Pratfall
January 3rd, 2025
MOVIE: PRATFALL
STARRING: JOSHUA BURGE, CHLOÉ GROUSSARD
DIRECTED BY: ALEX ANDRE
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 ½ STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: R
RUN TIME: 106 MINUTES
A film doesn’t always need a complex plot to captivate; sometimes, it’s as simple as a stroll through New York City. Pratfall, directed by Alex Andre, follows two people walking through the Big Apple, stopping for a slice of pizza, interacting with strangers, and strolling through Central Park. At its heart, the film is about two lost souls. It may not seem like the stuff of mainstream entertainment, but Pratfall is an expression of pure, unadulterated filmmaking. Andre is the director, writer, cinematographer, producer, and editor—an impressive solo effort. The film is part fever dream, part romance, and a long, introspective night for a pair of New York night owls.
We meet Eli (Joshua Burge, who gives a mesmerizing performance), a New Yorker suffering from severe insomnia—not just the “I stay up too late” kind, but a chronic condition that keeps him adrift in the city. Eli interacts with people in disarming ways: pestering strangers, inserting himself into conversations he doesn’t belong in, and even driving off customers for a local drug dealer named Gio (Xavier Reyes). Eli’s awkwardness mirrors his inner turmoil, and it’s fascinating to watch how his neuroses impact those around him. The dynamic shifts when Eli encounters Joelle (Chloé Groussard), a French woman wearing an “I ♥ NY” shirt who’s equally lost. Despite his social clumsiness, Eli strikes up a conversation, buys a hot dog, and the two begin wandering the city together. Sometimes, strangers find each other in the most unexpected ways.
The most striking element of Pratfall is Andre’s artistry. The film feels like a throwback to the works of Robert Downey Sr., early Scorsese, and the early films of the Safdie Brothers. One wonders how they managed to shoot on such bustling streets, but the camera rarely leaves Eli and Joelle’s faces, capturing their expressions in intimate close-ups. It’s a fascinating technique that grounds the film in its characters while using the city’s pulse as a backdrop. This immersive approach leaves the viewer wondering if the entire experience is just a product of Eli’s disintegrating mind, with time blending into an endless cycle of night and day. It’s unclear whether the film is a literal journey or a projection of Eli’s fragile mental state, adding a layer of ambiguity to the narrative.
Pratfall may not have the plot-driven structure that holds the attention of casual viewers, but much like films such as The Before Trilogy, Past Lives, or Certified Copy, it invites viewers to soak in the atmosphere and experience. And like those films, Pratfall ends with a twist that will leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll. Ultimately, Pratfall is a hidden indie gem—a testament to the collaborative effort behind it and a showcase for the talent of Alex Andre. After this, one can’t help but wonder: What’s next?
3 ½ STARS
PRATFALL IS NOW AVAILABLE ON DEMAND, AMAZON PRIME, AND TUBI.
Written by: Leo Brady
