As temperatures cool down, here are four feel-good films to watch to keep you warm this autumn
By AALIYAH ESPAÑOL-RIVAS — arts@theaggie.org
While there are plenty of films to watch as you cozy up next to a fire, the rom-coms for the season of falling leaves are very few and far between. However, the ones that do take place in the fall capture the season incredibly well. As you trade your sundresses for sweaters, turn to these four films for some extra autumn comfort.
“When Harry Met Sally…” dir. Rob Reiner (1985)
The all-time classic fall rom-com is “When Harry Met Sally…” Taking place in beautiful New York City, the film follows Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) as two strangers who eventually form a complicated friendship on their road trip from Chicago to New York. Despite the undeniable chemistry between the two, fate and fear step in the way every moment they get close. From relationships, late-night calls to blind dates, the movie asks the question: can men and women really just be friends? This film captures scenic orange and red shots of New York City, a jazzy soundtrack and Meg Ryan’s to-die-for autumnal closet, making it just the right thing to watch as the leaves start to turn.
“Notting Hill” dir. Roger Mitchell (1999)
“Notting Hill” was the original Wattpad-fanfiction-turned-romance film. The film follows William Thatcher (Hugh Grant), a bookstore owner in London who had recently gone through a divorce. Seemingly uninterested in the prospect of new love, big time movie star Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) enters his store. With late-night walks in London, tabloid scandals, countless references to novels and stunning shots spanning multiple seasons, it’s the breathtaking film that makes you want to hop on a plane straight to the real life “Notting Hill” bookstore. Picturesque, whimsical and quaint, this rom-com is undoubtedly understated and a charming fall film.
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” dir. Susan Johnson (2018)
A newer rom-com, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” encapsulates modern teenage love at its finest. The film, which is an adaptation of the book by Jenny Han, follows a hopeless romantic teenage girl named Lara Jean (Lana Condor), who adores being in love but never goes beyond just writing love letters. Unbeknownst to her, the letters somehow make their way to the doorsteps of all of her past crushes, including her sister’s boyfriend. Despite all of this madness, an opportunity presents itself when star lacrosse player Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) offers to fake-date her to get the attention off of her and to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. But as seasons change, Lara Jean wonders, are her feelings changing for Peter? Stream this film on Netflix and you might just find out.
“French Kiss” dir. Lawrence Kasdan (1995)
“French Kiss” follows Kate (Meg Ryan) who has an intense fear of flying on an airplane, but when her fiancé, Charlie (Timothy Hutton), flies to Paris and falls in love with a French girl, Kate immediately hops on a plane to win back the love of her life. This plan is suddenly derailed after Kate befriends Luc (Kevin Kline), a criminal who uses Kate to smuggle in his product. Kate’s bag is eventually stolen, losing all of Luc’s precious cargo. As the two are taken on a tumultuous journey through the beautiful scenery of Paris and Cannes, they learn their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. While the film is a deeper cut amongst romance films, it is not one to miss out on.
While most fall films lean toward the horror genre, there is no doubt these films will give your heart the warmth it needs this fall season. From fake dating to will they won’t they, grab a blanket, a warm drink, fuzzy socks and get cozy for a movie night in as the seasons change.
Written by: Aaliyah Español-Rivas — arts@theaggie.org
