Five Film Essentials: Autumn Edition

14/11/2024

Jolie Whittingham reveals five classic films essential for making the most of the autumn period.

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By Jolie Whittingham

The familiar hues of amber and burgundy have returned to the treescapes of York, announcing that the autumn season has come. Whilst the crisp chill of the breeze may not provide the same nostalgic comfort for others as it does for me, most will delight in the pleasures that cinematic storytelling from the warmth of home can bring. Therefore, I have compiled a list of the top five films to get you through the upcoming season. Grab your warm beverage of choice and a hot water bottle, then turn on the screen for a season of wonder through film.

When I think of autumn, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox springs to mind with its vibrant colour scheme and collection of anthropomorphic characters such as Badger, Rat and Beaver. It is a collision of the human and natural worlds, yet nothing is mundane about these animals' lives. Anderson brings Roald Dahl’s mischievous Mr Fox to life through the beauty of stop-motion animation, retelling a daring adventure of escape, crafty planning and genuine camaraderie. This is a film for friends and reliving childhood nostalgia; with most of the plot located on English farms, the autumn period is the perfect backdrop for viewing this film. You can find it for free with a Disney+ or Amazon Prime subscription.

You can’t have a British autumn without Halloween. However, blood and gore may not be everybody’s cup of tea. Therefore, I would suggest Henry Selick’s Coraline; this makes for the perfect viewing for those who desire something suitably creepy yet in tune with the cosiness that the season brings. Follow the bizarre adventure of a pre-teen navigating the problems that come with moving home, rocky parental relationships and, most terrifyingly of all, a witch who wants to eat her soul! Set in Ashland, Oregon, known for its lush forests and tranquil lakes, this film captures everything autumn encompasses: imagination, colourful landscapes and adventures into the unknown. Unfortunately, the film is not currently free on any streaming platform, so you will have to purchase or rent it.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women follows the story of the March family, as both the juvenile hatred between sisters and the anxious romance between friends grow and mature with the passing years. Accordingly, this film encapsulates the essence of autumn, a season of transition. Set in Concord, Massachusetts with a post-Civil War backdrop, this film explores, how the powers of sisterly love and comfort found within a family are enough to resolve conflict and how time changes not only our landscapes but inevitably our feelings. While the 2019 version isn’t free to stream (but is available for rent or purchase), you can find the 1994 version starring Winona Ryder on Netflix.

If you’re looking for the sentimental factor and tend to support an underdog, then Good Will Hunting meets the mark. Featuring acting legend Robin Williams and written by the celebrated duo Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, this film follows the personal and emotional growth of its protagonist, Will Hunting, as he grapples with his incredible genius and crippling fear of change. The film’s famous line “It’s not your fault” cuts deep as both characters and audiences learn the value of self-love and vulnerability. Autumn is a season of change, shedding the old and growing with the new, and so this heartwarming film feels appropriate to watch as we all move through the end of a cycle preparing for what’s to come. It is available to buy and rent on multiple platforms; however, it often comes and goes on streaming platforms, so keep an eye out!

Last, and definitely by no means least, is Rian Johnson's Oscar-nominated Knives Out. Perhaps the most autumnal of them all, with its tweed jackets, cable-knit jumpers and overall seasonal palette of browns. Moreover, it’s a murder mystery, offering an Agatha Christie-esque essence of cosy crime, fitting with the season! The film follows Detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig with a charming southern accent, attempting to uncover the web of lies wrapped around the Thrombey family and the suspicious circumstances of Harlan Thrombey’s death. The involvement of an enigmatic detective, a feuding family and a puzzle to be solved actively involves audiences in the story. This whip-smart whodunnit with a stacked cast, including Chris Evans and Ana De Armas, captures your attention from start to finish. It is the perfect distraction from the chill of the outdoors and the darkness of the afternoons. Knives Out is not free to watch but available to buy or rent on any streaming platforms, however, Glass Onion, the second Detective Blanc film, can be found on Netflix.

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