Fallen (1998) is a supernatural crime thriller directed by Gregory Hoblit, starring Denzel Washington, John Goodman, and Donald Sutherland. It’s one of those underappreciated psychological horror films that blend the gritty realism of a police procedural with the eerie chill of a demonic presence. Beneath its detective-story exterior lies a dark meditation on evil, fate, and the limits of human understanding.
Detailed Summary
The Opening: A Confession in Voiceover
The film begins with a chilling narration by Detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington). He tells us he wants to share a story about the time he almost died. His words instantly hint that something terrible has already happened, setting up a foreboding tone.
The Execution of Edgar Reese
The story kicks off with the execution of Edgar Reese (Elias Koteas), a serial killer whom Hobbes caught. Before his execution, Reese cryptically taunts Hobbes, singing “Time Is on My Side” by The Rolling Stones — a song that will become the film’s eerie motif. As he dies, Reese grabs Hobbes’ hand and whispers something unintelligible in an ancient tongue.
Strange New Murders
Shortly after Reese’s death, new murders occur with the same pattern and signature as Reese’s killings. Hobbes and his partner Jonesy (John Goodman) are baffled. How could a dead man be killing again? As Hobbes investigates, he encounters Gretta Milano (Embeth Davidtz), the daughter of a former detective who went insane investigating a similar case.
The Revelation of Azazel
Gretta reveals the terrifying truth: an ancient demon named Azazel possesses people by touch and moves from one body to another. The demon delights in corrupting and destroying human souls, particularly those who stand for justice. Hobbes is skeptical until he experiences Azazel’s power firsthand — watching strangers on the street, one by one, start singing “Time Is on My Side” as the demon jumps between them.
The Demon’s Game
As Hobbes digs deeper, Azazel begins tormenting him — possessing people around him, framing him for murder, and turning the police against him. His brother and his nephew become potential victims. The line between good and evil blurs as Hobbes realizes he’s fighting an enemy he can’t arrest or kill.
The Final Confrontation
Determined to end it, Hobbes lures Azazel to a remote cabin in the woods, miles away from anyone else. His plan: kill Azazel’s host body and then himself, leaving the demon stranded with no one to possess. He poisons himself and shoots the possessed Jonesy, thinking he has won.
Movie Ending
Here’s where Fallen becomes unforgettable. After Hobbes poisons himself and kills Jonesy, Azazel leaves Jonesy’s dying body and enters a nearby cat. The camera pans down as the cat strolls away from the cabin — alive, free, and now inhabited by the demon.
The voiceover from the beginning returns, and it’s revealed that the narrator wasn’t Hobbes at all — it was Azazel. The entire film has been the demon recounting his victory, gloating that time is indeed on his side.
It’s one of the bleakest, most cleverly executed twist endings in 1990s cinema — the hero’s sacrifice fails completely, evil survives, and the demon’s smug laughter echoes over the closing scene.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Fallen does not have a post-credits scene. The final shot of the cat walking away and Azazel’s voiceover serves as the definitive ending. The credits roll immediately after, leaving viewers with that haunting final line.
Type of Movie
Fallen is a supernatural crime thriller that blends elements of horror, mystery, and neo-noir. It has the pacing of a detective movie and the tone of a religious horror story.
Cast
- Denzel Washington as Detective John Hobbes
- John Goodman as Detective Jonesy
- Donald Sutherland as Lieutenant Stanton
- Embeth Davidtz as Gretta Milano
- Elias Koteas as Edgar Reese
- James Gandolfini as Lou
- Gabriel Casseus as Art
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Tan Dun, whose atmospheric compositions heighten the tension and supernatural dread. The soundtrack notably features “Time Is on My Side” by The Rolling Stones, used as a recurring, sinister motif symbolizing Azazel’s timelessness.
Filming Locations
Filming took place primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and surrounding rural areas. The cold, industrial aesthetic of the city complements the film’s gritty, oppressive mood, while the forest cabin location at the end provides a haunting isolation for the final showdown.
Awards and Nominations
Fallen did not receive major awards but gained a cult following over time. Critics were divided upon release, but the film has since been reappraised for its atmosphere, performances, and chilling ending.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Gregory Hoblit originally envisioned a more ambiguous ending, but the studio supported the darker version that made it into the final cut.
- Denzel Washington was drawn to the script because of its moral ambiguity — the idea of good being powerless against an immortal evil intrigued him.
- The production team used practical effects and subtle camera tricks instead of CGI to show Azazel’s “body-hopping,” making it feel unnervingly realistic.
- Elias Koteas filmed all his scenes in just a few days but left a lasting impression as Reese.
Inspirations and References
The film was inspired by biblical demonology, particularly the Book of Enoch, which mentions Azazel as a fallen angel who corrupted mankind. It also draws influence from film noir, The Exorcist, and Se7en (1995), combining police investigation with supernatural horror.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There were early drafts where Hobbes survives and Azazel appears to be vanquished, but test audiences preferred the tragic, ironic twist ending. A deleted scene involved Hobbes visiting a church for advice from a priest, cut for pacing reasons.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Fallen is not based on a book, though its screenplay by Nicholas Kazan borrows heavily from mythological and biblical texts. Its tone resembles dark thrillers like Se7en or Angel Heart.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Reese’s execution scene with his unsettling final song.
- Azazel jumping between people on a crowded street as “Time Is on My Side” echoes.
- Hobbes’ confrontation with Gretta as she explains the demon’s nature.
- The final cabin showdown and the chilling twist ending.
Iconic Quotes
- Hobbes: “Why is there evil in the world?”
- Reese (possessed): “Let me tell you about the time I almost died.”
- Azazel (voiceover): “You take one body, I’ll take another. Time is on my side.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- In the opening scene, the camera perspective belongs to Azazel, though this isn’t revealed until the end.
- The song “Time Is on My Side” plays or is hummed in every scene where Azazel is nearby.
- The number 999 appears several times — a visual inversion of 666, representing the reversal of expectations.
Trivia
- The word “Azazel” is derived from Hebrew, meaning “scapegoat” or “fallen angel.”
- Denzel Washington initially thought the movie’s ending was “too dark,” but later called it one of his favorite finales.
- The film’s release was overshadowed by Titanic’s box-office dominance in early 1998.
- Critics initially dismissed it as “too slow,” but modern audiences appreciate its atmosphere and moral complexity.
Why Watch?
Because Fallen is one of the most haunting thrillers of the 1990s — a smart, brooding blend of detective work and supernatural terror. It’s a slow-burn story that rewards patient viewers with a shocking payoff and a lingering sense of unease long after the credits roll.
Director’s Other Movies
- Primal Fear (1996)
- Frequency (2000)
- Fracture (2007)
- Hart’s War (2002)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Se7en (1995)
- The Ninth Gate (1999)
- Angel Heart (1987)
- The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
- End of Days (1999)
- The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
