Stelana Kilris’ feel-good romantic comedy, Find Me Falling (2024), celebrates new beginnings from missed opportunities. The writer-director drew inspiration from a real-life story about a generous Australian man who saved strangers from suicide attempts. She blended this with a simple love story set against the backdrop of small island culture, family, and music. Despite some shallow character development, Find Me Falling manages to be an enjoyable watch with strong performances and beautiful cinematography.
The story follows Harry Connick Jr. as John Allman, a rock star struggling with his music career. After his comeback album flops, he retreats to the charming Mediterranean island of Cyprus in Greece. Though his cliffside home offers scenic views and tranquility, it’s also a popular spot for desperate people to end their lives. John’s peace is shattered. To make matters worse, his plan to lay low and find inspiration again is disrupted when he bumps into his old flame, Sia (Agni Schott).
Find Me Falling (2024)
Comedy Romance Music
Director: Stelana Kliris
Release Date: July 19, 2024
Writers: Stelana Kliris
Cast
Harry Connick Jr. , Agni Scott , Ali Fumiko Whitney , Tony Demetriou , Angeliki Filipidou , Lea Maleni , Athina Roditou , Clarence Smith
Main Genre: Comedy
While Find Me Falling follows the typical romantic comedy formula, the allure of the island, its rich culture, and its people make the film special. When John arrives, he meets interesting characters who shape the heart and soul of the film. After his first encounter on the cliffs, John calls the authorities, leading to the arrival of the seemingly harsh Captain Manoli (Tony Demetriou). As the film progresses, we see that Manoli is a kind-hearted man who loves his family and friends, and he takes John out for a night on the town.
This leads to the main plotline where John runs into Sia. Not wanting to reveal their past, Sia greets him with a “nice to meet you,” which breaks John’s heart. Despite this, the two reconnect over a single night. These smaller moments are where Find Me Falling shines. We see glimpses of the island’s magic and stunning views, and Kilris includes a small montage showcasing the local culture through food and music.
As with any good romantic comedy, conflicts arise. John and Sia face their issues, as does the Manoli family. There’s also a subplot involving a young singer, Melina (Ali Fumiko Whitney), whose beautiful voice matches the scenic beauty of the film. All these conflicts are nicely resolved by the end. The film follows the genre’s typical highs and lows, with themes of past mistakes and forgiveness. However, some moments feel convenient and contrived.
Despite this, there is an inherent charm to the script. It’s familiar yet impressively sweet. Kilris understands the appeal of Cyprus, her home, and shows us flawed humans navigating everyday life. With its straightforward messages, Find Me Falling might seem like another Netflix throwaway, but it offers hope and simplicity, which is exactly what we need right now.
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