South African-Cypriot writer and director Stelana Kliris has made her debut on Netflix with her second feature film, "Find Me Falling." The film, set against the unique and serene backdrop of the island of Cyprus, features renowned jazz singer Harry Connick Jr. as John, an aging rock star aiming to rediscover his passion for music following a series of career setbacks. Upon introduction, John has recently moved to an isolated cliffside residence on this picturesque island.
John's relocation has not unfolded as anticipated. Initially seeking solace and creative inspiration away from the public eye, John discovers that his newfound residence, which he envisioned as a peaceful retreat, tragically serves as a prevalent site for the local population's suicides, presenting a striking contradiction with his expectations. John hopes to find solace and inspiration away from the spotlight. However, his new home is a popular location for the town's residents to commit suicide.
For those who have seen the trailer, it's clear that the creatives hope to delve into themes of redemption, second chances, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean. Harry Connick Jr. offers a compelling portrayal as a troubled musician wrestling with his past and an uncertain future. Despite my affinity for music, I couldn't name a single tune by Harry Connick Jr., even if a million dollars were at stake.
My first encounter with Connick Jr. came through his acting roles in films such as "Memphis Belle," "Little Man Tate," and notably, his role as a serial killer in the underrated mid-nineties thriller "Copycat." Regrettably, he remains the most outstanding element of this new film. While "Find Me Falling" boasts an intriguing premise and beautiful setting, it falters in originality and depth. The plot often feels predictable, adhering to familiar narrative arcs where a troubled artist seeks redemption through isolation and introspection.
The supporting characters—John's former love interest Sia (Angi Scott), aspiring singer Melina (Ali Fumiko Whitney), and stateside manager Jimmy (Clarence Smith)—fail to add substantive value to the plot. Instead, they come across as clichéd templates commonly found in popular screenwriting software like Final Draft. It might have served the overall storyline better if the script had concentrated more on exploring John's interactions with other desperate souls he encounters along his journey.
The narrative could have enriched the story with adequate development, offering a more profound impact and providing the cast with additional substantive roles. The film makes a valiant attempt at incorporating plot twists, but anyone familiar with Hallmark Channel or Lifetime films will readily predict the direction of this movie. Given its budget constraints, I will commend the film for its beautiful cinematography. Furthermore, hearing our lead actor sing on screen added an emotional layer that enhanced certain moments in the movie.
"Find Me Falling" is ultimately a mediocre production that will quickly be forgotten. Simply put, it will primarily appeal to fans of the lead actor and those seeking a light, contemplative experience set against picturesque scenery; however, it fails to deliver a lasting impression.
Final Grade: C-
"Find Me Falling" is now available to stream on Netflix.
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