Anatomy of a Fall

Main Plot

Anatomy of a Fall follows the story of a woman named Sandra, who is put on trial for the mysterious death of her husband, Samuel. The narrative unfolds in a courtroom setting, where the complexities of their marriage and the events leading up to Samuel's death are scrutinized. As evidence is presented, the film delves into the couple's tumultuous relationship, revealing layers of intimacy, conflict, and emotional turmoil. Sandra's defense hinges on her claims of innocence, while the prosecution paints a picture of a troubled marriage fraught with tension. Throughout the trial, the perspectives of their young son, who grapples with the implications of the case, add depth to the unfolding drama. The film explores themes of truth, perception, and the intricacies of human relationships, leaving the audience to ponder the nature of guilt and the reliability of memory.

Characters

• Sandra Hüller plays Sophie, a mother navigating the legal and emotional turmoil after her husband is accused of their son's murder.
• Swann Arlaud plays Samuel Toscano, a father accused of murdering his wife, whose trial becomes the central focus, unraveling complex family dynamics and legal battles.
• Milo Machado-Graner is the son of the protagonist, Sara, and a key figure in unraveling the mystery surrounding his father's death.

Ending Explained

In Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall, the film’s conclusion centers on the ambiguous resolution of Sandra’s trial for her husband Samuel’s death. After a tense courtroom battle filled with conflicting testimonies and revelations about the couple’s troubled marriage, the jury ultimately finds Sandra not guilty, allowing her to return home. The verdict leaves the central question—whether Samuel’s fall was suicide, accident, or murder—unanswered, maintaining the film’s atmosphere of uncertainty. Daniel, Sandra and Samuel’s visually impaired son, plays a pivotal role in the final act; his testimony, shaped by his own perceptions and emotional needs, influences the outcome but also underscores the subjective nature of truth. The film closes with Sandra and Daniel attempting to resume their lives, marked by a sense of relief but also lingering doubt and emotional scars. The unresolved nature of Samuel’s death and the complexities of Sandra’s character leave the audience contemplating the limits of justice and the unknowability of intimate relationships, making the ending both unsettling and thought-provoking.