When Fall Is Coming

François Ozon’s latest film When Fall Is Coming is a touching story centred around best friends Michelle (Hélène Vincent) and Marie-Claude (Josiane Balasko). Bonded by their shared former profession as prostitutes in Paris, their connection runs deep, and both have retired for a serene life in the French countryside, with days spent drinking coffee, going on walks and foraging. During a visit, an unfortunate incident involving Michelle’s daughter Valérie (Ludivine Sagnier) and some poisonous mushrooms results in Valérie cutting communication with her mother. Suffering heartbreak at the loss of contact with her beloved grandson Lucas (Garlan Erlos), things take a turn when Marie-Claude’s son Vincent is released from prison and Michelle offers to help him get back on his feet.

What immediately stands out is the beautiful imagery and setting of the film. The picturesque Burgundy, with its dense woodland, stunning lakes and green landscapes, provides a sublime backdrop to the story. The French region is wholesomely shot, allowing the audience to get the sense that it would be the perfect place to live. And that is something that is strongly needed given how the narrative takes an unexpected turn in the second act, developing into something quite disturbing. Dark themes are introduced and explored but fortunately do not linger aimlessly, a credit to the tight editing.

The cast are magnificent. Through natural dialogue, Ozon has created personable characters that feel real and intriguing. An interesting element of the feature is how it is, in part, a study of the different ways we process painful information. Michelle is unforgiving of her past life as a prostitute but is sensitive to the impact of it on her loved ones. Whilst Valérie resents this fact about her mother and uses it as the foundation of their fractured relationship, alternately, grandson Lucas instead shows comprehensive understanding, forgiveness and love to his grandmother. Vincent is exceptional in her role as committed grandmother and loyal friend. The gorgeous chemistry between her and Balasko makes the camaraderie of their characters’ friendship feel effortless. Pierre Lottin is wonderfully endearing in the role of Vincent, a flawed man who has good intentions, though they are sometimes very badly executed.

In spite of the grave nature of the twist that occurs in the second act, there is still plenty of humour and tenderness. By the end, there is an unspoken truth and understanding that no one is willing to speak or acknowledge to safeguard the equilibrium they have cultivated. Morally it is wrong, but Ozon manages to ensure the audience makes peace with it. Overall, When Fall Is Coming is a bold drama anchored by brilliant performances.

Sunny Morgan

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Watch the trailer for When Fall Is Coming here: