San Sebastián's Autumnal Allure: A Cinematic Journey

Ah, François Ozon! Just when you think you’ve got him pinned down, he pulls out another trick, doesn’t he? With the new film, *When Fall Is Coming*, he’s back at it again, kind of like an aging magician who knows how to charm the socks off an audience while tugging at heartstrings you didn’t even know were there. This latest entry, unapologetically shot in France, clocks in at a neat 102 minutes. But trust me, you’ll swear you’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster that should come with a warning label for senior citizens.

This film elicits more sighs than a well-worn romantic comedy, with Ozon skillfully juggling age, guilt, and the art of reconciliation, all while wrapping it in his trademark irony. The title alone—*When Fall Is Coming*—has got that whole autumnal whiff about it. Picture a cozy café on a crisp afternoon while the leaves perform their own version of dancing the tango. But don’t be fooled; hidden beneath that charming exterior is a plot that dips its toes into unexpected thrills, almost as if Ozon is inviting Claude Chabrol for a little tea party.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the utterly fabulous Hélène Vincent. Ah, I can hear the applause already. She’s not just a seasoned veteran; she’s practically a national treasure. You might remember her from *Life Is A Long Quiet River*, where she scooped up a César for her portrayal—every bit deserved, I’d say! Here, she plays Michelle, an elderly woman whose life starts off as something resembling a parable you’d hear in church. She’s seated, and you just know she’s trying to decode the mysterious themes of her own life.

Once upon a time, Michelle was from Paris, but now she’s nestled in her lilting Burgundy abode, where she trades laughs with her old friend Marie-Claude, played by the delightful Josiane Balasko. And oh, the family complexities! Marie-Claude's son Vincent is a loveable rogue just released from prison, while Michelle’s daughter Valérie fizzes with resentment like a shaken soda can. It’s all so relatable, it’s like Ozon has peered into our family reunions, where every Thanksgiving feels like walking through a minefield.

Now, every good grandmother dreams of spending time with her adored grandson, and Michelle is no exception. But alas, an unfortunate incident snatches that joy away, turning Valérie into a modern-day Lady Macbeth of angst and Michelle into a tightrope walker of anxiety. And just when you thought you could predict the outcome, Vincent’s grand plans of opening a bar in the village add a dollop of unpredictability. That’s when Ozon delivers a delightful curveball that leaves us dangling, craving more!

Visually, *When Fall Is Coming* might as well be a postcard from the French countryside, luxurious in its autumn hues courtesy of cinematographer Jérôme Alméras. Each frame feels like a sip of a fine wine—unpretentious yet intricate. And Valérie? Oh boy, let’s just say, hating her is almost a hobby, which makes her character intriguingly complex. She’s the type that makes you want to toss a potato at the screen while simultaneously understanding her turmoil.

Then we have the enigmatic Vincent, who, with his quiet allure, leaves us guessing. Pierre Lottin strikes just the right balance between mystery and masculinity, potentially paving the way for his breakout moment, having already made waves on the small screen with *Les Tuche*.

At the heart of this lavishly crafted narrative lies the magnetic Hélène Vincent, skillfully navigating the web of emotions—her doubts, regrets, and ultimately, self-acceptance—for all of us to see. And just as the truths in life reveal themselves when least expected, so does Michelle’s journey of familial love and acceptance. If you’ve ever thought about how cinema often soft-pedals the complexities of older characters—especially women—this film delivers an unapologetic and sharp rebuttal to stereotypes surrounding aging on screen.

All in all, *When Fall Is Coming* is not just a feather in Ozon’s cap; it's a beautifully woven tapestry rich in texture—one that reminds us all that getting older isn’t just about wrinkled hands and gray hair, but about brave confrontations and emotional revelations. Bravo, Monsieur Ozon! You’ve done it again.