Captivating Drama in "When Fall is Coming": A Review of the 2025 Film
When it comes to compelling storytelling on the big screen, François Ozon’s "When Fall is Coming" doesn’t disappoint. With its intricate plot, emotional depth, and stunning visuals, this recent cinematic gem reflects on family ties, guilt, and the choices that define our lives.
A Gripping Premise: Family Bonds in Turmoil
At the heart of "When Fall is Coming" lies Michelle, portrayed masterfully by Hélène Vincent. As a devoted grandmother, she finds herself navigating a delicate landscape of familial relationships. Driving her friend to visit her son in jail, she eagerly anticipates a reunion with her troubled daughter, Valérie (Ludivine Sagnier), and her bright-eyed grandson, Lucas (Garlan Erlos). However, a simple mishap—cooking a poisonous mushroom dish—leads to dire consequences and threatens to unravel the very fabric of her family.
Will Michelle’s blunder be the final straw, or can she find solace and redemption? With the threat of losing all that she holds dear looming large, the film delves into the complexities of motherhood and forgiveness.
Tension Beneath the Surface: Ozon’s Signature Style
In "When Fall is Coming," Ozon’s direction shines through as he expertly balances suspense and emotional weight. The film unfolds with a sense of unease as ordinary confrontations escalate, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. Many pivotal exchanges occur off-screen, creating a haunting atmosphere where mystery and anxiety linger just beneath the surface.
The director skillfully weaves a narrative that invites audiences to contemplate the legal and moral gray areas the characters navigate. Each decision made is fraught with complexity, and the feeling of urgency heightens as secrets unravel. Ozon artfully employs a supernatural element in the form of a ghost, representing the haunting nature of guilt and the psychological intricacies of his characters.
Exploring Maternal Guilt: A Heart-Wrenching Narrative
The script poignantly examines the guilt often faced by mothers whose aspirations for their children fall short. Both Michelle and her friend Marie-Claude (Josiane Balasko) share backgrounds as former sex workers, sacrificing for their children only to see the fruits of their labor tarnished by resentment and unfortunate circumstances.
As local bullies threaten Lucas, a new layer of fear unveils itself, raising questions of legacy and acceptance. Will she be the grandmother he wants, or the one he rejects, just as Valérie did? In a twist of fate, Vincent, fresh from jail, becomes an unexpected hero, standing up for Lucas and creating a ripple effect of self-discovery.
An Ensemble Cast that Delivers
The strength of "When Fall is Coming" also lies in its extraordinary cast. Hélène Vincent delivers an emotionally charged performance as Michelle, striking a delicate balance between maternal warmth and deep-seated sorrow. Her expressive eyes tell tales of despair and resilience as she struggles to maintain her family’s fragile unity.
Balasko as Marie-Claude provides a contrast, her character’s anxiety enhancing the film’s tension. The presence of Pierre Lottin’s Vincent, with his brutish demeanor, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Meanwhile, Ludivine Sagnier, bursting onto the scene in a whirlwind of chaos, sets off a chain reaction that propels the story forward.
Young actor Garlan Erlos embodies the innocence of youth, setting the stage for the ultimate test of character that every family faces.
A Visual Feast: Earthy Tones and Evocative Cinematography
True to its title, “When Fall is Coming” embraces a striking color palette that mirrors the emotional landscape of the film. From the vibrant greens of Michelle’s garden to the earthy hues of her cottage, cinematographer Jérome Alméras captures the beauty of the French countryside and its hidden shadows.
Every frame is imbued with meaning, inviting viewers to absorb the subtleties: a smile that conceals pain, a kind gesture with darker motivations. As fall approaches, the inevitable changes in relationships and lives become apparent, emphasizing Ozon’s theme of fleeting time and unresolved issues.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
When fall approaches in the poignant tale of "When Fall is Coming," the impact resonates deeply. This film artfully blends mystery with raw emotion, leaving audiences to ponder the consequences of choices made and paths taken. Ozon’s return to dramatic storytelling showcases his prowess in creating compelling narratives that linger long after the credits roll.
For fans of thought-provoking cinema steeped in familial dynamics, "When Fall is Coming" is a must-see. Prepare to be drawn into its labyrinth of secrets, heartache, and ultimately, healing.
For more insights on François Ozon’s other works, including his previous film "The Crime is Mine," check out Roger Ebert’s review.
