Fallen

Fallen is a 2016 American romantic fantasy drama film directed by Scott Hicks, based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Lauren Kate. The film stars rising talents Daisy Head, Joely Richardson, Addison Timlin, and Harrison Gilbertson. The movie is an impressive mix of young adult romance, supernatural, and drama genres that captivates the audience's attention with its brilliant storytelling and exceptional visual effects.

The story focuses around Lucinda "Luce" Price, played by Addison Timlin, a strong-willed seventeen-year-old living a seemingly ordinary life until she is accused of a crime she did not commit. Sent off to Sword & Cross Reform School, a mysterious institution where she is met with suspicion and intrigue, Luce finds herself in an entirely different world far from the ordinary.

Luce's situation takes an even stranger turn when she encounters two students, the charming, warm-hearted and protective Daniel Grigori, portrayed by heartthrob Jeremy Irvine, and the alluringly moody, dark and complicated Cam Briel, brought to life by the talented Harrison Gilbertson. Both are undeniably handsome, but there is something more, something deeply enigmatic about them that draws Luce into a complicated romance.

As Luce struggles to make sense of her feelings, she becomes embroiled in the enduring battle between the two, not realizing that she has become the centrepiece of an ancient and deadly love triangle. With the age-old balance of Heaven and Hell at stake, Luce must figure out who she can trust and who are her real enemies before it’s too late.

Daisy Head gives an engaging performance as Ariane Alter, one of Luce's friends at the reform school, who helps her navigate the intense and confusing school environment. Her character adds another level of intrigue to the story and strengthens the central plot.

Joely Richardson, on the other hand, portrays a key figure in the school management, Sophia Bliss. Her character is the quintessence of the mystery shrouding the Sword & Cross. Joely injects a dose of elegance and poise into her role, impressing viewers with her portrayal of the enigmatic character.

The film boasts an exquisite cinematography, painting a hauntingly beautiful picture of the reform school and its gothic surroundings. It pairs this with an entrancing score that perfectly encapsulates the themes of love, conflict, and mystery pervading the movie, making it feel otherworldly. The remarkable special effects play a pivotal role in establishing the supernatural elements throughout the film, cohesively blending them into the unfolding drama.

Fallen delves into the themes of redemption, fate, and sacrificial love. It encapsulates the ruthlessness of life's unpredictability, whilst offering the enduring message that love, despite its complications, is always worth fighting for. The movie’s underlying gothic ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for this exploration, creating a setting that is just as complex and compelling as the narrative itself.

With a brilliant ensemble cast which includes Sianoa Smit-McPhee, Hermione Corfield, and Lola Kirke, the movie adds a fresh twist to the supernatural genre, offering an enticing concoction of love, loyalty, and betrayal intertwined with the supernatural fantasy elements. The impassioned performances are layered with depth and emotion, pulling the audience in and making them root for the characters.

Full of mind-bending twists, ethereal romance and dramatic revelations, Fallen is not just a movie with young love at its forefront, but also a compelling tale of self-discovery and destiny. This movie is a fascinating watch for viewers who enjoy romance imbued with a dash of supernatural mystery, phenomenal performances, vivid imagery, and unique storytelling. It leaves its viewers with intriguing questions, longing for more, and looking forward to the journey that is to come.