**Sound of Falling** unfolds an intricate tapestry of four generations living in a German farmhouse, marking its territory in the **Cannes Film Festival** lineup.
Photo: Fabian Gamper/Studio Zentral
Unveiling a Hidden Legacy
In **Sound of Falling**, we are introduced to **Alma** (Hanna Heckt), a little girl with pensive eyes and white-blonde braids, amidst a backdrop of maids hustling within the farmhouse. These women, depicted as a stark reality in Alma’s world, serve as both fixtures of her home and haunting reminders of their truths. When Alma reflects on the brutal circumstances surrounding their lives—women deemed ‘safe’ by a specialist who renders them infertile—we glimpse into the dark urgency of **generational trauma**. This thought, tinged with childlike innocence, evolves into a moment of awakening, as Alma’s understanding dims and the weight of reality sets in.
Four Generations, One Home
The film, a **formidable second feature** from Berlin-born director **Mascha Schilinski**, intertwines the lives of four women across the **20th century**. From Alma, born at the century’s dawn, to **Erika** (Lea Drinda) living through the turbulent 1940s, to **Angelika** (Lena Urzendowsky) navigating **East Germany** in the 1980s, and finally, **Lenka** (Laeni Geiseler), who inhabits a tech-savvy present filled with **AirPods and paddleboards**. Each perspective transforms into a coming-of-age narrative pierced with poignant immediacy, reflecting the nuanced spectrum of their experiences.
Perspectives that Matter
Schilinski remarkably crafts a **new cinematic language** that resonates deeply with her characters’ inner worlds. By oscillating between timelines with a deft hand, the film captures fleeting moments of **disorientation** and subsequent **absorption**, mimicking the journey of its protagonists as they navigate their **mortal realities**. The narratives include harrowing yet relatable experiences—yearning, joy, and even moments of stark desperation, reflecting the rich tapestry of human emotion.
A Rich Tapestry of Emotion
As the stories span across generations, **Sound of Falling** hints at a deeper commentary on the reverberations of **historical trauma**. The characters’ personal tragedies are not isolated but intricately woven into the fabric of familial bonds. Fantasies of self-harm to evoke lessons for loved ones illustrate the deeply embedded struggle for agency, while their mothers’ involuntary reactions highlight how the body betrays us in times of crisis.
Ambiguity and Interpretation
Schilinski leaves ample room for interpretation, often layering symbols that evade explicit understanding. The repeated murmurs of **“warm”**, voiced in varied contexts—intimate touches or moments of vulnerability—add complexity to the narrative. These fragments come together to form a **mysterious tapestry**, embodying the darker nuances of femininity and resilience over decades.
A Cannes Favorite
**Sound of Falling** has undoubtedly set a high bar at this year’s **Cannes competition**, leaving audiences and critics alike grappling with its complex themes. It’s not just a viewing experience; it’s an emotional journey that demands reflection on our histories, our bodies, and our shared humanity.
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