On Falling

Aurora, from Portugal, works in a large sorting centre in Scotland. As online orders keep pouring in and the efficiency-driven algorithm dictates her work rhythm, she struggles with the monotonous nature of her job. She seeks humanity amongst her colleagues and flatmates, who are also migrant workers, but forming lasting connections proves difficult. Although she is trapped in a system where there is no room for dreams, she continues to hope for a way out.This film is the powerful debut of Portuguese director Laura Carreira, with a social conscience that beats to the rhythm of Ken Loach’s films. On Falling is about the ‘human being’ behind the endless stream of online orders, about the exploitation of migrants, and about our inability to forge connections in an increasingly digital world. Although the slow pace won’t be to everyone’s taste, it makes Aurora’s loneliness – a magnificent performance by Joana Santos – all the more poignant. All of this builds towards a conclusion that ranks among the most beautiful and heartfelt of the film year.DIRECTOR: LAURA CARREIRA; GENRE: FICTION; CAST: JOANA SANTOS, INÊS VAZ, PIOTR SIKORA; 2026; UK; 1H 44M; SPOKEN IN ENGLISH, WITH DUTCH AND FRENCH SUBTITLES