The Fall (I) (2013–2016) User Reviews

Exceptionally well-written, directed, and acted. VERY dark and scary

[abeburnett · 9/10 · 30 May 2013]

This show, as many British shows, takes its time developing. It's not in a rush like American TV.

This happens to be one reason why I like British television. Anyway, this show scared the bejesus out of me showing everything in such stark, real detail.

It's very very scary to see someone who has such an ordinary life (wife, kids, job) being such an evil person on the inside.

Anyway, if you like British television and you like VERY DARK shows, this show will probably rock your socks off. Me? I don't know if I can handle how dark it is in spite of its excellence.

Tremendous first series

[theredmare · 9/10 · 13 May 2013]

Detailed ratings: Non US users rating: 9.6. US users ratings: 3.6, so far.

The above is a very important piece of information, to make up your mind as to the actual quality of this series.

I've only watched the first episode so I'll make it short. I thought this dark BBC thriller was not only original, but extremely well filmed, suspenseful, realistic (real northern Irish actors and Gillian Anderson a word perfect English lady, in what clearly is Belfast itself), very well acted all round. It is not a whodunit, we're made to follow from the start both a MET detective and a serial killer's lives, as one tries to figure out, find and catch the other, and the other one fights his addiction to rape and kill on a daily basis. The tone is dark, the story is very chilling, but that's only because the protagonists are so very...ordinary. They could be us, any one of us.

It's nice to see a story set in Belfast that is NOT about the troubles, (even though there are - few - references and slang words only local to the north)

I really hope this carries on in the same vein throughout the next 4 episodes. While both series have nothing in common, it reminded me of that enthralling underrated gem Ultraviolet, another left-field BBC masterpiece that still has a dedicated following to this day.

10/10 for episode 1, can't think of anything yet to even give it a 9 to be honest.

Update episode 2, 10/10. Unexpected twists! Update episode 3: 10/10; Infinite shades of grey. Update episode 4: 10/10; I'm bolting my front door and double-checking all the windows. Update episode 5: 8/10. A slightly weaker link to the next season, which I can't wait for, now.

I must add a warning for sensitive people: There are a few graphic, realistic, upsetting scenes.

Very good thriller

[themonotonebrit · 10/10 · 13 May 2013]

This is my first review on IMDb but I have used it for years.

I wanted to write about this amazing first episode I just watched, I decided to watch this because it was a featured item on BBC Iplayer, so I went into this completely in the dark.

After the 60 minutes was up I came away some what disturbed, this show really made me fell uneasy. The people who made this hit all the right notes for me, specifically in the pacing and the wonderful casting.

With out giving to much away imagine "A lion stalking it's prey" which has been done countless times before, but in this show it's really frightening and there are some very clever camera shots, particularly the scene with the swooping camera overheard in the house.

The build up throughout the episode made the end scene ever more scary, once you see it you will know what I mean about disturbing, there is only one out come, scary stuff.

I really liked The Fall and I like being scared, I hope the other episodes live up to the first.

Good job all involved.

For a patient viewer who wants to get immersed in a dark series it's perfect

[nti-547-765973 · 9/10 · 20 September 2021]

I was looking for something to pull me in and unplug me from reality and this series definitely does that. Both of the main actors were brilliant, and while from Gillian Anderson I expected, Jamie Dornan came as a surprise. I don't know how he bounced back from playing this because you could tell he went deep into the mental state of the character, especially in the last season. The first 2 seasons are pretty similar in pace and style, in darkness and detail. The 3rd one changes all of this and although I did not perceive it as being slower as many have mentioned I did find it darker, more harrowing. Most of it is spent looking at the depth and origins of the killers actions, and in a way these feel more real than the murders themselves. Whilst his actions feel far removed from daily life the experiences that shaped him as they are revealed show how the human in him got broken and then when the finale comes it hits so much harder. It's been a roller-coaster, a captivating experience and I loved it, even if it left me shaken for a couple of hours afterwards.

Excellent Combo of Prime Suspect & Red Riding Trilogy

[macktan894 · 9/10 · 6 June 2013]

And note that both my nods to great crime thrillers were directed to British productions. The hunt for a serial killer gets a complicated but teeth-gnashing treatment in this beautifully produced series, The Fall. Gillian Anderson plays Stella Gibson, a focused, rather humorless, detective who takes control of the investigation once she ascertains that recent murders are indeed the work on one killer. She doesn't have to fight the battles that plagued Jane Tennyson, however. The male officers pretty much cede control and follow her lead & respect her authority and insight. But she is like Tennyson in that she's sacrificed the personal for the professional, indulging in the occasional "sweet night" to satisfy her sexual desires.

The first episode will definitely hook you. It is as creepy as anything I've seen as we watch the killer stalk his victim and commit his crime. Like the film, The Boston Strangler, we know who the killer is upfront--the thrill is in wondering if he'll succeed in thwarting the hunt. On many levels, the killer remains enigmatic through the season.

How I wish American shows--like the recently launched Hannibal--were as top-drawer as this one. Wonderful writing, good subplots, deftly drawn characters that present realistically, not cartoonishly. It's astonishing that yet another serial killer hunt series can provide a story that so skillfully hooks an audience.

The best psychological thriller I've seen in ages

[c-kelsall · 9/10 · 10 June 2013]

This series had me gripped from start to finish, and I couldn't be happier that a second series has been green-lit. As a senior police officer leads the hunt for a serial killer in Belfast, we see the similarities in these two amoral protagonists. The story unfolds with an economy of scene structure which never omits important details; every scene drives the narrative, but it never feels unreal or stretches credulity. Beautifully paced, tension abounds with spine-tingling murder scenes. The characters are very well written, and played with pitch-perfect performances from the leads, Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan. Another reviewer on this strand didn't like the ending, but for me it was spot on. The story took the time to include complexities and unresolved events which are reflective of real life. Are we to castigate every TV show production team who leave a show on a cliffhanger ending to give them somewhere to go with the next series? If the next one carries the universally excellent production values of the first, then I for one can't wait.

A Very Intelligent and well written thriller!!

[hastonlowman · 9/10 · 24 June 2013]

Gillian Anderson is an excellent choice as lead detective in this series about her pursuit of a serial killer. The show also follows the life of the serial killer giving the audience an inside look that is rare and quite similar to Hannibal, but less dramatic in a good way. Ironically Gillian Anderson also has a prominent role in Hannibal as his personal Psychiatrist. I wish there were more shows like this on television, but I fear that the average person is more drawn to less sophisticated programming. At times it seems a bit slow, but the characters are so interesting it really doesn't bother me at all. I have yet to notice any glaring wholes in the writing and quite honestly the filming and cinematography is excellent! I pray this show is on for many more seasons to come, often though it is this type of show with all its perfection that gets cut short... let's keep our fingers crossed... they did at least get a 2nd Season.

Realistic and to the bone

[dikaea · 9/10 · 27 May 2013]

"The Fall" is a very well filmed and developed story. The acting of all the cast is accurate and right where it needs to be. No more, no less.

For all of you that are used to the fast paced American type of the genre and everything that it includes, the directing will seem a bit/quite slow.

But actually it is not because it is very realistic. Real serial, real police people, real police building, with no unnecessary details, no unnecessary high tech gadgets or theatrics. It is purely European (british-irish) style.

So, do watch it for what it is and not for what you are used to and what it is not.

This is an addition for the second season of the show. The review remains the same except the pace of the episodes. In comparison with the first season they have become faster and tighter. The second season is more personal for both the leading characters. The ending was somewhat ambivalent and can definitely bring a third season if so decided from all parties.

Gillian Anderson's performance was even better than the first season. Jamie Dornan's as well. Everything was just as good and a little bit better. In conclusion "The Fall" is TV at its best!

Great show

[Ianrtait · 9/10 · 25 May 2013]

I have really enjoyed the first 2 episodes. It is interesting, dark and detailed with real people and real issues. It unfolds slowly but surely but inevitably.

It is set in Belfast and always has a dark feel.

The script takes the time to detail all of the lives of the main characters not just gloss over them.

The UK knows how to tell a great story with realism.

The cast is very strong and Gillian Anderson is outstanding in this different style of role.

Well worth watching.

The Fall (from Grace?)

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 21 May 2021]

What a powerhouse performance by Gillian Anderson ... this is a murder case, a detective story ... but it also is about feminism in a way. Now you may roll your eyes (or applaud), depending on how or what that word does to you. But while other movies may really use a too obvious way to hammer home certain social/gender issues, this really tackles it all with the right amount of self awareness! The main character is not without flaws ... but no hero is perfect, no matter if male or female.

And her acting out (as some might call it), is her just living ... being an independent woman. She may be showing a colder side most of the time, but it is just because she has been hardened by so many years fighting on so many fronts - not just by trying to catch criminals. Her attitude may not sit well with some, but that is just who she is. And yet while she is tough, she has more than a heart of gold. She is the morally speaking the core of it all ... which I reckon some will disagree with - especially considering some of her ... (night) activities.

But you shouldn't judge her, especially when you have Jamie Dorman here ... who may not have gone any extra mile in the 50 shades of Grey movie(s - only saw the first one), but goes over the top in this one ... kidding aside and this is quite the serious matter and serious life or death situation that you get served here. The performances are amazing. Some strands may feel not resolved by the end of it and the third season is ... I would call it great, but differently than the first two in so many aspects.

A really good show then, that has many interesting aspects, especially when it comes to morals, insanity and social perceptions ...

Excellent character development

[lacarmenchinea · 10/10 · 8 June 2013]

Well written, excellent cinematography, keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat. Characters are complex, and not predictable, also developed as the plot develops. Certainly there are some details that are not believable, mistakes that you don't think a serial killer would make, but they are easily overcome because of the writing and character development, and th eeriness of the storyline. If you want a comparison, think of Dexter or The Killing. Not much humor in the daily on goings of the characters, Very dark and serious, don't know if that's more common in Irish series. But you certainly want to keep watching it.

a classic UK serial killer series which keeps you watching

[jonnithomas · 9/10 · 27 February 2014]

This is a very strong and realistic serial killer drama.

It has been criticised for being 'too slow' and for Gillian Anderson not having a good English accent. These criticisms are laughable and shallow in the extreme.

GA grew up in England from the age of 2. She has lived in England for well over 10 years as an adult. She doesn't do a Dick Van Dyke mock accent well, she speaks as a middle classed English woman which is basically what she is !!! England is her home.

As for it being 'too slow'... it isn't as it builds and shows strong characterisation without spoon feeding the story in the way so many American series do.

The subject matter is unpleasant and the presentation of it is very very real. It isn't a relaxing program to watch with a cup of warm cocoa. It is gut wrenching and harrowing. It is set in Belfast and shows the city and it's people in stark grainy reality. I have worked there, it's realistic.

All the acting is to a very high standard and the writing is excellent. The director has presented things in a very chilling manner with solid fully 3d characters.

This program isn't for the hard of thinking that believe a Big Mac is a quality evening meal to be washed down with a can of pop and high comedy is repeated farts. If your favourite cop series was starsky and hutch or the professionals then it probably isn't for you. you won't understand or appreciate it.

I cannot praise this series enough. If you have the time watch it. If you haven't got the time then make some. Personally I can't wait for series 2.

Why so long......

[blackbm-98249 · 8/10 · 27 April 2020]

Started off really good - Season 1 was pure thriller pleasure. Then Season 2 put the brakes on slowly but surely. Season 3 is a battle to get through, scenes are drawn out, far too much repetitive dialogue.

Three dimensional characters - Good dialogue & Scarily gripping

[ceri-edwards2 · 7/10 · 5 June 2013]

One more episode to go, odd time to write a review but I just cant wait to express how good this show is.

I love detective stories, and have grown to accept a certain number of stereotypes if the plotting is good, it seems to go with the territory.

Not here though. The writing is fantastic, the tough old duffer cops show emotion, the strong female lead is a strong woman with dimensions slowly emerging as the series evolves. Without unrealistically ignoring the sorts of prejudice extant in our society the writing avoids her being a typical 'ballbuster' and allows her to develop meaningful relationships and respect among her colleagues.

The anti hero is fantastically normal and so much more menacing for this, especially outside of the killing 'events'.

The plotting is pacey and involving, the series has become more gripping with each episode. Fingers crossed for the denouement. I have very high hopes.

Exquisite!

[yordan-90658 · 8/10 · 29 October 2016]

I stumbled upon "The Fall" by accident, and it was worth it-every minute! If you're into gore, or should we say, visual messy violence, this is not the show for you! It Is a little bit slow paced, but leads to agreat culmination. It raises all kinds of questions-real ones-what makes a murderer kill? How does the system work when dealing with psychopaths? Does the punishment meet the crime? It shows both sides-the side of the killer and the side of the police trying to catch him and bring him to justice. It's a deep story, one that looks very, very real-not like some horror shows that...well, you just know that what you're seeing is not possible, and it's not going to happen. Jamie Dornan does a great job (nothing to do with 50 shades of Grey), and Gillian Anderson is fantastic! Just see for yourself-if you like a dark story, with characters that have real problems-this one should do the job for you!

AMAZING - the most perfectly executed programme ever

[sam_gareth · 10/10 · 21 November 2013]

Incredible script, incredible acting, incredible direction, incredible producing the best programme my husband and I have watched in so many years - I am hoping there is an series 2 and beyond

we were drawn so far into the story line - sat on the edge of our seats - this is the most perfectly executed programme I have seen - EVER!!

Jamie Dornan was beyond words amazing - he had us feeling sorry for him - almost hoping he would not get caught - he had compassion yet an evil streak in him that was very alluring - as said previously perfectly executed script and acting to have this affect.

I would give this series a 11 if possible.

Superb acting by G.A., interesting cast, human behavior drama

[cherri-brown · 10/10 · 18 January 2015]

Interesting and inviting use of wardrobe and color filter changes to match emotions of characters as they reveal bits of themselves throughout both series. Main characters dance without touching, the dance of mind and strength. G.A. portrays the vulnerability and power of a woman with confidence, heart, and focus. J.D. is excellent choice for character, refreshing and not type cast. Unlike so many American films, we have time to attach bits of ourselves to each character, drawing us in closer to the stories that surround the lives of those whose lives are dedicated to helping others and themselves. Hoping for a third series.

Superb - one of the best serial killer stories

[drclarkdottingthei · 10/10 · 28 March 2022]

The Fall is superb, and is a highly gripping and intense thriller. As with the best serial killer stories, the thought behind the character development is intelligent, and very astute in its understanding of the darker side of human psychology - with clever references to existential philosophy and psychoanalytic theory. The narrative never dips in quality, or distracts itself with unnecessary deviations, and it builds into the most incredible crescendo. Ending the penultimate season you wonder where the narrative can possibly go, but the final season exceeds expectations to quite some degree. Also, it is worth mentioning that the actors do a brilliant job with a complex and sensitive subject-matter.

A Great Final Season

[alindsayal · 8/10 · 23 December 2021]

So I have now finished the third and final season of The Fall and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees Paul Spector recovering from the shooting from the end of Season 2 while Stella is trying to get him into Court and get justice for the victim.

Main Character Gillian Anderson is back for one last run as Stella Gibson and she does a great job here. Her character has developed so much since the very first episode and this last season really shows the humanity of Stella and how the case has truly affected her as a person and as a police officer. Anderson has done fantastic work with this role and it makes Stella Gibson a captivating character that is easy to watch and care about. Jamie Dornan is back as Paul Spector and he does his best with what he is given this season and still gives a really strong performance. His chilling demeanour manages to allow Spector to still be an intimidating presence even though some of the writing for the character isn't as strong this season. These two characters have really carried this show on their backs and have done phenomenal jobs in making these interesting people so hats off to them.

Supporting Characters John Lynch as Jim Burns has been a really strong character in this show, but they take his character in an interesting direction this season and he excels in it. Just like some of the other characters it shows just how much this case has affected everybody involved and him in particular this season. Aisling Franciosi as Kate has been an interesting part of this show and this season you see her pretty much crack and her obsession with Paul is taken too a new level and it really shows just how weak she is and how easy it was for Paul Spector to charm her. I can't believe I am about to say this but Aisling Bea, who I know for being a comedian is here in a dramatic role and she is really good, she plays a nurse and delivers a really strong performance. Everybody brings there top game here and the acting is a real highlight of this show.

Story For a final season, the story is really important, it has to finish appropriately and I feel like this show does that. The ending really fits the show and it does justice to pretty much all of the main characters, maybe not always in a happy way but in an appropriate and satisfying way. But this is a weaker story, there is some cliché storytelling and I thought for the majority of the season that Spector wasn't given that much to do which was disappointing.

Script The script is really good, the dialogue is top notch and and makes you feel like this is a pretty gruesome narrative that has transitioned well from its first season to now. Yes there are some inconsistencies but I think it is told well enough to get over these and make it an interesting story piece.

Style The style still has the intensity and drama that the show had before and it really ramps up to get you super invested in the last few episodes. But this show goes a more medical drama route, which feels like a real departure from the show, though it gets over this, I just felt we spent way too long in the hospital with not much going on.

Overall Overall, I thought this season of The Fall was the weakest, but it still is great and a fitting ending to this show that makes this one of the best British shows that there has been in recent memory.

Rating - 8/10.

Genius suspense

[sabin_brooks · 10/10 · 22 November 2014]

I came to The Fall in search of great drama after a post Breaking Bad hiatus and some interest in the Wire. Little I did i know the Fall would exceed expectations and both of these American dramas. I sat down to watch 1 episode and ended up staying up half the night to watch half the first season.

The Fall is brilliantly shot. It's slow, careful and deliberate direction syncronise with the plot and leading protagonists. Gillian Anderson is mesmerising.

Very few thrillers leave you affected as your eyes leave the screen but the Fall achieves this. For those that struggle to be captivated I dare you to watch this and defy you to look away.

Bravery in the smallest details

[Thienls · 10/10 · 5 February 2023]

No other show I've seen goes to such lengths to let you see the value in the details that most series' avoid and gloss over.

The violence is as real as a non violent person might expect. The writing and direction of it are so patiently displayed as to leave you with the memory of it as if you indeed witnessed it. I didn't think I could handle 3 seasons of this.

Sensing that Gillian Anderson would not have signed on to a ceaselessly violent script, I persisted.

Boy was that decision rewarded!

So many subjects are intimately covered with courageous attention to detail.

This show nailed it.

A more relevant score would be deepen the experience.

Started well then went downhill rapidly

[gavsw · 6/10 · 3 November 2020]

Plot holes are ridiculous and bearing in mind the "troubles" that occurred in Belfast historically you'd have thought people would lock doors and windows.

Thankfully it's only 17-episodes long so doesn't eat up too much time to watch.

Season 1 maybe, but do not go further, painfully slow, weak plot, Gillian Anderson is annoying

[nur_tucker · 2/10 · 4 January 2018]

What a shame!! The first season was OK - although annoyingly slow and difficult to understand as Gillian Anderson has a habit of whispering the whole time. But season 2 was worse and Season 3 was really off. If you have not watched it don't invest the money or the time on it. The plot is written very badly. There are so many situations that are very silly and does not make sense. Unanswered questions or very obvious points being missed by a supposedly very clever woman (Gillian Anderson). The whole Belfast Police Department is portrayed as weak and incompetent by the show. Jamie Dornan acts well although, I did not have high expectations of him due to the film he played in (50 shades). But he acts well in his role. But Gillian Anderson was utterly annoying. There was not a scene where I did not get annoyed by her acting. She is trying to portray an icy cold, strong, intelligent and charismatic detective but the way she acts and speaks and also DRESSES is ridiculous. Who dressed her for the show? She is a police officer god's sake but she is under the impression that she is a high profile investment banker or she thinks she belongs to a boardroom. She is constantly in super high heels, figure hugging skirts and silk blouses cleavage of which is always revealing her recent boob job. She tries very hard to look sexy all the time by pouting in 100% of the scenes and whispering for some reason rather than talking with a normal voice. IS there something wrong with her voice cords? or does she think that she sounds sexier and charismatic like this. She puts on a holster on top of a boardroom dress? and high heels all the time. In the film there were so many occasions that the police made stupid mistakes (which even I wouldn't) leading to death and danger to others. I believe the story is full of fillers and extreme slow motion that there was no need to expand this into three seasons. All could be fit into one season and that could have been better. Whoever wrote the story should start watching some of the recent Danish or French crime series and understand how realistic and likeable their characters are.

Don't care what anybody says...

[ralucagabrielapopa87 · 10/10 · 9 January 2023]

..but this was a thrill from start to end! The suspense, the story, the incredible details, all of it. Topped up with outstanding acting performances. Gillian plays this so naturally and immerses the viewer into the story, her emotions are perfectly visible, she just rocks this. No other actress could've played this better.

The bad guy, very impressive performance, he gets everything right, the expression, the play, the hunt and the fantasy, just wow.

Altogether, a fantastic show. I've seen some reviews say series 3 was unnecessary, on the contrary! It actually ends the story in very fluidly.

Left me breathless

[kyle-61026 · 10/10 · 8 November 2016]

I feel bad for the viewers that didn't appreciate this series. I might be a little prejudiced but since seeing every episode of Xfiles & everything Gillian Anderson has done, I remain completely enthralled with her ability to portray a character with the depth she does. I was very impressed with Jamie Dorman as well.

Look - this series isn't like what Americans are used to. It isn't bright & shiny, every character doesn't look like they came from Central Casting and THAT is why you should give it a chance. It's raw, and dark and if you let it - it will suck you in. It feels so much more REAL

So it is very procedural and there's a lot of talking but it can take you places that pictures or actions might not. You might not like all details but that's closer to real. Let the power of your own mind and imagination and the brilliance of Gillian & Jamie transport you.

I compare this to the works of Stephen King - whose written words can scare me deeper and longer than any of his movies. His books are extremely detail oriented but that's what draws you in. You feel there. His characters don't just eat dinner. They have freshly caught catfish, with tender golden French fries with a tall glass of iced tea with a splash of lemon.

Give me details and procedures- and then the drama with have so much more.

The end left me breathless and watching Gillian Anderson will never disappoint me