September is just around the corner, the weather is starting to become unpredictable, and the first cravings for blankets and hot drinks are slowly creeping in. While it's not quite autumn yet, it's already the perfect time to update your movie list. Here are 7 films to watch as you ease into the season of golden leaves.
1. "You've got mail": the quintessential New York cocoon
If one had to choose a film to summarize the aesthetics of autumn, You've Got Mail would undoubtedly be a strong contender. Directed by Nora Ephron, the film immerses us in a warm New York, with its small bookstores, inviting cafes, and streets bathed in golden light.
The love story may seem a little dated, but its visual world retains all its charm. Between the cozy sweaters, the strolls through Manhattan, and the gentle back-to-school vibe, it's the kind of film that immediately makes you want to slow down and enjoy the season, regardless of your gender.
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2. "Dead Poets Society": Back to school in all its glory
Impeccable uniforms, large libraries, a New England campus and light that gradually becomes softer: "Dead Poets Society" has all the ingredients of a great back-to-school movie.
Directed by Peter Weir, the film primarily tells a story of mentorship, freedom, and courage. Through the eyes of a teacher who encourages his students to think for themselves, the film invites us to listen to our aspirations and find our place, even when the judgment of others seems to weigh heavily. It's an ideal film to accompany this time of year in September, when we often feel the urge to start afresh.
3. "When Harry Met Sally": A stroll beneath the falling leaves
Another must-read, written by Nora Ephron, "When Harry Met Sally" is a true love letter to New York and its seasons. It's impossible to think of autumn without picturing walks in Central Park, the vibrant trees, and the leaves carpeting the paths.
However, the film is not just about its beautiful color palette. It also made its mark on the romantic comedy genre thanks to its now-iconic dialogue and Sally, a strong, funny, and complex female character who fully exists without needing to apologize for being herself.
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4. "Little Women": warmth, ambition and freedom
With her adaptation of "Little Women," Greta Gerwig offers us a New England bathed in warm, amber hues. The family homes, period clothing, and seasonal landscapes create an atmosphere that is both comforting and captivating.
Beneath its visual charm, the film tackles very contemporary issues: financial independence, creativity, societal expectations, and the freedom to choose one's own life. The March sisters each move forward in their own way, with their desires, doubts, and differences. It's a story that reminds us there's no single right way to build happiness.
5. "The Enchantresses": Magic as a legacy
Two sisters, a house full of secrets, a hint of romance and lots of witchcraft: "Practice Magic" ticks all the boxes for the perfect movie when the days start to get shorter.
Long considered a somewhat understated cult classic, it has gradually found its place among the season's must-sees. Beyond its fantastical world, it primarily celebrates family bonds and the solidarity between women. Here, strength is passed down, learned, and shared from generation to generation. A mysterious, warm, and delightfully nostalgic atmosphere.
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6. "Twilight, Chapter I: Fascination": fog, forest, and nostalgia
Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply a lover of guilty pleasures, it's hard to deny that "Twilight, Chapter I: Fascination" has an immediately recognizable visual identity.
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, the film relies on misty landscapes, vast forests, and a cool color palette that largely contributes to its charm. The story may be divisive, but its melancholic and mysterious atmosphere works just as well as ever as the long summer evenings give way to cooler nights.
7. "Hocus Pocus": Halloween fun before its time
If you enjoy the barely concealed anticipation of Halloween, "Hocus Pocus: The Three Witches" is for you. This fantasy comedy fully embraces its funny, quirky, and colorful side.
In a New England town buzzing with the excitement of October, three witches make their grand return to wreak havoc. The result? A lighthearted and heartwarming film, perfect for a cozy night in with friends or a family viewing. No need to wait until October 31st to start enjoying the atmosphere.
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The autumnal atmosphere in cinema isn't solely dependent on fallen leaves or pumpkins. It also lies in soft lighting, enveloping settings, and stories that invite you to slow down. These films share a common thread: they perfectly capture the transition between the end of summer, the return to school, and the gradual arrival of the first real chills of autumn.
