Falling in Love Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two married strangers keep bumping into each other on the train and decide to ruin everyone’s lives for…reasons.

🍿 Falling in Love: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Christmas Eve Encounter

During Christmas Eve shopping in Manhattan, Molly Gilmore (Meryl Streep) and Frank Raftis (Robert De Niro), both married, accidentally swap their purchases at a bookstore. This chance encounter plants the seed for a connection that will later blossom.

The Commuter Train Connection

Months later, Molly and Frank, who live in adjacent towns and commute to New York City, meet again on a train. They recognize each other and begin a friendly conversation. Their shared commute becomes a regular occurrence, and they find themselves drawn to each other.

Growing Feelings and Temptation

As Molly and Frank spend more time together, their feelings deepen, despite their commitment to their respective spouses. They navigate the challenges of their growing attraction, struggling with guilt and the potential consequences of pursuing an affair. They attempt to consummate their relationship at a friend’s apartment, but Molly stops it, and they decide to end things.

Father’s Death and Job Offer

Molly experiences further emotional turmoil when her father passes away. Frank receives a job offer in Houston, which forces him to confront his feelings for Molly and the future of his marriage. He confides in his wife, Ann, leading to a marital crisis.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frank Raftis (Robert De Niro): A married architectural engineer who unexpectedly falls in love with a stranger he meets while commuting.
• Molly Gilmore (Meryl Streep): A married commercial artist who finds herself drawn to a fellow commuter, leading to an emotional affair.
• Ann Raftis (Jane Kaczmarek): Frank’s wife, a homemaker and mother who is blindsided by her husband’s infidelity.
• Brian Gilmore (David Clennon): Molly’s husband, a physician who is somewhat emotionally detached and unaware of his wife’s growing feelings for another man.
• Ed Lasky (Harvey Keitel): Frank’s colleague and friend, who is going through a divorce and offers Frank advice and perspective.
• Isabelle (Dianne Wiest): Molly’s close friend, who is having an affair and serves as a confidante for Molly’s own emotional struggles.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Molly Gilmore: “No, I think about him every day. Last thought before I fall asleep and first thought when I wake up.” – Molly confesses to Isabelle the depth of her feelings for Frank, illustrating her all-consuming thoughts about him.
• Molly Gilmore: “I talk to myself all day about him, even when I’m talking to somebody else, even when I’m talking to you now I’m talking to myself about him.” – Molly explains how Frank has permeated every aspect of her consciousness.
• Molly Gilmore: “Except that I love him.” – Molly’s simple yet profound admission of her love for Frank to Isabelle.
• Frank Raftis: “(To Ann) There’s someone else.” – Frank finally admits to his wife Ann that he has fallen in love with another woman.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,129,057
• Worldwide Gross: $11,129,057

💥 Falling in Love Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie years ago and being completely swept up in the romance. The train scenes felt so real, like I was right there with them. De Niro and Streep have a way of making ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Sure, the premise is a bit controversial, but the performances are what really sell it. I find myself thinking about it every so often, and always puts me in the mood for a cozy winter night.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro”
  • “Viewers interested in romantic dramas”
  • “Audiences who enjoy stories about complex relationships”
  • “Those who appreciate movies set in New York City”
  • “Fans of mature relationship stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Infidelity themes”
  • “Mature subject matter”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Suggestive situations”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the pairing of De Niro and Streep is intriguing, ‘Falling in Love’ suffers from a dull script and a lack of genuine spark between the leads, making the affair feel more like a chore than a captivating romance.
• IMDB: “The best version of Brief Encounter. The love story between the leads is very sweet and endearing. They don’t jump into an affair, and they don’t necessarily seek out companionship because they’re unhappy at home.

Audience Reactions

De Niro and Streep’s subtle chemistry makes the forbidden romance believable and emotionally resonant.: Viewers praise the realistic portrayal of an unexpected connection and the actors’ ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue.

Overall Consensus: A classic romance featuring a very talented cast, but also with controversial implications. The film delicately portrays a forbidden connection between two strangers, sparking a conversation regarding the realities of human love.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert De Niro insisted on creating business cards for his character, Frank Raftis, even though they are never shown in the film, to enhance his understanding of the role.”
• “For a phone conversation scene, Robert De Niro had writer Michael Cristofer write dialogue for his wife’s character, although this dialogue was not in the script and would not be heard in the film.”
• “Falling in Love is a loose remake of the 1945 film Brief Encounter, updating the story of forbidden love for a contemporary audience.”

🖥️ How to Watch Falling in Love?

Falling in Love is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for broadcast availability on cable or satellite providers. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Falling in Love, you might like these similar films:

• Brief Encounter (1945): A classic film about a chance meeting leading to a forbidden love affair, serving as a direct inspiration for ‘Falling in Love’.
• The Bridges of Madison County (1995): Explores the themes of unexpected love and difficult choices between duty and desire, similar to the central conflict in ‘Falling in Love’.
• Unfaithful (2002): A modern equivalent exploring the complexities and consequences of infidelity in a marriage.
• Before Sunrise (1995): Depicts a chance encounter leading to a deep connection and exploration of emotions, though without the element of infidelity.

🛒 Falling in Love Related Products

• The Essential Robert De Niro Collection [DVD]: A collection of De Niro’s most iconic films, allowing fans to revisit his legendary performances beyond ‘Falling in Love.’
• Meryl Streep: A Life on Film: A biography delving into Streep’s extensive filmography, offering insights into her acting process and career highlights.
• New York Cityscape Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces): A jigsaw puzzle depicting the iconic New York City skyline, evoking the film’s urban setting.
• Commuter Train Diorama Kit: A model train diorama kit that lets you recreate the iconic commuter train setting of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Falling in Love features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mountain Dance” – performed by Dave Grusin
• “Grand Central” – performed by Dave Grusin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Vertigo, Hitchcock & the Spiral — Vertigo Film Analysis and the Perfect Symbol for Obsession

Ever notice how certain images keep popping up in your favorite movies? This video breaks down how Hitchcock masterfully used spirals in *Vertigo* to create a truly hypnotic and unforgettable experience. Honestly, the way they weave the spiral into everything is genius!

Movie Poster Expert Explains Color Schemes | Vanity Fair

Have you ever wondered why certain movie posters just *grab* you? This video with a movie poster expert delves into the psychology of color schemes and how they’re used to entice viewers! Color is often an overlooked element, but it’s a powerful tool that drives the movie industry forward.

What Real Romance Looks Like

Tired of the same old cheesy romantic movie formula? Check out this video that breaks down what makes *Before Sunrise* such a unique and relatable film. The insights on how it achieves a realistic view on romance with little action and tons of dialogue is truly insightful!

✨ Rate