By Reigha Weaver | Arts & Life Writer
As temperatures finally drop, leaves start to fall and we leave midterms in the past, we can finally step outside and appreciate fall for all it brings, including, of course, plenty of films with wonderful atmospheres.
“Class Rank” (2017), directed by Eric Stoltz
I think the best way to describe “Class Rank” is if Wes Anderson made a high school movie. “Class Rank” follows high school juniors Veronica Krauss (Olivia Holt) and Bernard Flannigan (Skyler Gisondo) as Bernard runs for their school’s Board of Education.
Holt and Gisondo perfectly encapsulate the weird high schooler vibe, and the movie feels like a warm sip of cider. The film’s cozy color grading mixed with the familiar atmosphere makes this move a perfect fall pick.
“Penelope” (2006), directed by Mark Palansky
I frequently watched “Penelope” as a child, and sometimes there’s nothing more fall-coded than cozying up and watching a familiar favorite.
“Penelope” is a magical and comedic tale of Penelope Wilhern (Christina Ricci), who is under a curse, causing her to have a pig snout as a nose. As Penelope tries to find true love to break this curse, you get to bask in the warm cinematography and whimsical vibes. “Penelope” is a perfect movie for a fall day in.
“Sweethearts” (2024), directed by Jordan Weiss
“Sweethearts” is a rare Thanksgiving film, centering around two college students and best friends, Jamie (Kiernan Shipka) and Ben (Nico Hiraga), as they break up with their partners and come home for Thanksgiving break. With it being Thanksgiving in a small town, the setting itself screams fall.
But “Sweethearts” is more than just its atmosphere. It also features comedic talents like Caleb Hearon, adding a hilarious layer to a ultimately sweet movie. “Sweethearts” is perfect for a fall movie night with friends.
“When Harry Met Sally…” (1989), directed by Rob Reiner
When people think of fall films, “When Harry Met Sally…” is usually mentioned, and there’s a reason why. “When Harry Met Sally…” explores the ever-changing relationship between friends Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan).
There are many things that make “When Harry Met Sally…” the quintessential fall film, from the orange foliage of New York City to Crystal’s sweaters. It’s a witty rom-com with one of the best confessions of love to ever be written. Watching this film feels like talking a walk on a crisp autumn day or putting on your favorite sweater.
“Knives Out” (2019), directed by Rian Johnson
Speaking of sweaters, “Knives Out” features not only the best fall sweaters I’ve ever seen, but the best whodunit mystery in years. Daniel Craig stars as the Southern detective Benoit Blanc, or as Ransom Drysdale (Chris Evans) says, “CSI: KFC.” “Knives Out” is the ultimate fall movie, with its old and homey soundtrack, beautiful and warm cinematography and all-star cast. This film perfectly captures a chaotic family and crime while also making it feel like a crisp fall day. And seriously, the costumes are perfection; I’m looking at you, Chris Evans’ cable knit sweater.
