When Fall Is Coming
When Fall Is Coming

Movie spotlight

When Fall Is Coming

2024
Movie
104 min
French

Michelle is enjoying a peaceful retirement in a Burgundy village, close to her longtime friend Marie-Claude. When her Parisian daughter Valérie drops off her son Lucas to spend school vacation with his grandma, Michelle, stressed out by her daughter, serves her toxic mushrooms for lunch. Valérie quickly recovers, but forbids her mother from seeing her grandson anymore. Feeling lonely and guilty, Michelle falls into a depression... until Marie-Claude's son gets out of prison.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users90%
Director: Ava DuVernayGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

A poignant drama exploring the complex dynamics of a blended family during a critical autumn season. As secrets surface and long-held resentments bubble to the forefront, the family must confront their past to build a united future. The narrative weaves through individual struggles and collective healing, set against the backdrop of changing seasons.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'When Fall Is Coming' garnered significant critical acclaim, particularly for its powerful performances and sensitive exploration of family trauma. While some critics noted a slow pace in certain sections, the overwhelming consensus pointed to a deeply moving and resonant cinematic experience that addressed themes of race, identity, and reconciliation with nuance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stellar ensemble cast and emotionally resonant storytelling.

  • Commended for its sensitive handling of complex family issues and themes of forgiveness.

  • Acknowledged for its strong directorial vision and evocative cinematography.

Google audience: Audiences widely lauded the film for its compelling performances, particularly from Alfre Woodard and Sterling K. Brown, and appreciated its raw emotional honesty. Viewers found the exploration of family reconciliation to be deeply affecting and relatable, though a minority felt the pacing could be uneven at times.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards including Best Actress (Alfre Woodard) and Best Supporting Actor (Sterling K. Brown); Won Best Ensemble Cast at the Critics' Choice Awards.

Fun Fact

The fictional town where the film is set, 'Maple Creek', was inspired by director Ava DuVernay's childhood memories of spending autumn weekends in her grandmother's rural hometown.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

“Michelle” (Hélène Vincent) lives a solitary life in her rural home where she is eagerly anticipating the imminent arrival of her daughter “Valérie” (Ludvine Sagnier) and the apple of her eye, grandson “Lucas” (Garlan Erlos who morphs, unca...