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Until We Fall

Name: Until We Fall
Director: Samanou Acheche Sahlstrøm
Released: 2019
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

9.4/10

Excellent

2019

Director

Samanou Acheche Sahlstrøm

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Until We Fall is a focused study of multi-layered identity that challenges conventional cinematic structures. By centering a purely Black female perspective, the film replaces the traditional gaze with a localized, communal experience of navigating white-dominated frameworks. The film excels in its intentionality, particularly regarding race and gender. It provides a nuanced exploration of how systemic injustice shapes the emotional and social realities of its protagonists. However, it lacks explicit representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities and remains focused on straight-centered social structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Until We Fall have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights interpersonal dynamics and shared trauma through female solidarity and alternative kinship structures, rather than focusing on explicit LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Until We Fall portray gender?

Excellent

The narrative centers on the emotional complexities and ability to act of women, removing the patriarchal lens entirely and emphasizing sisterhood and internal group dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Until We Fall?

Excellent

With an exclusively Black female cast, the film provides a strong commitment to racial diversity, using a Black female perspective to critique systemic pressures within a white-dominated society.

How does Until We Fall represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story explores the distrust of state institutions among underrepresented communities, portraying this distrust as a necessary response to an oppressive system.

Does Until We Fall include disability representation?

Fair

There is limited explicit focus on visible or neurodivergent disabilities. The film instead treats psychological wounding from societal pressures as a metaphorical form of disability.

Present on Screen

Exceptional commitment to racial diversity through an exclusively Black female cast.
Strong gender subversion that emphasizes the ability to act and emotional complexity of women.
Sophisticated critique of Western institutions and the distrust of policing.
Effective use of a Black female perspective to challenge mainstream cinematic homogeneity.

Limited or Absent

Limited explicit focus on visible or neurodivergent disabilities.
Lack of explicit depictions of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities or same-sex intimacy.

Official Synopsis

Louise loved Adam. Adam loved Louise. That is how it used to be. But a child has disappeared. Their child. The police said it was a drowning accident. Yet the truth is that their little boy’s body was never found. Lucas, ten years old. How easy it all would have been if the ocean had taken the trouble to throw up a little-swollen child’s corpse onto the beach. Or if a local with alcohol in his blood and blood on his hands had ploughed him down at full speed. An indescribable pain. No more living, no more happiness, but at least no unanswered questions. Unfortunately, that is not how it is for Adam and Louise.

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