The Falling

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.