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Historical drama

Sound of Falling (2025): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Sound of Falling (2025) movie poster

Sound of Falling is a 2025 historical drama directed by Mascha Schilinski, starring Hanna Heckt as Alma, Liane Düsterhöft and Martin Rother. It runs 2 hours 29 minutes. It earned 1 award nomination, including International Film at the Artios Awards 2026. Critics gave it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
95%
award nomination
1
Echo Score
88
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Sound of Falling (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 29m (149 min)
Genres
History , Drama
Original language
German
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sound of Falling About?

The premise of Sound of Falling without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Across a century, four girls from different eras each spend their youth on a German farm. Their lives gradually intertwine, forming a delicate tapestry that blurs the boundaries of time, until the very notion of chronology seems to dissolve.

Sound of Falling Themes & Keywords

· 11 tags
  • long take
  • nonlinear timeline
  • family relationships
  • rural setting
  • secret
  • germany
  • trauma
  • young girl
  • farm
  • little girl
  • female nudity
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Cast & crew

Sound of Falling Cast & Characters

Hanna Heckt leads the cast as Alma, with Liane Düsterhöft as Frieda and Martin Rother as Fritz. Directed by Mascha Schilinski; 22 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Mascha Schilinski

More films directed by Mascha Schilinski, best-rated first: Sound of Falling and Dark Blue Girl.

Full filmography
Ratings

Sound of Falling Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Sound of Falling 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 88/100, strongest in rewatch factor (92) and weakest in story & flow (75).

88 /100

Sound of Falling Echo Score Breakdown

Sound of Falling delivers a richly layered cinematic experience that rewards attentive viewing. Critics highlight the film’s masterful direction, striking visual composition, and resonant emotional core, while acknowledging its demanding narrative structure. The interplay of austere art-house aesthetics with poignant character moments creates a lasting impression. Together these elements forge a work that sustains interest on repeat viewings, positioning the film as a notable entry in contemporary European cinema.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the film is praised for its precise direction and meticulous framing. Reviewers note the intoxicating cinematography, controlled camera movements, and cohesive visual tapestry that evoke a dreamlike atmosphere. Editing is described as seamless, allowing intercut stories to coexist without overwhelm. This technical proficiency underpins the film’s striking aesthetic impact.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When evaluating character and emotion, critics emphasize the film’s emotionally gripping performances and nuanced portrayals of trauma. The ensemble is recognized for conveying deep anguish, creating a resonant emotional core. While the script demands patience, the actors sustain audience engagement through subtle chemistry and layered expression. Overall, the character work contributes significantly to the film’s affective power.

  • Story & Flow 75

    In regard to story and flow, reviewers commend the film’s non-chronological structure for remaining intelligible despite its complexity. The interwoven narratives are praised for maintaining suspense and gradual revelation. However, some critics note a certain opacity and a demanding pace that may challenge viewers. Nevertheless, the originality and thematic cohesion earn the narrative a largely positive assessment.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    The sensory experience receives notable acclaim for its evocative soundscape and visual texture. Critics describe the film’s sound design as permeating silence and repetition, enhancing the sense of collective memory. Visual elements, including understated color palettes and meticulously composed frames, contribute to an atmospheric depth. This combination of auditory and visual craftsmanship enriches the immersive quality of the work.

  • Rewatch Factor 92

    The film is highlighted for its strong rewatch factor, with critics noting that its layered narrative and visual motifs reveal new details upon subsequent viewings. The demanding script and intricate construction encourage viewers to return for deeper understanding, while the compelling atmosphere sustains enjoyment over time. Consequently, the work possesses significant lasting appeal and repeatability.

Plot

Sound of Falling Plot Summary

What happens in Sound of Falling from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Set on a single farmstead in the Altmark region, this film unfolds through a non-linear narrative spanning four different time periods, where similar gestures and conversations echo across generations.

Full summary

The whole story of Sound of Falling, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Awards

Sound of Falling Awards & Nominations

Sound of Falling earned 1 award nomination, including International Film at the Artios Awards 2026.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Sound of Falling Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser, 1 clip and 1 featurette.

Official Trailer [Subtitled]
  • Trailer Official International Trailer [Subtitled]
  • Teaser More than a film. SOUND OF FALLING is an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
  • Clip Exclusive Clip [Subtitled]
  • Featurette Mascha Schilinski on Sound of Falling
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Sound of Falling?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In which region is the farmstead, where generations of the family live across different eras, located?

Details

Sound of Falling Also Known As

9 alternative titles, including “The Doctor Says” and “I'll Be Alright but I'm Feelin' Blue”.

Also known as
  • The Doctor Says
  • I'll Be Alright but I'm Feelin' Blue
  • Looking at the Sun
  • Olhar o Sol
  • Les Échos du passé
  • 사운드 오브 폴링
  • 望向太阳
  • Звук падения
  • Düşüşün Tınısı

Seen Sound of Falling?

FAQ

Sound of Falling FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards, post-credit scenes and language of Sound of Falling, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sound of Falling?

Sound of Falling runs 2 hours 29 minutes (149 minutes).

When was Sound of Falling released?

Sound of Falling was released on May 14, 2025.

Who directed Sound of Falling?

Sound of Falling was directed by Mascha Schilinski.

More films by Mascha Schilinski

Who is in the cast of Sound of Falling?

Sound of Falling stars Hanna Heckt as Alma, Liane Düsterhöft as Frieda and Martin Rother as Fritz, among 22 credited actors.

How is Sound of Falling rated?

Sound of Falling has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70% on TMDB and 3.7/5 on Letterboxd.

Was Sound of Falling nominated for any awards?

Sound of Falling received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Sound of Falling have a post-credit scene?

No. Sound of Falling has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Sound of Falling in?

The original language of Sound of Falling is German.

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