“Anatomy of a Fall” delves into the uncomfortable scrutiny of an imperfect woman and an even more imperfect marriage following her husband’s unexpected death.
In the legal system, the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is upheld, but the court of public opinion often passes judgment long before all the evidence is presented. Given that many trial participants are part of the public, it can be challenging to ensure a case is decided solely on facts rather than the personal biases of the jury or judge. Thus, it often falls upon the lawyers to not only present their case but also to influence the attitudes of the decision-makers, regardless of what they’ve heard. “Anatomy of a Fall” explores the question of whether the defendant is a murderer or a good person.
Sandra (Sandra Hüller), Samuel (Samuel Theis), and their visually-impaired son Daniel (Milo Machado Graner) recently relocated to a secluded house in France. Sandra is a successful writer, and Samuel is a professor, appearing as a literary power couple on the surface. However, one day, Daniel discovers his father’s lifeless body in the snow beside the house after taking his dog for a winter walk. He calls for his mother, who contacts emergency services, but it is too late—Samuel is dead. The cause of his death remains a mystery. Did he fall from the balcony? Did he jump from the window? With an inconclusive autopsy, it is up to the court to determine if Sandra is responsible for her husband’s death. Meanwhile, their son becomes privy to the intimate details of their imperfect marriage.
In North American trials, it is often more challenging to reveal personal details about the defendant’s life. In this French court, however, it seems that almost anything goes, with the judge allowing very few objections from the defense. Consequently, the prosecutors submit every transgression, rumor, or work of fiction they consider relevant for consideration. Regardless of viewers’ opinions on Sandra’s guilt, it is difficult not to empathize as the court dissects the intimate aspects of her life with Samuel, forcing her to defend things that would typically remain unnoticed or forgotten.
Witnessing the trial unfold is emotionally taxing, as one can only imagine the pressure of defending words spoken in the heat of the moment or refuting subjective accounts of one’s personality and actions. As the sole other witness, Daniel becomes a participant in the trial, and it is fascinating to observe them navigating the tightrope during his questioning. In contrast, fewer considerations are given to him as he listens to them scrutinize his mother, making the proceedings even more uncomfortable.
Structured as a courtroom drama, “Anatomy of a Fall” captivates audiences as they await a verdict on Sandra’s character.