Falling in Love (1984) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Falling in Love” (1984) is a tender romantic drama that brings together two iconic stars, Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep, in a story of unexpected love. Directed by Ulu Grosbard, the film explores the nuances of human emotions, relationships, and the complexities of finding love when least expected. Set against the backdrop of a wintry New York City, this understated yet heartfelt film captures the bittersweet experience of falling in love when life’s circumstances make it complicated. In this review, we’ll discuss the film’s plot, performances, and where to stream or rent it online.
Plot Summary: Love at the Wrong Time
Falling in Love centers around Frank Raftis (Robert De Niro) and Molly Gilmore (Meryl Streep), two married individuals living in New York City who meet by chance during the busy holiday season. Both are happily married in their respective lives, but fate has a different plan when they have a brief encounter on a commuter train that leads to an emotional connection.
Frank, an architect, and Molly, a graphic designer, are instantly drawn to each other, though they don’t realize it at first. Their encounters become more frequent, and soon, they find themselves meeting regularly, feeling a deep connection that grows into something more than friendship. As their bond intensifies, they both wrestle with the implications of falling in love while being committed to their respective marriages.
The film delicately handles the theme of infidelity without glorifying or condemning it. Instead, it focuses on the emotional complexity of falling in love at the wrong time, with both characters questioning their feelings, their commitments, and the future of their relationships.
Performances: De Niro and Streep Shine in Subtle Roles
Falling in Love thrives on the performances of its two leading stars, Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep, who bring depth and nuance to their roles.
- Robert De Niro as Frank Raftis plays a more reserved and vulnerable character compared to the intense roles he is often known for. His portrayal of a man torn between his responsibilities as a husband and father and his undeniable attraction to Molly is understated yet powerful. De Niro captures the internal conflict of a man who is struggling with emotions he can’t control, yet feels deeply.
- Meryl Streep as Molly Gilmore delivers a similarly restrained performance, giving life to a woman caught in a quiet storm of emotions. Streep’s Molly is gentle yet conflicted, fully aware of the consequences of her feelings but unable to resist the connection she shares with Frank. Streep brings a sensitivity to the role that makes Molly’s dilemma feel real and relatable.
- Supporting Cast: The supporting cast, which includes Jane Kaczmarek as Frank’s wife Ann and David Clennon as Molly’s husband Brian, adds additional emotional layers to the story. Both characters are portrayed with empathy, highlighting the fact that Frank and Molly’s choices affect more than just the two of them.
Together, De Niro and Streep share a subtle yet palpable chemistry that drives the emotional core of the film. Their characters’ attraction is portrayed with authenticity, focusing on small gestures and conversations rather than overtly romantic or dramatic scenes.
Direction and Cinematography: Intimacy in the Everyday
Ulu Grosbard’s direction in Falling in Love emphasizes the quiet moments that often define romantic relationships. The film isn’t about grand declarations of love or dramatic confrontations, but rather the small, intimate moments that build a connection between two people.
The cinematography by Peter Suschitzky enhances this sense of intimacy, using New York City as both a backdrop and a character in the film. The wintry streets, cozy coffee shops, and bustling train stations create a sense of place that feels lived-in and real. The city, with its cold streets and warm interiors, mirrors the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate their growing feelings for each other.
Themes: Love, Commitment, and Emotional Complexity
At its heart, Falling in Love explores the complexity of love and human relationships. It asks the question: What happens when you meet the right person at the wrong time? Both Frank and Molly are good people who aren’t actively seeking to disrupt their lives, but the undeniable connection between them forces them to confront the nature of love, fidelity, and personal fulfillment.
The film doesn’t offer easy answers, nor does it make a moral judgment on their actions. Instead, it presents a nuanced portrayal of two people who find themselves in an emotionally complicated situation, torn between their responsibilities and their desires. The film explores the idea that love isn’t always neat and tidy, and sometimes, the timing isn’t right, even when the feelings are.
Critique: A Quiet, Understated Romance
One of the strengths of Falling in Love is its subtlety. The film doesn’t rely on dramatic plot twists or overly emotional confrontations. Instead, it takes its time to build the relationship between Frank and Molly, allowing their connection to grow naturally. This understated approach may not appeal to viewers looking for a more conventional or fast-paced romance, but for those who appreciate quieter, character-driven stories, it’s a rewarding experience.
However, some critics have noted that the film’s pacing can feel slow at times, and the focus on the emotional subtlety of the characters may not provide enough tension for all viewers. The film’s restraint is both its strength and its potential weakness, depending on the expectations of the audience.
Where to Watch Falling in Love Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in watching Falling in Love and experiencing the chemistry between Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep, here are the best streaming platforms and rental services where you can find the film online:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Falling in Love is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can stream it in HD on multiple devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and mobile phones.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV offers the film for rental or purchase. It’s a convenient option for Apple users who want to stream the movie on their iPhones, iPads, or Apple TV devices.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV also has Falling in Love available for rent or purchase. You can watch it on Android devices, smart TVs, or through a web browser, making it a flexible option for viewers.
4. Vudu
Vudu provides the film for rental and purchase. It’s available in HD, allowing viewers to enjoy the movie on a variety of devices, including smart TVs and streaming media players.
5. YouTube Movies
YouTube Movies also offers Falling in Love for rental or purchase, making it easy to watch the film on different devices, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Why You Should Watch Falling in Love
Falling in Love offers a poignant look at the complexities of human emotions, particularly when it comes to love and relationships. The film’s exploration of attraction, infidelity, and personal responsibility is handled with care, making it a thoughtful and mature romantic drama.
The undeniable chemistry between Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep is one of the film’s greatest assets, with both actors delivering subtle yet emotionally resonant performances. Their portrayal of Frank and Molly’s blossoming relationship feels authentic, and the film’s quiet approach to storytelling allows their connection to shine.
For fans of character-driven romances, Falling in Love is a beautiful, contemplative film that explores the highs and lows of unexpected love.
Final Thoughts
Falling in Love (1984) is a gentle, emotionally rich film that focuses on the subtleties of romance and human connection. With strong performances from Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep, the film offers a refreshing take on the romantic drama genre, emphasizing the quiet moments that often define relationships. Whether you choose to rent it on Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play, Falling in Love is a heartfelt film that captures the emotional complexity of falling in love when life gets in the way.
