The Falls (2021 film)

The Falls (瀑布; Pinyin: Pùbù) is a 2021 Taiwanese drama film directed by Chung Mong-hong. The film stars Alyssa Chia and Gingle Wang as a mother and daughter navigating a strained relationship amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the mother's mental health struggles.

The plot centers around Pin-Wen (Chia), a recently divorced woman, and her teenage daughter, Xiao Jing (Wang), who are quarantined in their apartment after Xiao Jing's classmate tests positive for COVID-19. During the quarantine, Pin-Wen's mental health deteriorates, and she is eventually diagnosed with a mental disorder. As Pin-Wen's condition worsens, Xiao Jing is forced to become the caretaker, reversing their traditional mother-daughter roles. The "falls" of the title refer both to the literal water damage in their apartment building and the metaphorical falls experienced by the characters in their lives.

The Falls premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival in the Orizzonti section. It was selected as the Taiwanese entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards but was not nominated. The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and sensitive portrayal of mental illness and family dynamics during a time of global crisis. It won several awards, including Best Narrative Feature at the 58th Golden Horse Awards.