‘Fall 2: Deadpoint’ CinemaScore Revealed as Critics Divided on Sequel’s Success

Survival thrillers set against perilous cliffs are a rarity, especially those centered on a narrow premise involving just one mountain and two individuals fighting for their lives. This unique angle is what made 2022’s ‘Fall’ an unexpected success, transforming a modest $3 million budget into a notable box office and streaming triumph.

The original film followed best friends Becky Connor and Shiloh Hunter as they attempted to scale a decommissioned 2,000-foot TV tower, a decision that quickly turned into a desperate struggle for survival. Its surprising popularity, particularly after it became available on Netflix, led Lionsgate to greenlight not just one, but multiple sequels in a relatively short timeframe.

The first of these sequels has now been released, and audience reactions are starting to come in. ‘Fall 2: Deadpoint’ has garnered a B- CinemaScore from audiences on opening night, according to CinemaScore’s official tracking, providing the studio with an early indication of how general moviegoers are responding compared to the acclaim that helped the original film thrive on streaming platforms.

In ‘Fall 2: Deadpoint’, the narrative shifts to Jax Hunter, portrayed by Harriet Slater, the older sister of Shiloh from the first film. Jax agrees to a tribute climb suggested by Shiloh’s adventurous friend Luce, played by Arsema Thomas. According to Wikipedia, the duo travels to Thailand to tackle a perilous plank walk on Mount Kwan, only to find themselves trapped at a terrifying height of 3,000 feet due to a sudden rockslide.

Directed by Peter and Michael Spierig, who take over from the original director Scott Mann, the sequel was penned once again by Mann along with Jonathan Frank, both of whom return as producers. This familiar writing team helped maintain some narrative continuity despite the change in directors for the follow-up.

Critics’ reviews for ‘Fall 2: Deadpoint’ have been more mixed compared to its predecessor. The film currently holds a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 10 reviews, with critics generally agreeing that it doesn’t quite reach the heights necessary to establish itself as a worthy sequel to the original’s tightly woven thriller formula.

SlashFilm’s review noted that while the sequel lacks the original’s sense of originality and underdog charm, it still manages to create its own identity through thrilling, escalating set pieces. Conversely, a review from Brian Orndorf expressed skepticism, stating the film arrives with “very little pop culture momentum” and essentially mirrors the original rather than pushing the concept further.

However, not all critics left disappointed. A review from Eat Your Fears praised the film’s relentless pacing and the chemistry between Slater and Thomas, describing ‘Fall 2’ as “unrelenting” despite some moments that may invite comparisons to the first installment.

Considering how the first ‘Fall’ ultimately found its largest audience post-theatrical run, industry observers are already speculating that ‘Fall 2: Deadpoint’ might follow a similar trajectory, potentially resonating more with casual viewers once it becomes available on streaming platforms without the direct comparison to its predecessor’s unexpected success.

With a B- CinemaScore indicating a fairly positive, albeit unremarkable, reception from opening night audiences, ‘Fall 2: Deadpoint’ seems positioned as a solid performer at the box office rather than a breakout sensation. Whether the film will ultimately achieve the same second life as its predecessor remains to be seen as it continues its theatrical run.

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