We are delighted to be partnering with Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) once again and working with the Silver Screen Critics as they comment on this year’s programme. In this article, the critics give their thoughts on When Autumn Falls.
Martina Kearney
A film by François Ozon is always of interest – he regularly explores the twists and turns of family relationships beyond our expectations. When Autumn Falls certainly ticks that box, but also delivers drama to an almost “whodunnit” level.
Grandmother Michelle (Hélène Vincent) has retired from Paris to a small village in Burgundy. Her closest friend, Marie-Claude (Josiane Balasko), has apparently also retired and lives close by. They are ladies with a past, but who see each other as a sister of sorts.
They spend their days walking through idyllic scenes of autumnal gold and amber forests. However, this is disrupted when Michelle’s daughter Valérie (Ludivine Sagnier) calls to say she is coming to visit — and bringing her son Lucas (Garlan Erlos). Valérie is in the middle of a divorce, and her entitled attitude disrupts Michelle and Marie-Claude’s calm existence.
Carefully constructed storylines slowly unravel, exercising the grey matter of the audience, compelling immersion and engagement in the lives of these complex characters. When Autumn Falls invokes the senses, the crunching of fallen leaves and the snapping of dry branches through the forest. The feel of heat and the crackling sound of the log fire beside Michelle’s chair as she reads. There are wonderful meals that leave you salivating at the delights brought to the table. And the drenchingly wet rain echoes Michelle’s tears of disappointment. All the while, the plot snakes its way through the film – twisting and writhing as it goes.
The star of the production is, of course, Hélène – an absolute veteran of French stage and screen who gives a bold charismatic performance. But the writing, storyline and supporting actors all underscore this truly atmospheric film.
Eileen Murphy
A fitting swan song for French lead actor, Hélène Vincent, When Autumn Falls follows Michelle, an elderly mother who’s retired to rural Burgundy. There she awaits a visit from her daughter, Valérie (Ludivine Sagnier) and grandson, Lucas (Garlan Erlos). The landscape around Michelle and the colours of her cosy home reflect that this is the autumn of her life, well worn with a certain beauty and elegance, if a little battered.
The depiction of friendship between Michelle and her pal Marie Claude (Josiane Balasko) is a particular strength and brings such joy in this movie. They continue to accept one another. They support each other through life’s struggles and embrace a bit of fun whenever it is to be had. Trouble, they have a plenty. Valérie is truly awful. She was a person for whom I could not find any reason to care. All the other characters were presented with some weaknesses but left us still on their side.
Vincent, Marie Claude’s son, emerges from prison having served time for an unstated offence. However, in the depiction of his flawed character, we were offered the opportunity to defer judgement and give him the benefit of the doubt. This, of course, in the telling of this story, is exactly what Michelle does.
With accidents and tragedy, the plot’s gentle pace is carefully and skilfully executed. Nothing is certain and doubt clouds Michelle’s journey right until the very end. When Autumn Falls celebrates the power of love. Michelle is forgiving, and her warm, joyous spirit is beautifully presented in this subtle and humane film.
Frances Heffernan
This subtly told, impactful story from France, was first shown at the San Sebastian Film Festival in 2024 and was written and directed by François Ozan and Philippe Piazzo. François is considered a modern French filmmaker of note who has won many awards, including the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival 2011 Career Achievement Award.
When Autumn Falls is set in rural France and the main character, Michelle (Hélène Vincent), is a retired lady and a doting grandmother, living alone in an ideal, homely house where she gardens and cooks her produce in an environment that exudes contentment and peace.
The film begins at a church service. Michelle listens intently as the priest tells the Bible story of Mary Magdalene washing the feet of Jesus. He ruminates on whether those who witnessed this scene knew the significance of Mary Magdalene at the time – a hint of things to come. After Mass, she goes to pick wild mushrooms with her close friend Marie Claude (Josiane Balasko). Then Michelle settles in to make a traditional mushroom soup for her daughter, Valerie (Ludivine Sagnier), and grandson, Lucas (Garlan Erlos), for their dinner.
After returning from a happy walk in the nearby woods with her grandson, they are confronted by the shocking sight of an ambulance taking her daughter to hospital after a bout of sickness, possibly caused by the mushrooms. Thankfully, she survives the event, Michelle’s doctor saying it could happen to anybody. Believing she was deliberately poisoned, the animosity felt by Valerie builds, and she chooses never to allow her son to stay with her mother again. Michelle is effectively cut off from him – which is any grandmother’s nightmare.
There are moments when you are led to believe that the poisoning might have been deliberate, but we are never sure, which adds to the intrigue and depth of writing here. However, this event pales as the story progresses. Marie Claude also has family issues. Her only son, Vincent (Pierre Lotting), is in prison. On his release, Michelle employs him to do odd jobs for her around the house and garden. His mother is always concerned, naturally, that he will do something wrong again and return to prison.
As the film unfolds, we learn that the apartment in Paris where Valerie and Lucas live had been gifted to them by Michelle, who had lived there while working in Paris before she retired. A reveal around the nature of her work serves as a seminal moment in the film. Retired people can have an interesting history too. Valerie reveals her true nature as a cold, loveless personality and she requests even more money from her gentle mother, who has already been very generous.
Throughout the film, there is intermittent, soft piano music, which gives a sense of quiet acceptance of these rural lives. Even the US version of the title – When Fall is Coming – could be interpreted in two ways: one for the ageing process and the other for a more sinister outcome. This is all masterful writing. Nobody is exactly who they appear to be. The film spans a timetable of months and then years, giving insight into the events and their outcomes. Known for films with a whodunnit or Roald Dahl-style Tales of the Unexpected, Ozan’s film will remain in your psyche. Thoroughly enjoyable and believable, the delight of this film is what conclusions you take away with you.
When Autumn Falls screened at DIFF on 1st March 2025.
For 11 unforgettable days in February, Dublin transforms into a vibrant hub of cinematic excellence as the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) brings the best of Irish and international cinema to the capital in a celebration of storytelling. The festival welcomes lovers of film, dreamers, and curious newcomers alike.
From world premieres to intimate screenings, exclusive Q&As to parties and celebrations, DIFF offers a unique journey into the world of cinema — all set against the buzz and energy of the Irish capital. It’s a contemporary cinema experience that connects communities, ignites ideas, and inspires a lasting love for film throughout the year.
Read more about the work they do here or submit your film here.
