Written and directed by François Ozon, Michelle, a retiree in Burgundy, expects her grandson Lucas but a mistake ruins her plans. Her friend Marie-Claude’s son is released from prison, reviving Michelle’s purpose. Starring: Hélène Vincent, Josiane Balasko, Ludivine Sagnier, Pierre Lottin, Garlan Erlos, Sophie Guillemin, Malik Zidi and Paul Beaurepaire.
As soon as you enter the world of When Autumn Falls it has an old-fashioned, simple sensibility which is surprisingly comforting. François Ozon moves the film with a quiet grace and patience, making it a slow-burn drama with issues bubbling under the surface. For the most part, they never break through, it’s rarely about addressing them directly but letting the audience put together their own conclusions. In that sense it almost feels like a very-low key parallel to Anatomy of a Fall.
There’s a dark sense of humour that quietly lingers throughout the film, creating these comedic moments and looks between characters which add a quirky note to When Autumn Falls’s personality. That’s then complimented by its strong visual throughout, the cinematography from Jérôme Alméras really leans into the film’s love of the countryside. It has a rich colour palette, the location choices are excellent, the atmosphere is compelling in an earnest way. Although it can lean a little too much on that gradual pacing, there’s not a lot going on at times, especially when it’s the tone is very reserved.
Those humble, warm qualities are well matched by the leading performance from Hélène Vincent. She creates a character who is kind and thoughtful, but she’s also got some grit. There’s a lot of themes of resilience and forgiveness at work with Michelle, she’s charming but the type of person you shouldn’t underestimate. Josiane Balasko is similarly wonderful as Michelle’s best friend Marie-Claude, Balasko brings a gruff, blunt edge to her which is really enjoyable. The two make a great pairing and they’re a joy to watch, it would be fascinating to see their younger selves. There’s no weak link to this cast, they all have something to provide.
Pierre Lottin really kicks up the mystery and darker fringe that lurks in When Autumn Falls. Ludivine Sagnier adds a really strong note of toxicity and selfishness which to Sagnier’s credit makes her easily dislikable. Garlan Erlos as Lucas is very sweet while Sophie Guillemin throws a nice wrench in the works. It’s a shame Guillemin’s character is fairly short lived, it would have been interesting to explore her side of things a tad more, she has a captivating presence.
When Autumn Falls is akin to an intensely understated thriller with a touch of comedy, which ends up as more of a drama. François Ozon builds an interestingly wholesome atmosphere for what’s actually quite a messy story, letting it play out gradually and gracefully rather than trying to overly inject tension. There’s a fantastic cast at work, lead beautifully by Hélène Vincent. It captures a love of the French countryside while building its quiet mystery. Not everything may work perfectly but it’s charmingly duplicitous.
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