Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
Investigators reveal how Boeing’s alleged priority of profit over safety could have contributed to two catastrophic crashes within months of each other.
Downfall is a gripping investigative documentary that meticulously reconstructs the systemic failures behind the two Boeing 737 MAX crashes. Its narrative arc is compelling and damning, building a strong case through internal documents, whistleblower testimony, and expert interviews. The cinematography is functional documentary fare — talking heads, archival footage, and recreations — nothing visually distinctive. Acting is not applicable in the traditional sense, though interview subjects are credible and articulate. Novelty is moderate: corporate malfeasance documentaries follow a familiar template, but the specific aviation angle and access to damning internal communications give it a distinctive edge. The ending lands solidly, conveying the human cost and institutional accountability gaps without feeling rushed or preachy.