t really understand if his belief stems from genuine conviction in her innocence or if it’s colored by the deep emotional bond they share.

This ambiguity adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, inviting the audience to question the motivations and vulnerabilities of both characters. Is Vincent’s loyalty driven purely by professional duty and a genuine belief in justice, or does his personal connection to Sandra cloud his judgment? The complexity of their relationship enriches the storyline, blurring the lines between professional advocacy and personal relationships.

The investigators discover a tape containing a recording of Sandra and her husband’s arguments and fight. The conversation captured on the tape is intense, and the editing work in the movie when this tape is played is absolutely top-notch. The way the film integrates this recording, using it to build suspense and develop the characters, is masterfully done, making it the most memorable scene in the movie.

By the film’s conclusion, it seems possible that Daniel’s narrative might be a fabrication of his own making. Growing up with two complex and imaginative writer parents, Daniel has absorbed their ability to craft intricate stories. After listening to numerous arguments during his mother’s trial, Daniel appears to have transformed into a storyteller himself, blending bits of reality and fiction. His account of events becomes more ambiguous, leaving the audience uncertain about what is true and what is imagined. This not only adds depth to his character but also serves as a commentary on people’s power of storytelling and its influence on our perception of reality.

As Daniel turns to Marg for guidance, whose presence was intended to ensure his testimony remains unbiased by his mother’s influence, she offers an important insight: “When we can’t understand something, all we can do is choose a version of events and believe it.” This statement strikes a chord with Daniel, who realizes the urgent necessity of crafting a convincing narrative. 

However, Daniel’s initial narrative fails to sway the court and jury. Prompted by the judge to share anything else he knows, Daniel pauses for a few seconds before presenting a revised version. In this new account, he claims he was taking the dog to the vet with his father and his father disclosed certain details hinting at suicidal tendencies. It feels more like a narrative crafted by Daniel to be more believable.

Faced with insufficient evidence to prove his mother’s involvement in his father’s death, Daniel clings to the belief that she is innocent and constructs an elaborate story to protect her. Moreover, Daniel’s isolation from his mother during this period of trial, to prevent her influence, and his young age bias the judge and jury in his favor.

The question of whether Sandra murdered her husband remains unanswered as the film concludes with Sandra exiting the courtroom, acquitted by the judges and juries.

“Anatomy of a Fall” transcends its genre, as we witness strangers grappling with the intricacies of a legal case, we are confronted with reflections of our own relationships, insecurities, vulnerabilities, and perceptions. The film lays bare the complexities of human nature, exposing how lies, perceptions, and mental health can shape and distort reality.

Throughout the narrative, the courtroom serves as a microcosm for studying human nature and the fallibility of justice. The intense legal proceedings and the complex interactions between the characters reveal the imperfections and biases inherent in the judicial system. In this way, “Anatomy of a Fall” becomes a compelling exploration of moral ambiguity and the elusive nature of truth, pushing viewers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions about reality.

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Lokesh Bag is a writer, movie critic, and sketch artist. He has a graduate degree in Agricultural Entomology. An Ambedkarite, Bag has been creating meaningful conversations about caste, gender, and social issues. He has been published in The Quint and he often writes on various topics in tweet-chunks on Twitter/X for his fans. He believes in working towards a better tomorrow, one word at a time.