The Fall (2016): cast, story & where to watch

2016 · Film · ★ 8.6

The Fall poster

Released in 2016, The Fall is a documentary film directed by Daniel Gordon, running about 90 minutes. “Two women, two lives, one collision course...” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The Fall tells the remarkable story of a South African barefoot runner, an American track-and-field prodigy, and the events behind one of the most memorable moments in sporting history – the 1984 LA Olympics. The film charts two journeys, from rural South Africa under apartheid and the rolling hills of Southern California, to the starting line of the women’s 3,000 metres. It uncovers a tale of betrayal and exploitation, of the blurred lines between politics, media and sport, and of the dedication and sacrifice required to compete at the highest level. It’s a story that split governments and divided nations, but at its heart is a tale of two young women who, despite the turmoil in their lives, just wanted to run.

Who’s in it. The Fall stars Zola Budd as Herself and Mary Decker as Herself.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.6/10, The Fall sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. In AU you can stream it on DocPlay and DocPlay Amazon Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Fall page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Fall tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Fall (2016)?
In AU, The Fall is available to stream on DocPlay and DocPlay Amazon Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
Is The Fall worth watching?
The Fall holds an audience score of 8.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Fall?
The Fall stars Zola Budd and Mary Decker.
When was The Fall released?
The Fall was released in 2016, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.