Falling

In this charming, intelligent and low-key Austrian film that screened in the Venice competition earlier this year, five women in their early thirties reunite at the funeral of Michael, a favoured school-teacher whose influence has touched them all. Life has dealt each woman a wildly different card: one’s an actress, another’s on day-release from jail. Albert follows her ensemble intimately over 24 hours as they mourn, party and reminisce, and her apparent throwaway style belies a sharp photographer’s eye. It’s a film of subtle psychology, good performances and excellent music.