Falling Into Place is a love story written by Aylin Tezel, directed by Aylin Tezel, and starring Aylin Tezel. That’s a lot of Aylin Tezel so I was nervous going in. What if it’s too much Aylin Tezel? What if Aylin Tezel and I don’t get along? Who even is Aylin Tezel? But I knew within the first few minutes we were in safe hands and I was set to like this Aylin Tezel. In Falling Into Place she’s created a literate and sensitive romance that is allowed to unfold gently. If it’s ‘high-octane action’ you’re after, then your better bet this week is Ballerina, the John Wick spin-off. This is strictly for the low-octane crowd. Do not expect octane.
The film opens on a wintry Isle of Skye where Kira (Tezel, who is famous as an actress in her native Germany, I now know) has decamped for the weekend. So, too, has Ian (Chris Fulton). He’s come to visit his troubled family. Kira had booked into a B&B with her boyfriend but he’s just dumped her and now she’s here alone. There’s a spark from the moment they first lock eyes across a crowded pub bar. They spend the night together but it’s one of those Before Sunrise nights. That is, a night of connection rather than consummation even though the sexual attraction is strong.
They lark about in the dark streets, their conversation sometimes daft, sometimes existential. Tezel writes, directs, stars and looks adorable in a little woolly hat – is there no end to her talent? – which, thankfully, she never pairs with a pastel-coloured cardie as would have to happen if this were a romcom.
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