An Australian environmental thriller exploring conservationist conflicts through a protagonist's Old Testament-inspired journey.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Protagonist Emergence
Thomas is introduced as the central figure alongside supporting characters Luke and Lara. The film establishes its Australian setting and dreamlike visual tone.
Key Events
Film Introduction — 2014 Australian film directed by Kasimir Burgess and written by Natasha Pincus. Characters: ThomasLocation: Australia
Thomas Introduction — Protagonist Thomas is established as the central figure of the story. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
Luke Introduction — Supporting character Luke enters the ensemble cast. Characters: LukeLocation: Narrative Space
Lara Introduction — Supporting character Lara joins the narrative framework. Characters: LaraLocation: Narrative Space
Environmental Theme Setup — Reviews highlight 'greenies' and 'conservationists' as core thematic elements. Characters: ThomasLocation: Conservation Area
Old Testament Motif — Thomas exhibits 'Old Testament stirrings' influencing his actions. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
Thematic Currents
Environmental and conservationist themes surface, intertwined with Old Testament motifs. The dialogue-light screenplay builds underlying tension.
Key Events
Old Testament Motif — Thomas exhibits 'Old Testament stirrings' influencing his actions. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
Cinematic Style Establishment — Lush cinematography and languid pace create a dreamlike atmosphere. Characters: ThomasLocation: Visual Space
Narrative Structure Development — Strong narrative structure maintains propulsive tension throughout. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
Dialogue-Light Screenplay — Beautifully spare, dialogue-light screenplay drives the story forward. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
Propulsive Tension Build — Tension remains at the core despite the impressionistic style. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
Festival Premiere Event — Film receives warm reception at its world premiere competition slot. Characters: ThomasLocation: Film Festival
Critical Crossroads
The film premieres at a festival, drawing mixed critical responses. Comparisons to Cape Fear highlight its thriller undertones and narrative ambition.
Key Events
Festival Premiere Event — Film receives warm reception at its world premiere competition slot. Characters: ThomasLocation: Film Festival
Critical Reception Positive — Reviews praise the film's attention-rewarding patience and structure. Characters: ThomasLocation: Critical Space
Critical Reception Mixed — Some critics note the film's timid approach to challenging audience expectations. Characters: ThomasLocation: Critical Space
Cape Fear Comparison — Film is compared to Cape Fear, aligning it with thriller conventions. Characters: ThomasLocation: Genre Space
Conservationist Conflict Escalation — Environmental and conservationist tensions reach narrative peak. Characters: ThomasLocation: Conservation Area
Climax Tension Peak — Propulsive tension culminates as the story approaches its finale. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
Finale & Recognition
Conservationist conflicts resolve as the story concludes. The film earns award nominations and solidifies its place in contemporary Australian cinema.
Key Events
Climax Tension Peak — Propulsive tension culminates as the story approaches its finale. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
Audience Expectation Challenge — Film attempts to question the inherent decency of all greenies. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
Resolution & Thematic Conclusion — By its finale, the narrative resolves its conservationist themes. Characters: ThomasLocation: Narrative Space
AACTA Award Nomination — Nominated for Best Cinematography at the 4th AACTA Awards. Characters: ThomasLocation: Awards Ceremony
Director & Writer Credit — Natasha Pincus and Kasimir Burgess receive final creative recognition. Characters: ThomasLocation: Production Space
Story Breakdown
Narrative Foundation — Establishes the protagonist and core story structure.
Protagonist Focus — Thomas drives the central narrative arc.
Supporting Cast — Luke and Lara provide narrative depth.
Thematic Exploration — Examines environmental and ideological conflicts.
Greenie Dynamics — Conservationist themes shape the plot.
Old Testament Motifs — Religious undertones influence character decisions.
Cinematic Style — Defines the visual and pacing approach.
Lush Cinematography — Dreamlike visuals create an impressionistic tone.
Dialogue-Light Script — Spare writing relies on visual storytelling.
Genre Positioning — Aligns the film with thriller conventions.
Cape Fear Comparison — Thriller elements mirror classic suspense films.
Critical Reception — Documents audience and critic responses.
Festival Premiere — Warm reception at world premiere competition.
Mixed Reviews — Praise for structure balanced with pacing critiques.
Awards & Legacy — Tracks industry recognition and impact.
AACTA Nomination — Recognized for Best Cinematography.
Director Credit — Natasha Pincus and Kasimir Burgess receive acclaim.
A stunning debut by Australian director Kasimir Burgess, Fell is an entrancing and enigmatic drama - a dreamlike, visually resplendent tale of nature, revenge and redemption. While on a camping trip, Thomas' only daughter, Lara, is killed by a logging truck in a hit-and-run accident for which the driver, Luke, serves a prison sentence. Stricken with grief, Thomas sheds his urban life and his identity, and moves to the remote town where Lara was killed. There he takes on a new name, Chris, and finds work as a logger.