What are the main themes of The Falling?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Identity Struggles, Friendship & Betrayal and Secrets & Truth.

Who directed The Falling?

The Falling (2015) was directed by Carol Morley and runs 1 hour 42 minutes.

The Falling (2015) Plot Summary & Timeline

Q: Who are the main characters in The Falling?

The story follows Lydia Lamont, Abigail 'Abbie' Mortimer, Kenneth and Miss Charron.

No spoilers

What Is The Falling About?

The premise of The Falling in 321 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the late summer of 1969, a secluded girls’ school tucked among the rolling hills of rural Britain becomes a place where the ordinary and the uncanny coexist. The school’s stone corridors and dimly lit classrooms are wrapped in a lingering mist, while an ancient oak and a hidden pond lend the grounds an almost mythic quality. Beneath the veneer of routine lessons and strict house rules, an unsettling atmosphere begins to settle, hinting at forces that ripple through both the student body and the families that send them there.

Lydia Lamont, a thoughtful and inquisitive sixteen‑year‑old, finds her world increasingly unsteady when her close friend Abby Mortimer starts to pull away. Their bond, once sealed by a shared carving on the oak, now feels fragile against the backdrop of whispered rumors and a strange wave of fainting and twitching that seems to spread through the school like a quiet contagion. Lydia’s curiosity drives her to question the adults around her—her distant mother, the imposing deputy head, and the enigmatic headmistress—while also seeking solace in the loyal, if unconventional, company of her brother, a young man fascinated by the occult.

The other students orbit around this central tension: a determined prefect who idolises Abby, a skeptical friend who appears untouched by the epidemic, and a compassionate art teacher whose well‑meaning efforts become tangled in the growing unease. Together they create a tapestry of teenage ambition, fear, and yearning, each character reflecting a different response to the mounting mystery that hangs over the school grounds.

All of this unfolds in a tone that blends austere period detail with a haunting, lyrical mood. The film invites viewers to linger on the subtle shifts in light and sound, on the quiet moments of friendship and the unspoken anxieties of a generation on the brink of change, all while a deeper, unseen current pulls the characters toward answers they are not yet ready to hear.

Full plot

What Happens in The Falling?

The complete story of The Falling, from the first scene to the last, in 583 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Set in the year 1969 at a rural British girls’ school, The Falling delves into the depths of a bizarre fainting and twitching epidemic that rapidly captures the students, sparking confusion and fear. At the heart of this mysterious outbreak are two bright and contrasting girls: Lydia Lamont, portrayed by Maisie Williams, a keen and intelligent student, and the alluring yet rebellious Abbie Mortimer, played by Florence Pugh. Both girls, just sixteen years old, indulge in a symbolic act of friendship by carving their initials into a grand English oak tree that stands over a magical pond, vowing to remain connected forever. However, as time goes on, Lydia’s anxiety grows, realizing that Abbie is beginning to drift away from her.

Surrounding Lydia is a loyal group of friends, including the determined prefect Susan (Anna Burnett), who harbors a longing to be like Abbie, and the skeptical Titch (Rose Caton), who seems to remain untouched by the affliction. In this storm of adolescent emotion, only Kenneth, Lydia’s older brother and a solitary figure drawn to the occult and ley-lines, played by Joe Cole, provides her a semblance of comfort. As Lydia grapples with her inner turmoil, the well-meaning art teacher, Miss Charron (Morfydd Clark), inadvertently becomes intertwined in the growing chaos of the fainting epidemic.

As the outbreak intensifies, Lydia is engulfed in the tumultuous atmosphere of her school and challenging home life, prompting her to seek the truth behind the disturbances. She challenges the authority figures surrounding her: her self-involved mother, Eileen (Maxine Peake), the strict deputy head Miss Mantel (Greta Scacchi), and the cryptic and powerful headmistress Miss Alvaro (Mónica Dolan). The heart-wrenching narrative explores Lydia’s struggles as each revelation forces long-buried secrets into the light, ultimately uncovering a truth more alarming than she could have ever imagined.

One sequence echoes the haunting nature of their environment: a children’s song resonates in a secluded, opulent forest, as Lydia reflects on past moments of passion witnessed through a car’s window. Inside the school, Abbie struggles with her health; Miss Mantel scrutinizes her skirt length and checks for any marks on her body. It is here that we see glimpses of heartfelt moments amid tension, such as when Lydia tenderly strokes Abbie’s hair while they paint in the rain-soaked forest, taking refuge in their artistic expression. However, things take a darker turn when Abbie reveals her troubling suspicion of pregnancy, claiming denial over the possible consequences of her actions.

As conflicts escalate, including a significant scene where Lydia embodies frustration by throwing dye on the floor amidst a struggling family dynamic with her uninterested mother, the true complexity of their situation becomes apparent. Abbie grapples with the implications of her potential pregnancy and subsequently faints, initiating a series of crises that grip the students, where whispers of hysteria reverberate among the teaching staff.

In the narrative’s climax, the fainting epidemic consumes the school, with even faculty members succumbing to the mysterious ailment. Within the chaos, Lydia’s resilience is tested as she spirals deeper into a web of fear, confrontation, and eventual despair, culminating in a heart-wrenching moment that binds her fate with Abbie’s. In her desperate search for understanding, Lydia ultimately rejoices in her revelations, its conclusion illustrating profound realizations of connection intertwined with her harrowing journey.

In a captivating blend of friendship, loss, and self-discovery, The Falling invites the audience to witness the haunting siren call of youth, veiled in mystery and profound truths that resonate deeply within the spirit of its characters.

Timeline

The Falling Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Mysterious Song in the Forest” to “Relief and Hope”. 15 events name a place, across 10 locations.

1

Mysterious Song in the Forest

A children's song echoes through a deserted luxurious forest, invoking a sense of nostalgia and mystery. A girl remembers a moment of intimacy witnessed in a car, setting an intriguing tone for the events to unfold.

When:1969 Where:Deserted Forest
2

Abbie's Distress

At school, Abigail 'Abbie' Mortimer feels unwell, prompting a check by Miss Mantel. The scrutiny of her appearance reveals deeper issues, foreshadowing the struggles she will face throughout the film.

When:1969 Where:School
3

Tree Carving Ritual

Lydia Lamont and Abbie Mortimer carve their initials into a majestic English oak tree by a magical pond. This act symbolizes their deep bond and serves as a cornerstone for their friendship amidst rising tensions.

When:1969 Where:Oak Tree by Pond
4

Discussion of Abortion

In a moment of vulnerability, Abbie confides in Lydia about her possible pregnancy and their discussion about having an abortion. This pivotal moment highlights the pressures and fears surrounding their young lives.

When:1969 Where:Abbie's Home
5

Abbie's Fainting Incident

During a meal, Abbie suddenly faints in the dining room, causing alarm among the other students. This event marks the beginning of a series of similar incidents that sweep through the school.

When:1969 Where:Dining Hall
6

Eileen's Indifference

After Abbie's death, Lydia confronts her mother Eileen, who remains unbothered and loses herself in the TV. This moment highlights the emotional neglect Lydia feels from her own family, amplifying her isolation.

When:1969 Where:Home
7

Poetry Prize Initiated

In honor of Abbie, the headmistress initiates a poetry prize, attempting to commemorate her memory amidst the chaos. However, this gesture feels empty to Lydia, who grapples with her grief and anger.

When:1969 Where:School
8

Increased Fainting Epidemic

As fainting episodes escalate, Lydia experiences a series of episodes herself, leading to increased confusion and fear among students and teachers. The phenomenon raises questions about mental health, ultimately pushing society's boundaries.

When:1969 Where:School
9

Teacher's Collapse

The young art teacher joins the ranks of the fainting victims, illustrating the epidemic's grip on the school. This incident underscores the interconnectedness of the girls’ experiences and the chaos that has ensued.

When:1969 Where:Art Classroom
10

Psychological Evaluation

Lydia and her friend Gwen speak to a psychologist in an effort to understand the bizarre fainting epidemic. Their discussion reveals the perception of their experiences as 'hysterical contagion', minimizing their struggles.

When:1969 Where:Psychologist's Office

Show the other 5 events of The Falling

11

Eileen's Secret Revealed

In a moment of confrontation, Eileen finally admits that she was raped, resulting in Lydia's conception. This chilling revelation confronts Lydia with her family's hidden traumas and deepens their fractured relationship.

When:1969 Where:Home
12

Climactic Forest Scene

Feeling the weight of her pain and the call of her lost friend, Lydia climbs the oak tree they once marked together. In that moment of desperation, she screams for Abbie, symbolizing her emotional turmoil and longing.

When:1969 Where:Forest
13

Jump into the River

In a moment of despair, Lydia jumps into the river while calling out for Abbie. This act of desperation culminates her emotional struggle, highlighting her search for peace amidst chaos.

When:1969 Where:River
14

Reunion in the River

Lydia's mother wades into the river, embracing her life-threatening daughter. This poignant scene reflects their tumultuous bond and signifies a moment of clarity and understanding in their fractured relationship.

When:1969 Where:River
15

Relief and Hope

As Lydia wakes up after her ordeal, she finds herself in the river with Eileen. Their embrace signifies a reluctant beginning of healing and reconciliation, hinting at a hopeful future despite their complicated past.

When:1969 Where:River

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in The Falling?

4 characters, among them Lydia Lamont, Abigail 'Abbie' Mortimer and Kenneth: who each one is and the part they play in the story.

LL
Lydia Lamont

Lydia is an introspective and sensitive sixteen-year-old who feels overshadowed by her more popular friend, Abbie. As the fainting epidemic spreads, she becomes increasingly desperate to understand her reality and tackle her emotions. Throughout the film, Lydia transforms as she confronts her issues, leading to a dramatic climax.
- 👩‍🎓 Protagonist
- 🧠 Introspection
- 🌊 Emotional
A'
Abigail 'Abbie' Mortimer

Abbie is the charismatic and rebellious friend with whom Lydia shares a deep bond. Torn between youthful exploration and personal turmoil, she embodies the complexities of teenage life. Abbie's decisions significantly impact those around her, spiraling into a tragic fate that resonates with Lydia's journey.
- 🌟 Charismatic
- 💔 Tragic
- 🍼 Rebellious
K
Kenneth

Lydia’s older brother, Kenneth, is portrayed as a loner with a fascination for the occult. His protective nature towards Lydia offers her a sense of solace amidst the chaos of their lives. Kenneth’s character adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the struggles of familial relationships in the face of personal crises.
- 🔮 Occult Believer
- 🛡️ Protector
- 😔 Loner
MC
Miss Charron

Miss Charron is a sympathetic young art teacher who attempts to connect with Lydia during the crisis at the school. Her caring nature contrasts with the authority figures in Lydia’s life, emphasizing the theme of seeking understanding. As she becomes embroiled in the epidemic, her character symbolizes the struggles teachers face in nurturing their students amidst chaos.
- 🎨 Teacher
- 🌈 Supportive
- 📚 Nurturer

Setting

Where and When Is The Falling Set?

The Falling is set in Rural British Girls School, English Oak Tree, Magical Pond and Forest (1969). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

1969

The events of the movie unfold in 1969, a time marked by significant cultural transformations and the emerging counterculture movement. This era witnessed a shift in attitudes towards love, sexuality, and authority, mirroring the internal and external conflicts faced by the characters. The decade’s backdrop enhances the exploration of teenage rebellion and emotional turmoil.

Where

Rural British Girls School, English Oak Tree, Magical Pond, Forest

The movie is set in a rural British girls school that embodies a world filled with youthful complexities and mysteries. A majestic English oak tree stands as a symbol of the bond between friends, overlooking a magical pond that becomes the backdrop for pivotal moments in the story. The surrounding forest offers both beauty and danger, reflecting the tumultuous emotions of the characters.

🏫 School
🌳 Nature
🌊 Water

Themes

What Are the Themes of The Falling?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity Struggles, Friendship & Betrayal and Secrets & Truth.

01

Identity Struggles

The film delves into the theme of identity as characters navigate their adolescent years amidst societal expectations. Lydia feels overshadowed by her friend's success and struggles to find her own voice. The fainting epidemic serves as a metaphor for the profound emotional distress tied to self-discovery and the pressures of growing up.
02

Friendship & Betrayal

Friendship and betrayal are central to the narrative, particularly the intense bond between Lydia and Abbie. As Abbie’s choices lead to estrangement, Lydia grapples with feelings of loss and abandonment. The story highlights the complexities of young relationships, showing how love can intertwine with jealousy and heartbreak.
03

Secrets & Truth

The theme of secrets is prevalent throughout the film, as characters conceal their true feelings and past traumas. The climax reveals hidden truths that have been suppressed for years, forcing Lydia to confront the reality of her family's history. This theme underscores the importance of facing one's past to achieve closure and personal growth.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is The Falling?

Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone: Dark
Pacing: Steady
Story: Moderate
Intensity: High
Ending: Bittersweet

A dark, atmospheric drama that explores the oppressive weight of secrets and grief within a rural 1960s girls' school, simmering with adolescent anxiety and culminating in a mysterious, psychologically turbulent epidemic.

hazy
oppressive
dreamlike
turbulent
melancholic
coming of age
sexual awakening
hysteria
grief and loss
mother daughter relationship

Content notes: incest, teen pregnancy, neglectful parent, mass hysteria.

Quiz

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Where to watch

Where to Watch The Falling

Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.