Survival thriller “Fall 2: Deadpoint” came to theaters on September 2, and it had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The film is a sequel to “Fall,” which came out in 2022
You don’t necessarily need to have seen “Fall” to follow the plot of “Deadpoint,” as the film opens with a quick recap and follows new characters. However, watching the first film does add another layer of emotion when watching the new one, since one of the new characters – Jax Hunter (Harriet Slater) – is the sister of one of the characters in the first film, Shiloh Hunter (Virginia Gardner).
The first film follows best friends Hunter and Becky as they fight to survive when a 2,000 foot climb up a TV tower goes wrong. Without giving anything away, “Fall 2: Deadpoint” features Jax trying to reckon with the aftermath of that aforementioned climb with another one of Hunter’s friends, Luce (Arsema Thomas).
Jax, not a thrill-seeker like her sister, has some past issues with Hunter’s “don’t let fear control you” mindset. These issues led to a nasty fight that has become stuck in her mind because they haven’t talked since. How to get over these issues? Obviously attempt a dangerous – and illegal – climb on Mount Kwan in Thailand on nothing but narrow planks 4,000 feet up the side of a mountain. And who else to attempt it with but one of your sister’s old friends who you just met?
So, despite countless reasons why she shouldn’t do this, Jax agrees and she and Luce start the climb with a guide they met in Thailand, Jon (Tom Brittney). As can be expected, things go awry after a storm/earthquake, and the girls are forced to try to survive on nothing but the narrow planks.
During their fight for survival, secrets come out, bad memories are brought to the surface and the plot certainly gets twisted.
The film is definitely counting on the audience’s willingness to let go of the whole, “You shouldn’t be doing this in the first place,” unbelievability of them deciding to do this climb. This is difficult in the beginning, as their questionable “reasons” are laid out, but easier to dismiss once things start to go wrong. They’re struggle to survive makes it easier to look past this unbelievability.
The concept of the plank alongside a mountain was compelling, and an added element other than environment – which I won’t give away – increases tension and moves the film beyond a copy of the first one.
It was by no means a “perfect” film, as I came away from it with thoughts of how I may have gone about it differently, but it was a fun time and a great sequel to “Fall” – which I loved. If you have seen the first one and are wondering why certain characters aren’t in “Deadpoint,” I can say a satisfactory explanation is given (and cameos are still on the table).
The ending absolutely sets up a third installment, which has already been confirmed to be in the works with no release date set at this time.
So, I recommend this film to anyone looking for an exciting, hold-your-breath survival thriller – especially if you enjoyed “Fall” – and I know I will be anxiously awaiting the next one.
Senior Emily Myers is a Copy Editor. Her email is emyers3@fandm.edu.