Carreira’s scrupulously low-key debut feature is primarily an exploration of the cost of unfettered consumerism, a chilling exposé disguised as social realist drama.

The mood in On Falling is a shade of blue, precisely rendered in small gestures and fleeting moments. As Aurora drifts into ever deeper solitude, the film has the economy of a haiku.

This terrific English-language feature debut from Portuguese-born, Scotland-based director Laura Carreira makes a satisfying companion piece to Ken Loach’s Sorry We Missed You.

[Laura Carreira] is more austere in her story, tremendously rigorous and precise in her portrayal of the human cost of our ultra-consumerist and ultra-impatient society. [Full review in Spanish]