When an unexplained death occurs in a cabin in a remote town in the French Alps, a woman is presumed guilty of murder and is forced into the most grueling physical and emotional fight for her life in the psychologically gripping drama, Anatomy of a Fall. Masterfully executed by French director Justine Triet with a sensational performance by Sandra Hüller that will leave you gobsmacked, Anatomy of a Fall is a masterclass in film pacing and a thorough examination of morality and how we react to complexities that arise in decaying relationships.

Was it suicide, or something much more sinister? This is the devastating corner that German author Sandra (Hüller) finds herself in after her husband, Samuel (Samuel Theis), is found dead in the snow. His lifeless body, lying directly below an open window from the third floor of their wood cabin, was discovered by the couple’s vision-impaired young son Daniel (Milo Machado Graner), and his seeing-eye dog, Snoop (a Border Collie named Messi). It’s a horrifying moment for Sandra, whose grief is abruptly cut short after she becomes the prime suspect in his death.

Sandra vehemently denies any involvement, despite the couple having their issues (the film opens with tense passive aggression from both parties). However, Sandra’s insistence, plus the lack of witnesses and a motive, initially gives Sandra’s lawyer, Maître Vincent Renzi (Swann Arlaud), a sense of confidence that this case will wrap up neatly. As proceedings get underway in the small French village, it’s clear that Sandra is up against a prosecution team with a relentless determination for a conviction. But the more evidence Sandra is confronted with, including a previous novel she wrote that shares similarities to the crime at hand, we find ourselves wondering… is she actually guilty?

In every sense of the word, Anatomy of a Fall is perfection. Don’t let the nearly three-hour runtime intimidate you, this courtroom drama soars by with brevity. The chain of events that unravel from the beginning of the trial builds upon themselves until we reach a monumental moment in the closing arguments, with powerful monologues from both the prosecution and defense. Triet, along with screenwriter Arthur Harari, have a “Shakespearean meets Sorkin” way with words that fit together so precisely, you can’t help but smile. Just as breathtaking as the screenplay–and the phenomenal acting by all involved–is the lack of a notable score. Triet’s decision to forgo additional music in an effort to lessen the emotional manipulation that a score can give and guide the audience to only focus on the characters instead is an untraditional and wildly commendable choice.

The title, Anatomy of a Fall, has a double meaning here too, which is powerful in both a literal and metaphorical sense. On one hand, there is the physical act of the fall which is the catalyst for the film. The entire basis of the trial is to prove that the fall was either accidental or manufactured. The anatomy is dissected from all angles. On the other hand, the fall also alludes to Sandra’s reputation, a sort of fall from grace as an esteemed author to a scorned woman capable of murder. Sandra endures scrutiny and dissection of her own, with her private life unexpectedly becoming public and judged by strangers who have the capability to ruin her future.

What makes Anatomy of a Fall so striking are the palpable feelings of tension and remorse, due in large part to the onscreen acting. Sandra Hüller (Toni Erdmann, Zone of Interest) was destined to play this part, her embodiment of this complex and compelling character is truly one of the most remarkable performances I’ve seen this year. And I can’t close without mentioning Snoop, whose performance is mind-blowingly incredible that I couldn’t help but laugh. Snoop is a star!

A crime room thriller with excellent storytelling, a unique directorial vision, and stunning performances from both human and canine, Anatomy of a Fall is the must-watch film of the season.