What Is Fallen About?
The premise of Fallen in 334 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the shadowed halls of Sword & Cross Academy, a reform school that feels more like a cathedral of secrets than a place of discipline, the atmosphere hums with brooding whispers and a faint, other‑worldly chill. The stone‑capped campus, cloaked in perpetual twilight, blends the austere routine of a boarding school with an unsettling sense that something lies just beyond ordinary perception. It is a world where religion, myth, and teenage angst intersect, casting every corridor with a faint, amber glow of mystery.
Luce Price arrives under the weight of a wrongful accusation, her guilt‑laden conscience a constant companion as she tries to navigate a community that is both protective and probing. Plagued by fleeting, unsettling visions that feel like echoes from another time, she is forced to question whether the shadows she sees are mere stress‑induced hallucinations or hints of a deeper, unseen reality. The academy’s strict regimen clashes with her restless curiosity, turning everyday lessons into an uneasy dance between compliance and rebellion.
Within this charged environment, Cam and Daniel emerge as the two enigmatic peers who draw her attention, each embodying a different kind of allure. Cam exudes a charismatic confidence that masks hidden depths, while Daniel carries an aloof, almost ethereal quality that hints at far‑reaching secrets. Miss Sophia, the solemn religious studies teacher, watches Luce with a mix of concern and suspicion, hinting at ancient doctrines that may hold the key to her strange experiences. Together, these relationships pulse with the promise of forbidden knowledge and the tension of unresolved longing.
As Luce delves into the fragments of her past, she discovers a tangled link to fallen angels and a choice that could reshape her destiny. The narrative teeters between the yearning for an ordinary future and the pull of an eternal, otherworldly bond, all while an unseen threat looms over her unbaptized soul. In this gothic‑tinged tale, the true battle lies in uncovering identity, confronting the unknown, and deciding which path—normalcy or the infinite—she is willing to embrace.
What Happens in Fallen?
The complete story of Fallen, from the first scene to the last, in 704 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Lucinda “Luce” Price finds herself sent to Sword and Cross Academy, a school for troubled youths, after she is unjustly blamed for the tragic death of a boy named Trevor. His demise occurs in a harrowing fire, which Luce believes was instigated by the dark, mysterious shadows she sees immediately after their kiss. Consumed by guilt, Luce feels as if she is cursed, carrying the weight of Trevor’s death on her shoulders.
As Luce navigates her new environment, she encounters a diverse group of students, including Harrison Gilbertson portraying Cam, who quickly shows an interest in her; Arriane Alter, played by Daisy Head, who acts as her mentor; and Molly Zane, who relentlessly bullies Luce. Additionally, she befriends Pennyweather “Penn”, brought to life by Lola Kirke, and finds herself inexplicably drawn to Daniel, an enigmatic boy portrayed by Jeremy Irvine. Luce also has interactions with Miss Sophia, her religious studies teacher, who seems to harbor some suspicions about Luce.
In the midst of her struggles, the school psychiatrist suggests that Luce might be able to leave if she agrees to take antipsychotic medication. The tension escalates during a detention, where Luce barely escapes serious injury from a tumbling statue of an avenging angel, heightening her sense of unease. Later, Cam invites her to a party in the woods, where Luce feels a spark of attraction for him, yet she cannot shake her deep-seated connection to Daniel, who remains aloof and distant.
The plot thickens as Luce overhears Miss Sophia revealing to Daniel that Cam might be implicated in the angel statue incident. Concerned for Luce’s well-being due to her unbaptized status, Miss Sophia’s words instill further fear in Luce. When Luce and Daniel walk together, he shares an intriguing tale about a graphic novel he is creating, one that mirrors their own circumstances: a cursed love story where every time the girl and boy kiss, the girl dies, only to reincarnate many years later, restarting the cycle of love and loss.
On her birthday, Cam brings Luce to a club, where they share a kiss before being interrupted by Daniel, who warns Cam to leave Luce alone, accusing him of being aligned with Lucifer. Disturbed by the chaos, Luce confides in Penn, expressing her theory that she and Cam may have past lives linked to their current existence. In a quest for answers, Luce and Penn use a facial recognition tool in the library and uncover a startling old photograph from 1854, showing a young Luce and Daniel, stirring lost memories within Luce once again.
Just as Lucinda begins to piece everything together, tragedy strikes as another fire engulfs the library, resulting in the death of Penn’s friend Todd. Daniel comes to Luce’s rescue amidst the flames, sparking further revelations about their intertwined destinies. He reveals that they are the central figures of his graphic novel, and that he is, in fact, a fallen angel, explaining his eternal youth and connection to the supernatural.
As their relationship deepens with each revelation, they kiss—only to be interrupted once again by Cam, who warns Luce that her unbaptized state places her in danger from Lucifer. In a gripping confrontation, Cam tries to sway Luce to choose him over Daniel. However, Daniel swiftly whisked Luce away to seek refuge with Miss Sophia, as he prepares to confront Cam and protect Luce from the impending threat of Lucifer.
In a thrilling showdown, Cam eventually admits that he was not responsible for Luce’s run-ins with danger, while chaos ensues as Miss Sophia kills Penn, revealing her true intentions. As Luce cries out for help, Daniel rushes to her side, intending to shield her from Miss Sophia’s murderous rampage, as she justifies her violent actions in a twisted bid for control over Daniel.
With a vindictive release, the shadows that Luce has long feared appear and consume Miss Sophia, leaving Daniel to deliver a poignant explanation to Luce about the dire implications of her being unbaptized; her next death could be final. Realizing the urgency of their situation and the threat of Lucifer, Daniel insists they must leave to find safety, professing their love for each other as they embark on a harrowing journey to escape the dangers lurking ahead.
Fallen Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Arrival at Sword and Cross Academy” to “The Shadows Arise”. 15 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Arrival at Sword and Cross Academy
Lucinda 'Luce' Price arrives at Sword and Cross Academy, a school for troubled teens. She feels the weight of blame on her shoulders for the death of Trevor, a boy who died in a fire that she believes she caused with her cursed visions.
Where:Sword and Cross Academy
- 2
Encounter with Students
Upon her arrival, Luce meets several students including Cameron 'Cam,' who shows interest in her, and Arriane Alter, who takes her under her wing. However, she also faces harassment from Molly Zane and is drawn to the brooding Daniel.
Where:Sword and Cross Academy
- 3
Conversation with the Psychiatrist
During a session with the school psychiatrist, Luce is told that she may leave if she agrees to take antipsychotic medication. This suggestion deepens her feelings of being trapped in her situation and increases her isolation.
Where:Sword and Cross Academy
- 4
Detention Incident
While in detention and picking up trash, Luce narrowly escapes being crushed by a falling statue of an avenging angel. This incident heightens her fears and deepens her sense of being watched or targeted.
Where:Sword and Cross Academy
- 5
Flirting with Cam
Cam invites Luce to a party in the woods and they flirt. Luce feels a strong yet confusing attraction to him, but her heart is still tied to her mysterious connection with Daniel.
Where:Woods
- 6
Party Chaos
At the party, Luce is harassed by Molly, who pushes her to the brink of death. Just when things turn bleak, Arriane intervenes, showcasing the danger that Luce faces among her peers.
Where:Woods
- 7
A Secret Conversation
Luce overhears a conversation between Miss Sophia and Daniel regarding Cam's possible involvement in the near-accident with the statue. They express their fears about her being unbaptized, raising more questions about Luce’s fate.
Where:Sword and Cross Academy
- 8
Revelations on the Rooftop
On the rooftop, Daniel reveals the tragic story behind his graphic novel, detailing their endless cycle of love and death. The story mirrors their own lives, deepening the bond Luce feels with him.
Where:Rooftop of Sword and Cross Academy
- 9
Confrontation at the Club
On her birthday, Luce and Cam share a kiss at a club, but their moment is violently interrupted by Daniel. He warns Cam to stay away from Luce, escalating tensions and revealing the dangerous dynamics at play.
Where:Club
- 10
Unearthing the Past
Luce, Penn, and Todd investigate the school library’s computer using a facial recognition tool. They uncover a photo from 1854 showing Daniel and Luce together, igniting memories of their past lives.
Where:School Library
Show the other 5 events of Fallen Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Tragedy Strikes Again
A mysterious fire breaks out in the library, claiming Todd's life while Luce is unconscious inside. Daniel bravely rescues Luce from the flames, reminding her of the dangers that lurk around her.
Where:Library
- 12
Truth About Their Bond
On a rooftop, Daniel reveals that he and Luce are the protagonists from his graphic novel, suggesting they are destined to repeat their tragic love story. The depth of their connection is solidified, despite the curse hanging over them.
Where:Rooftop of Sword and Cross Academy
- 13
Conflict with Cam
Cam attempts to sway Luce away from Daniel, warning her that Lucifer will come for her due to her unbaptized status. Daniel intervenes, showing the fierce protection and love he harbors for Luce.
Where:Sword and Cross Academy
- 14
Confrontation with Miss Sophia
The conflict escalates as Cam confronts Daniel, revealing that he was not responsible for Luce’s past deaths. In a shocking turn, Miss Sophia kills Penn, revealing her true intentions against Luce.
Where:Sword and Cross Academy
- 15
The Shadows Arise
As Miss Sophia justifies her actions, the shadows appear and consume her. With the immediate danger subdued, Daniel explains to a terrified Luce that they must flee together to evade Lucifer's pursuit.
Where:Sword and Cross Academy
Who Are the Main Characters in Fallen?
4 characters, among them Lucinda 'Luce' Price, Daniel Grigori and Cameron 'Cam' Briel: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Lucinda 'Luce' Price
Played by Addison Timlin
Luce is a young woman burdened by guilt and fear after being blamed for a tragic fire. Despite her struggles, she exhibits resilience and a deep yearning for connection. Her journey involves uncovering the truths of her past and the curse that binds her to Daniel.
- 👩🎓 Protagonist
- 💔 Cursed
- 📖 Brave
-
Daniel Grigori
Played by Jeremy Irvine
Daniel is a mysterious and brooding figure hiding a profound secret: he is a fallen angel. His deep love for Luce drives him to protect her at all costs, and he faces internal struggles between his heavenly and earthly ties. His character embodies eternal love and sacrifice.
- 👼 Fallen Angel
- 💖 Protector
- 🖋️ Artistic
-
Cameron 'Cam' Briel
Played by Harrison Gilbertson
Cam is the charming and flirtatious classmate who quickly becomes infatuated with Luce. Though he appears as a suitor, his darker motivations kickstart significant conflict in the story. His character struggles with loyalty and jealousy amid supernatural threats.
- 😏 Flirtatious
- ⚔️ Rival
- 🌌 Manipulative
-
Miss Sophia
Played by Joely Richardson
Miss Sophia serves as the religious studies teacher at the academy and plays a pivotal role in Luce's story. She holds secrets that shape the narrative's dark twists, providing ominous warnings about the consequences of being unbaptized. Her character is complex, embodying both wisdom and malevolence.
- 👩🏫 Mentor
- 🕊️ Deceptive
- 🌌 Ominous
Where and When Is Fallen Set?
Fallen is set in Sword and Cross Academy, Woods, Library (19th Century, Present Day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
19th Century, Present Day
The movie oscillates between present day and flashbacks to the 19th century, particularly focusing on the year 1854. This historical context reveals the cyclical nature of the love story between Luce and Daniel, which has transcended time. The themes of reincarnation and eternal love are woven through both periods.
Where
Sword and Cross Academy, Woods, Library
Sword and Cross Academy is a formidable institution for troubled teens, known for its strict environment and ominous past. Nestled amidst a dense forest, it serves as a backdrop for the supernatural events that unfold. The library acts as a crucial setting for revelations and discoveries, becoming a site of tragedy.
- 🏫 School
- 🌲 Nature
- 📚 Library
What Are the Themes of Fallen?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Sacrifice, Redemption and Supernatural.
-
01
Love and Sacrifice
At the heart of the story is a tragic love that persists despite the danger and sacrifice involved. Luce and Daniel's connection spans lifetimes, symbolizing true love's resilience. The sacrifices they must make for each other highlight the theme of love's power against dark forces.
-
02
Redemption
The story explores themes of redemption and the struggle between good and evil. Luce, considered cursed due to her unbaptized status, seeks to find her place in a world where she feels hunted. Daniel's role as a fallen angel signifies the possibility of redemption and the complexities of choices made in the face of darkness.
-
03
Supernatural
Supernatural elements are central to the plot, including the mysterious shadows that haunt Luce and Daniel's true identities. The presence of angels and demonic influences reflects a battle between celestial and infernal realms. This theme adds an intriguing layer to the protagonist's journey.
What Kind of Film Is Fallen?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A dark and fast-paced supernatural thriller set in a gothic reform school, where a young woman uncovers a celestial conspiracy and a cursed love story, creating a tense and melancholic atmosphere.
- brooding
- tense
- mysterious
- melancholic
- gothic
- anxious
- fallen angels
- forbidden love
- reincarnation
- supernatural school
Content notes: death by fire, murder, psychological manipulation, supernatural danger.
Quiz
How well do you remember Fallen? Test yourself on the story.
