Summary

Anatomy of a Fall's most memorable scene serves as a tragic reminder of a Netflix film that boasts an impressive 95% Rotten Tomatoes score. Directed by Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall, on the surface, is a legal drama that initially hooks viewers by focusing on a man's mysterious death and the legal investigation that entails. However, as the film gradually progresses and unfolds the layers behind the central death, it gradually evolves into a heart-wrenching family drama that explores the profound consequences of unresolved conflicts and unchecked emotions in a relationship.

Regardless of what it focuses on the overarching mystery or the tumultuous relationships of the central family Anatomy of a Fall never leaves a dull moment. The film has several impactful moments that keep viewers intrigued throughout its runtime. However, one of its most harrowing scenes lies in its second half, reminding viewers of another similar moment from an acclaimed 5-year-old Oscar-nominated drama.

What makes Anatomy of a Fall a compelling and deeply moving drama is that it allows audiences to be the judges instead of leaving them with conclusive answers. As the film's credits start rolling, no one but the protagonist, Sandra, knows whether she killed her husband. However, since she is merely a fictional character, it is hard not to ponder if it is right to question the complexities of morality and justice Sandra grapples with. As fictional as Anatomy of A Fall's drama may be, however, its argument scene leaves a lasting impression, reminding one of Marriage Story's big fight.

Just like Marriage Story dives into the depths of a failing marriage by giving viewers a glimpse of Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson's characters' emotional turmoil and repressed frustrations, Anatomy of a Fall draws a similar picture by walking through an intense and anxiety-inducing argument between Sandra and her husband, Samuel. Owing to this, even though Anatomy of a Fall dabbles with several themes and genres at once, unlike Marriage Story, it is hard not to see its central couple as mirrors of Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson's Marriage Story characters.

While both scenes have been brilliantly acted, Anatomy of a Fall's fight feels more disturbing for more reasons than one. Unlike Marriage Story, in which Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson's characters fight behind closed doors with no spectators, Anatomy of a Fall presents its central couple's confrontation in a courtroom brimming with people. Sandra and her husband's vulnerabilities, insecurities, and trigger points are put on full display in front of at least twenty other people who cannot help but judge them. The fact that Sandra and Samuel's confrontation ends with a physical altercation adds another layer of discomfort to it.

Anatomy of a Fall also ingeniously goes back and forth between presenting the audio of the heated exchange and a third-person perspective of the couple's actual live confrontation. While the third-person perspective allows the actors to shine as their characters, the audio leaves much to the viewer's imagination, inviting them to paint vivid pictures of what is happening. With the audio in the background, the film also focuses on the courtroom spectators' reactions, intensifying the empathy one feels for Sandra as she recalls and navigates one of the worst days of her marriage.

Movie Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Anatomy of a Fall

96%

90%

Marriage Story

95%

85%

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two scenes is that the couple in Marriage Story eventually gives up and breaks down before things escalate. In Anatomy of a Fall, however, Sandra and Samuel take things too far, which permanently fractures their relationship. Marriage Story's Charlie and Nicole do not eventually end up back together but learn to forgive one another before moving forward and focusing on looking after their son. Samuel and Sandra's fight, in contrast, escalates to Samuel's death.

Sandra's admission of accepting her loss despite winning the case in Anatomy of a Fall 's ending reflects how she gets a semblance of justice but fails to find the solace she seeks in the tragedy's aftermath.

Anatomy of a Fall's ending maintains an air of mystery surrounding the reason behind Samuel's demise. However, the confrontation scene establishes that it was the tipping point in the couple's relationship and rippled down to irreversible consequences. In the film's final arc, Sandra tells Vincent how she does not feel like she has won anything despite having the verdict in her favor. Sandra's admission of accepting her loss despite winning the case in Anatomy of a Fall's ending reflects how she gets a semblance of justice but fails to find the solace she seeks in the tragedy's aftermath.

Anatomy of a Fall is available for streaming on Hulu, while Marriage Story can be streamed on Netflix.

Anatomy of a Fall is a crime-drama film by director Justine Triet and made its initial debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. Following the death of successful writer Sandra's husband Samuel in the French Alps, she is arrested and accused of murder. With their blind son, Daniel, the only witness to Samuel's death, Sandra must face nearly impossible odds to prove her innocence.

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Anatomy Of A Fall's Best Scene Is A Brutal Reminder Of This Netflix Movie With 95% On Rotten Tomatoes - Screen Rant