“When Fall Is Coming”
Directed by : François Ozon
Starring: Hélène Vincent, Josiane Balasko, Ludivine Sagnier, Pierre Lottin
Overview: After a tumultuous life in Paris, Michelle (Hélène Vincent) has retired to a quiet existence in Burgundy, tending her garden and attending services at her parish. The voracious hostility of her adult daughter Valérie (Ludivine Sagnier) remains Michelle’s great puzzlement: how can a child for whom she sacrificed so much treat her with such contempt and suspicion? When Valérie drops off her son for a week with his grandmother, Michelle sees an opportunity to repair the relationship, but a culinary accident soon undercuts whatever trust remains. With the help of her best friend Marie-Claude (Josiane Balasko), whose son (Pierre Lottin) has recently been released from prison, Michelle plots a path towards restoring the family life so long denied her.
Review:
I’ll be a bit blunt here..I absolutely loved this film. For me, immediately, the film caught my attention. The rustic French sets and the scenery are gorgeous.
I’ve honestly never heard of any of these actors, but what a cast. Helene Vincent gives a ravishing performance as Michelle. The scenes between her and Marie-Claude (Josiane Balasko) are some of my favorites in the film. They have so much warmth as friends.
The film is also about family dynamics. Michelle with her daughter and grandson, and Marie-Claude with her son. There’s an unfortunate cooking accident which strains Michelle’s relationship with her daughter even more. But was it an accident?
After this, Marie Claude’s son is released from prison and comes home. Michelle could use the company, and yard work, and hires him for odd jobs around the property. This act is the lynch pin of the film.
A deadly “accident” occurs and for a moment pits Michelle and Marie-Claude against each other. It also leads to a somber painful, reveal that I did NOT see coming.
“When Fall Is Coming” is a quiet thriller, that will lead you to question a lot of the characters and their motives. And possibly, even yourself..
Rating: **** out of *****
“When Fall Is Coming” is available to rent/buy on cable VOD, Prime, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Google Play, YouTube and DVD and BluRay !