Before The Fall is a thoughtful and visually stunning reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, set in rural Virginia. The film explores issues of class and sexual identity as two men, Ben Bennett and Lee Darcy, from opposite social worlds, navigate their growing attraction. Ben, a successful but somewhat arrogant lawyer, and Lee, a factory worker with a complicated past, initially find themselves in opposition. However, as they spend more time together, both men begin to confront their insecurities and their feelings for one another. Director Byrum Geisler uses beautiful cinematography and an immersive score to craft a film that is as much about love as it is about personal growth and self-acceptance.
Before the Fall is a remarkable and creative reinterpretation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Directed by Byrum Geisler, the film tackles themes of identity, class, and sexuality while staying true to the spirit of the original novel. This adaptation swaps gender roles and focuses on the gay romance between the modern-day equivalents of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, set against the backdrop of rural Virginia.
Ethan Sharrett stars as Ben Bennett, an affluent attorney whose arrogance initially rubs the working-class Lee Darcy (played by Chase Conner) the wrong way. Their first few interactions are filled with misunderstanding and prejudice, particularly when Ben dismissively refers to Lee as a “drunk who beat up his girlfriend.” Lee, who is wrongly accused of domestic abuse, faces his own struggles with accepting his sexuality and coming to terms with his past. As the film progresses, their animosity turns into something much deeper, revealing how both men’s personal growth is intricately tied to their evolving feelings for one another.
Geisler’s direction is masterful in portraying this transformation. The scenic beauty of Virginia’s mountains provides a stunning backdrop to the characters’ emotional journeys. Much like Austen’s original work, Before the Fall features several important scenes where the characters take walks in nature—here updated to hiking through the countryside—echoing the careful pace of self-discovery and change. The cinematography, by Brandon Garza, captures the natural beauty of the region while underscoring the emotional weight of the characters’ growth.
The film does an excellent job of addressing contemporary social issues. It explores the stigma surrounding homosexuality, particularly for men like Lee, who has a hard time coming to terms with his identity. The film subtly addresses the parallels between the social class barriers in Austen’s work and the social stigmas faced by gay men today. By reimagining Darcy as a blue-collar worker and Ben as a wealthy lawyer, Before the Fall also tackles classism in a modern context, highlighting how economic divides influence relationships.
However, where the film falters slightly is in its more didactic moments. While Austen’s social critiques were woven seamlessly into the fabric of her narrative, Before the Fall sometimes takes a more overt approach, particularly in scenes where characters explicitly lecture on societal prejudices. This feels somewhat out of place in what is otherwise a deeply humanistic and subtle exploration of love, identity, and personal fulfillment.
Despite these moments, the film succeeds in creating a fresh and engaging take on a well-worn classic. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, with Sharrett’s performance as Ben grounding the film, and Conner’s portrayal of Lee offering a raw and moving depiction of a man wrestling with his identity. The supporting cast, including Brandi Price as Jane Gardiner and Jason Mac as Chuck Bingley, adds depth to the story by portraying parallel relationships that further explore the themes of class and societal expectations.
The film’s score, composed by Adi Goldstein, enhances the emotional resonance of the narrative. Goldstein’s music, combined with the rich cinematography, creates a world that feels immersive and emotionally impactful.
Before the Fall ultimately tells a story not just of romance, but of personal growth and self-discovery. The way it handles its characters’ journeys, particularly Lee’s struggle with his identity and Ben’s realization of his own prejudices, is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. For fans of Austen, this film offers a unique and modern take on the beloved story. For those unfamiliar with the original, it stands on its own as a touching and beautifully crafted film.
