Netflix just added one of the most intense survival thriller movies I’ve ever watched — and I still think about the twist

Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner in "Fall" (2022) — (Image credit: Lionsgate / Capital Pictures / Alamy)

I don’t fear heights. That’s a statement I mistakenly made before watching “Fall,” a survival thriller that literally tests your own survival instincts by putting you 2,000 feet above the ground with no way down. Part of me is glad I didn’t see this on the big screen back in 2022, given its ability to make your stomach drop and twist, but now that it’s landed on Netflix, I would urge anyone to stream it for a vertigo-inducing thrill.

“Fall” is a tension-ridden ascent that keeps you on edge from start to finish. With a sequel in development, there’s no better time to stream this thriller, though it’s not for the faint of heart. The story of two young climbers stranded atop a skyscraper-sized TV tower is so intense that I felt vertigo just watching it. It’s easily one of the most gripping survival flicks in recent years.

If you need something to stream this week, or just want a heart-pounding thrill ride to watch one evening, here’s why you need to add “Fall” to your Netflix watchlist.

What is ‘Fall’ about?

Fall (2022 Movie) Official Trailer - Grace Caroline Currey, Virginia Gardner - YouTube

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“Fall” follows two friends, Becky (Grace Caroline Currey) and Hunter (Virginia Gardner), who take on a daring climb up a decommissioned 2,000-foot radio tower in the remote desert. After a tragic accident in the opening sequence leaves Becky grieving and withdrawn, Hunter convinces her to join one last ascent to the top of the towering structure to scatter ashes and reignite her adventurous spirit.

Once at the summit, their plans go awry when the corroded ladder they used to climb breaks, leaving them stranded far above the ground with no easy way down and limited resources. With no signal on their phones and help seemingly out of reach, they must improvise desperate methods to survive the harsh conditions and attract attention.

‘Fall’ is a pulse-pounding thriller set at dizzying heights

Anyone with a distaste for heights may struggle with “Fall,” as much of the movie unfolds on the radio tower. The movie deliberately gives viewers a sense of vertigo through lingering shots of the dizzying distance to the ground and tense moments when the characters lose their footing or teeter on the edge of the ledge. Even the opening scene sets the tone for what’s to come, leaving almost no moment to catch your breath.

“Fall” sticks closely to the survival thriller formula. Unsurprisingly, much of the movie follows Becky and Hunter as they try every possible way to signal for help. Their efforts range from dropping their phones off the tower (programmed to send a text just before hitting the ground) to using a drone and even a flare gun. Each attempt grows riskier and more desperate, ramping up the tension and momentum. Beyond the classic man-versus-impossible-odds setup, the movie also weaves in moments of interpersonal drama between the two leads.

(L-R) and Virginia Gardner as Shiloh Hunter and Grace Caroline Currey as Becky Connor in "Fall" — (Image credit: TCD/Prod.DB / Lionsgate / Alamy Stock Photo)

I won’t give anything away, but the additional plot twist raises the stakes even higher and helps keep the movie engaging throughout its slightly longer runtime for a movie of this type. Beyond the sheer tension of the two characters trapped on a tiny platform thousands of feet in the air, “Fall” impresses with its strong sense of scale. Director Scott Mann draws you into the world with stunning aerial shots, making the tower’s massive height unmistakable. The enormity of the structure amplifies the drama and might even make your legs feel weak.

If you want a thriller that keeps you clinging to the edge of your seat (and maybe even leaves you a little sweaty), “Fall” delivers. This survival flick is expertly crafted, with solid cinematic execution throughout. While it doesn’t aim to reinvent the genre, its unique central premise immediately hooks you, and the escalating tension of the story keeps you engaged all the way to the end.

You need to stream ‘Fall’ on Netflix now

Virginia Gardner as Shiloh Hunter in "Fall" — (Image credit: TCD/Prod.DB / Lionsgate / Alamy Stock Photo)

I’m not the only one giving this movie praise. “Fall” earned a respectable score of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences in agreement. The site’s critics consensus reads: “Fundamentally absurd yet as evocatively minimalist as its title, Fall is a sustained adrenaline rush for viewers willing to suspend disbelief.”

While parts of the story follow familiar survival-thriller beats, there are moments that still manage to catch you off guard. Personally, I was so absorbed in the sheer fear and tension of “Fall” that the plot almost became secondary to the experience itself. The movie’s practical effects, combined with Mann’s choice to shoot on location (though not the actual tower), lend a striking sense of realism that makes every scene feel real. My nerves were definitely tingling.

Stream "Fall" on Netflix now

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Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

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